Introduction to Computer Networks

This chapter is designed to provide you with an introduction to computer networks. It begins with the evolution of Advanced Research Projects Agency Network (ARPANET) to the internet, and then continues with the explanation of the computer network concept. This chapter discusses the types of networks, topologies, components, architectures, network operating systems (NOSs), and network media where definitions such as personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), wide area network (WAN), bus, ring, star, extended star, hierarchical, mesh, hosts, nodes, peer-to-peer, and clients/servers are explained. The chapter concludes with a discussion about converged networks, and the current and future computer network trends. To facilitate the understanding of the many definitions covered in this chapter, a large part of the definitions are illustrated with relevant figures.

In this chapter, we will cover:

• Understanding ARPANET and the internet
• Understanding computer networks
• Understanding types of computer networks
• Understanding computer network topologies
• Understanding computer network components
• Understanding computer network architectures
• Understanding network operating systems
• Understanding network medium
• Understanding converged networks
• Understanding computer network trends