Description

Understanding the benefits of computer networks and how they function is important in maximizing communication channels among end users. This course describes the concept of computer networking, introduces the components of a computer network, and explains how users benefit from using networks.
The host-to-host communication models were created to help define how network processes function, including the various components of networks and the transmission of data. Understanding the structure and purpose of the most commonly used protocol stack TCP/IP is central to recognizing how one host communicates with another. This course introduces the OSI model and describes TCP/IP protocol stack and its layers.
LANs are a relatively low cost means of sharing expensive resources. LANs allow multiple users in a relatively small geographic area to exchange files and messages and to access shared resources such as file servers. LANs have rapidly evolved into support systems that are critical to communications within an organization. This course ends with describing LAN components and introduces switches and their role in the local networks.