Computer Networks: A Review of Bhushan Trivedi's Book that Covers All the Essentials
What is computernetworksbhushantrivedizip?
Computernetworksbhushantrivedizip is a term that refers to a book titled Computer Networks by Bhushan Trivedi. The book is designed as a textbook for undergraduate students of computer science engineering as well as students pursuing courses MCA and IT. The book covers the fundamentals of Computer Networks and provides the tools that will help in simplifying the concepts and protocols for the students.
computernetworksbhushantrivedizip
The book was published by Oxford University Press in 2012 and has 682 pages. It has received positive reviews from readers who praised its simple approach, interesting analogies, rich examples, and exercises. The book also provides separate coverage of security issues, which are essential for modern network applications.
In this article, we will explore the main topics covered by the book, as well as some additional information on computer networking. We will also provide some resources, courses, and certifications that can help you learn more about this fascinating subject.
Why is computer networking important?
Computer networking is the study of how computers communicate with each other over a network. A network is a collection of devices that are connected by communication channels that facilitate data transfer and sharing. Computer networks enable various applications such as email, web browsing, social media, online gaming, video conferencing, cloud computing, e-commerce, e-learning, e-government, e-health, etc.
Computer networking is important because it:
Improves efficiency and productivity by allowing faster and easier access to information and resources.
Enhances collaboration and communication by enabling remote teamwork and cooperation.
Supports innovation and creativity by enabling new services and applications that were not possible before.
Reduces costs and environmental impact by saving energy, space, time, and materials.
Promotes social inclusion and empowerment by providing access to education, health care, entertainment, culture, etc.
Computer networking is also a dynamic and evolving field that constantly faces new challenges and opportunities. As technology advances, new network architectures, protocols, devices, media, applications, etc., emerge to meet the changing needs and demands of users and society.
How do computer networks work?
Computer networks work by following some basic concepts and components that are common to most network types and models. These include:
Network types and topologies
A network type is a category of network that is defined by its size, scope, and purpose. Some common network types are:
Local Area Network (LAN): A network that connects devices within a small geographic area, such as a home, office, or building.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A network that connects devices within a large geographic area, such as a city or a campus.
Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that connects devices across a large geographic area, such as a country or a continent.
Personal Area Network (PAN): A network that connects devices within a short range, such as a few meters, using wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth or infrared.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A network that connects devices using wireless technologies, such as Wi-Fi or cellular.
Internet: A network that connects millions of networks and devices worldwide using the TCP/IP protocol suite.
A network topology is the physical or logical arrangement of devices and links in a network. Some common network topologies are:
Bus: A topology where all devices are connected to a single cable or backbone.
Ring: A topology where all devices are connected to a closed loop of cable.
Star: A topology where all devices are connected to a central device, such as a hub or a switch.
Tree: A topology where devices are connected to a hierarchical structure of central devices.
Mesh: A topology where devices are connected to each other in a redundant and resilient manner.
Hybrid: A topology that combines two or more of the above topologies.
Network models and protocols
A network model is a conceptual framework that defines the functions and interactions of various layers in a network. A layer is a group of related functions that provide services to the upper layers and use services from the lower layers. A protocol is a set of rules and formats that govern the communication between entities at the same layer. Some common network models are:
Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model: A seven-layer model that was developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to facilitate interoperability between different network systems. The layers are: physical, data link, network, transport, session, presentation, and application.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) model: A four-layer model that was developed by the Department of Defense (DoD) to enable communication across heterogeneous networks. The layers are: network access, internet, transport, and application.
Some common protocols are:
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): An application layer protocol that defines how web browsers and web servers communicate over the internet.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP): An application layer protocol that defines how email messages are sent and received over the internet.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP): An application layer protocol that defines how files are transferred between hosts over the internet.
Domain Name System (DNS): An application layer protocol that translates domain names into IP addresses and vice versa.
Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): A transport layer protocol that provides reliable, connection-oriented, and byte-stream service to upper layers.
User Datagram Protocol (UDP): A transport layer protocol that provides unreliable, connectionless, and datagram service to upper layers.
Internet Protocol (IP): An internet layer protocol that provides logical addressing and routing service to upper layers.
