ABSTRACT
Exploration of computer network hardware, protocols, and the Internet. The chapter starts with a look at circuit-switching versus packet-switching. It next explores the hardware that make up computer networks: hubs, switches, routers, gateways, wireless access points, MODEMs and network interface cards. It briefly introduces forms of network cable. Network topologies are explored as are the forms of networks (LAN, PAN, CAN, MAN, WAN). Three specific network protocols are covered: Ethernet, OSI Model, and TCP/IP. Within this material are several lesser protocols including IPv4, IPv6, DHCP, TCP, and UDP. Next, the chapter explores the Internet from multiple perspectives: Historical context, the Internet backbone, the Domain Name System, the World Wide Web, HTTP and search engines. The focus shifts to current Internet technology and concerns: cloud computing and storage, Internet of Things (IoT), the semantic web, and net neutrality.
