• Unit 1: Networking Fundamentals

    When you think of networking, what is the first word that comes to mind? If you answered "the Internet", you are correct. The Internet is an example of a massive computer network. Computer networks make it possible for one device to communicate with another device. Another example of a computer network is the local area network, or LAN. If you can access all of the desktops, laptops, wireless devices, and printers in your workplace, college, or home, you have a LAN.

    This unit will introduce the basic concept of a computer network and arm you with the tools you will need to work through the more technical aspects of this course. You will take a look at the different types of networks that exist, with the primary focus on the LAN. The unit continues with an introduction to the concept of layers, which is central to understanding how computer networks operate. You will also become familiar with Request for Comments (RFC) documents, which are standards that define all of the Internet protocols. RFCs are created by The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF).

    The concepts presented in this course will provide you with the background information needed to develop network applications, take a network certification course, or communicate with other networks neighboring your LAN.

    Completing this unit should take you approximately 4 hours.

    • Upon successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

      • describe the evolution of computer networks and the Internet;
      • describe the difference between a computer network and a distributed system;
      • explain the use of layers in networking;
      • explain the difference between Local Area Networks (LANs), Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs), and Wide Area Networks (WANs);
      • explain the role of the Network Request for Comments (RFC) as a mechanism to develop, review, and incorporate standard changes in a network protocol;
      • describe different switching techniques, such as packet, circuit, and virtual calls;
      • differentiate between connection-oriented and connectionless services; and
      • describe the differences between wireless, fiber, and copper media for the transmission of data in a computer network.

    • 1.1: Introduction

      • Introduction to Network Fundamentals Page
        Read this introduction to the basic terms and technologies we will cover in this course, as well as a brief review of how the Internet and computer networks evolved over time.
      • The Role of RFC in Computer Networks Page

        Read this article describing the role and use of Requests For Comments in computer communications. RFCs are pivotal for a clear understanding of computer networks as they are the formal document use to describe the standards, specifications and protocols. They will be used abundantly in this course.

    • 1.2: Services and Protocols

      • Services and Protocols Page

        You may notice that some information in the textbook is not completely up-to-date. The Wikipedia article below includes some more recent information for you to explore. Also, Figure 2.1 in the textbook shows the number of hosts on the Internet only through 2007.

        The second chapter of Computer Networking: Principles, Protocols, and Practice serves as an introduction to networking as you link across time to review the development of standards and technologies that comprise today's wired and wireless information systems entangled in the Web.

        As you read this section, consider the following questions: What is the difference between a service and a protocol? What is topology and what is a transmission mode? What is the purpose of each?

      • Network Topology Page

        As noted above, this article discusses some more recent information regarding these topics.

    • 1.3: The Reference Models

      • The Reference Models Page

        Read these sections. As you read, consider how we use layers as a model for describing network processing. Layers are the foundation for studying computer networks. You must understand how to work with layers to be able to describe the flow of a data request to its destination, and how the reverse occurs when the destination sends a response.

      • Wide Area Network Page

        A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a computer network that extends over a large geographical distance. Read this article for more details about WANs. There are many different kinds of WAN, such as ATM, Cable, Dial-up, DSL, Frame Relay, ISDN, Leased line, SONET, X.25, and SD-WAN, to name a few.

      • The Transport Services Page

        This section discusses how networked applications are built on top of the transport service. There are two main types of transport services: connectionless and connection-oriented. What are the similarities and differences between the two types of services?"

      • Transmission Media Page

        Read this article and take notes on the following terms and concepts: different transmission media, such as linear media, bounded media, and isotropic media; copper wire; coaxial cables; and fiber optic media.

    • Unit 1 Assessment

      • Unit 1 Assessment Quiz
        Receive a grade

        Take this assessment to see how well you understood this unit.

        • This assessment does not count towards your grade. It is just for practice!
        • You will see the correct answers when you submit your answers. Use this to help you study for the final exam!
        • You can take this assessment as many times as you want, whenever you want.