Course abstract

A network is a set of devices (nodes) connected through communication links. Computer network indicates a collection of autonomous computers interconnected by means of communication infrastructure. Two computers are said to be interconnected if they are able to exchange information. The connection might be via a copper wire, fiber optics, microwaves, infrared, and communication satellites. Networks come in many sizes, shapes and forms and are usually connected together to make larger networks. Internet is the most well-known example of a network of networks. Study of networks require knowledge of networking architectures, protocol or algorithm that carries out different sub-task of networking or information exchange and tools for network design and its performance analysis.