Address Resolution Protocol (ARP): A network access layer protocol that maps IP addresses to MAC addresses and vice versa.
Network devices and media
A network device is a hardware component that performs specific functions in a network. Some common network devices are:
NIC: A Network Interface Card is a device that connects a host to a network by providing physical and data link layer functions.
Hub: A hub is a device that connects multiple hosts in a star topology by broadcasting signals to all ports.
Switch: A switch is a device that connects multiple hosts in a star topology by forwarding frames to specific ports based on MAC addresses.
Router: A router is a device that connects multiple networks by forwarding packets based on IP addresses.
on network policies and rules.
Modem: A modem is a device that modulates and demodulates signals between analog and digital forms.
Wireless Access Point (WAP): A WAP is a device that connects wireless devices to a wired network by providing wireless network access layer functions.
A network media is a physical or wireless medium that carries signals between devices in a network. Some common network media are:
Twisted pair: A twisted pair is a cable that consists of two insulated copper wires twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference.
Coaxial cable: A coaxial cable is a cable that consists of a central copper core surrounded by an insulator, a braided metal shield, and an outer cover.
Fiber optic cable: A fiber optic cable is a cable that consists of one or more thin glass fibers that transmit light signals.
Radio waves: Radio waves are electromagnetic waves that propagate through air or space.
Microwaves: Microwaves are electromagnetic waves that have higher frequencies and shorter wavelengths than radio waves.
Infrared waves: Infrared waves are electromagnetic waves that have lower frequencies and longer wavelengths than visible light.
What are the challenges and trends in computer networking?
Computer networking is a complex and dynamic field that faces various challenges and trends as technology and society evolve. Some of the major challenges and trends are:
Network security
Network security is the protection of network resources and data from unauthorized access, modification, or destruction. Network security is a critical issue for computer networks as they are vulnerable to various threats and attacks, such as:
Eavesdropping: Eavesdropping is the passive interception of network traffic by an unauthorized party.
Replay: Replay is the retransmission of captured network traffic by an unauthorized party.
Modification: Modification is the alteration of network traffic by an unauthorized party.
Impersonation: Impersonation is the assumption of another entity's identity by an unauthorized party.
Denial-of-service (DoS): DoS is the prevention of legitimate network access or service by an unauthorized party.
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS): DDoS is the coordinated prevention of legitimate network access or service by multiple unauthorized parties.
Malware: Malware is malicious software that infects or damages network devices or data.
Phishing: Phishing is the fraudulent attempt to obtain sensitive information from network users by impersonating a trustworthy entity.
To counter these threats and attacks, various network security techniques and mechanisms are used, such as:
Encryption: Encryption is the transformation of data into an unreadable form using a secret key.
Decryption: Decryption is the reverse transformation of encrypted data into its original form using the same or a different secret key.
Symmetric-key cryptography: Symmetric-key cryptography is a type of encryption where the same key is used for both encryption and decryption.
Asymmetric-key cryptography: Asymmetric-key cryptography is a type of encryption where different keys are used for encryption and decryption.
Digital signature: A digital signature is a cryptographic technique that verifies the authenticity and integrity of data using asymmetric-key cryptography.
Digital certificate: A digital certificate is a digital document that binds an entity's identity to its public key using a digital signature from a trusted authority.
Authentication: Authentication is the verification of an entity's identity using credentials such as passwords, tokens, biometrics, etc.
Authorization: Authorization is the granting or denying of access rights to network resources based on an entity's identity and role.
Auditing: Auditing is the recording and analysis of network activities for security purposes.
Firewall: A firewall is a device or software that filters network traffic based on predefined rules and policies.
Intrusion detection system (IDS): An IDS is a device or software that monitors network traffic for signs of malicious activities and alerts administrators or takes actions accordingly.
Intrusion prevention system (IPS): An IPS is a device or software that monitors and blocks network traffic for signs of malicious activities before they reach their destination.
Network performance
Network performance is the measure of how well a network delivers its services and satisfies its users. Network performance is affected by various factors, such as:
Bandwidth: Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred over a network in a given time.
Latency: Latency is the time it takes for a data packet to travel from its source to its destination.
Jitter: Jitter is the variation in latency over time.
