PDF

Lecture 1.pptx

Notes

What’s a Computer Network/LAN?

• collection of computer and other devices interconnected

Components

• hosts/stations (computers)
• links/frames (coaxial cable, twisted pair, optical fiber, radio [WIFI], satellite)
• routes/switches (intermediate systems - they interconnect devices)

How does it work?

• hosts communicate by sending messaged called links/frames

• frames may pass through multiple switches
• each switch reads the frame through and passes it on

• access links connect stations to the first switch

• trunk links connect switches
• they have higher capacity than access links