Introduction

The chapter we will discuss in this section is designed to present an introduction to the various types of networks. We will examine the following aspects:

The importance of networks in our lives

Discuss the elements and qualities of networks.

Define the key concepts and diagrams that are used in this course.

What exactly a converged network is.

Briefly describe the history of computer networks.

This chapter is essential since certain concepts taught in it can be used in understanding the remainder of the course. Join CCNA Classes in Pune

The importance of networks.

Communication has developed through the years from primitive drawings on the rocks to more complicated forms. The image below is a good description of evolution.

Modern communication techniques are the result of the development of computers. Since the first email was sent in the year 1965, communications have progressed a lot.

We're no longer limited by the limitations of face-to-face communications. Thanks to the internet, the world is more interconnected than it ever was before.

Computer networks aren't just accountable for communicating; however, our whole lifestyle has changed. How we work, how we communicate, and many other things have drastically changed.

A few of the ways that we make use of computers include:

Business - Online banking E-mail, banking, and e-commerce.

Entertainment - online movies, online games.

It is evident that networks play an important part in our daily lives. Join CCNA Course in Pune

The elements of a network

To understand networks, we must understand the components of networks. There are four major components that determine the manner in which networks communicate.

Agreements or rules that regulate how messages are directed, sent to be received, and how they are interpreted. Examples include protocols.

The units or messages of data that move from one device to the next They could be frames, packets or even frames, and so on.

A method of connecting these devices. It is a medium to transport messages from one device to the next like fiber optic cables, copper cables and many others.

Devices that are part of the connect to the eConverged network

The network world has expanded over time. We are discovering new ways to utilize computers to connect. Today, communication over networks isn't just about sending static data, however new technologies like news, video, teleconferencing and other multimedia applications may be discovered through computer networks.

In the past communications were separated. There were various networks for each type of application.

To make voice calls there were telephone networks.

For video there were TV as well as cable service providers

For data , there were internet service providers.

However, all of these services are available on the same network. This is attributed to the development of computers. Thus, a converged network is one where all of these services, including voice, data and audio are offered on one network.

This eliminates the need to have multiple service providers for the various services. Join  CCNA Training in Pune

Other ideas.

Scalability and fault tolerance This means that networks must be able to overcome the effects of downtime or other errors and be able to grow as required.

Quality of service is a measure that is used by networks in order to make sure that the services that are provided by a converged network are optimally functioning. For instance, communication could be insufficient for instance, if the network was only audio, and not video, when an executive from the business is on the video conference. To ensure the quality of service the different services are assigned distinct priorities.

Security - The network must be secure from intrusions and unauthorized access. This ensures that communications are secure and that confidentiality, integrity and availability of data are ensured.

Summary

This chapter's introduction is designed to assist you in understanding the significance of communicating over networks. The concepts discussed will prove essential to comprehend the course. We will be taught the basics of communicating through networks. In the next section, we'll examine how communication functions through layered models. discover additional concepts. utilize a variety of network devices and, using these, we'll create simple and complex topologies in accordance with the requirements. Remember these because they will be utilized throughout the course and the examinations.