Throughput: Throughput is the actual amount of data that is transferred over a network in a given time.
Packet loss: Packet loss is the percentage of data packets that are lost or discarded during transmission.
Error rate: Error rate is the percentage of data packets that are corrupted or damaged during transmission.
To improve network performance, various tools and techniques are used, such as:
Compression: Compression is the reduction of data size using algorithms that eliminate redundancy or irrelevance.
Caching: Caching is the storage of frequently accessed data in a local memory for faster retrieval.
Load balancing: Load balancing is the distribution of network traffic among multiple servers or paths to optimize resource utilization and avoid congestion.
Quality of service (QoS): QoS is the provision of different levels of service to different types of network traffic based on their priority and requirements.
Traffic shaping: Traffic shaping is the control of network traffic flow by delaying or dropping packets that exceed a predefined limit.
Traffic engineering: Traffic engineering is the optimization of network performance by using mathematical models and algorithms to plan, design, and manage network resources and routes.
Network scalability
Network scalability is the ability of a network to accommodate increasing or decreasing demands without compromising its performance or quality. Network scalability is a challenge for computer networks as they have to cope with various factors, such as:
Growth: Growth is the increase in network size, traffic, or complexity over time.
Diversity: Diversity is the variation in network devices, media, protocols, applications, or users over time.
Dynamics: Dynamics is the change in network conditions, events, or behaviors over time.
To achieve network scalability, various methods and solutions are used, such as:
Modularity: Modularity is the design principle of dividing a complex system into smaller and simpler components that can be easily added, removed, or replaced.
Hierarchy: Hierarchy is the design principle of organizing a complex system into multiple levels of abstraction that can be easily managed and controlled.
Distributed systems: Distributed systems are systems that consist of multiple independent and autonomous components that cooperate and coordinate with each other to achieve a common goal.
Cloud computing: Cloud computing is a model of delivering network services over the internet using shared and scalable resources that can be dynamically provisioned and released on demand.
Fog computing: Fog computing is a model of extending cloud computing to the edge of the network using distributed and decentralized resources that can provide low-latency and high-reliability services to local users and devices.
Network reliability
Network reliability is the probability of a network functioning correctly and continuously without failures or interruptions. Network reliability is a challenge for computer networks as they are exposed to various factors that can cause failures or interruptions, such as:
Hardware failures: Hardware failures are malfunctions or breakdowns of network devices or media due to physical damage, wear and tear, power outage, etc.
Software failures: Software failures are malfunctions or breakdowns of network software due to bugs, errors, viruses, etc.
Human errors: Human errors are mistakes or misconfigurations made by network administrators or users that can affect network operations or security.
Natural disasters: Natural disasters are events such as earthquakes, floods, fires, storms, etc., that can damage or destroy network infrastructure or disrupt network communication.
To improve network reliability, various factors and strategies are considered, such as:
Fault tolerance: Fault tolerance is the ability of a system to continue functioning despite the presence of faults or errors.
Fault detection: Fault detection is the process of identifying and locating faults or errors in a system.
Fault recovery: Fault recovery is the process of restoring normal system operation after a fault or error has occurred.
Fault prevention: Fault prevention is the process of avoiding or minimizing faults or errors in a system by using proper design, testing, maintenance, etc.
system to increase its reliability and availability.
Diversity: Diversity is the use of different or alternative components or paths in a system to reduce its vulnerability and dependency.
How can you learn more about computer networking?
Computer networking is a vast and fascinating subject that requires continuous learning and updating. If you are interested in learning more about computer networking, there are various resources, courses, and certifications that can help you. Here are some examples:
Resources
There are many books, websites, blogs, podcasts, and videos that can provide you with valuable information and insights on computer networking. Some of them are:
Computer Networks by Bhushan Trivedi: This is the book that we have based our article on. It is a comprehensive and accessible textbook that covers the fundamentals of computer networks and provides the tools that will help in simplifying the concepts and protocols for the students.
Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach by James F. Kurose and Keith W. Ross: This is another popular and well-written textbook that adopts a top-down approach to explain the principles and applications of computer networks using the internet as an example.
Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall: This is a classic and authoritative textbook that provides a detailed and rigorous treatment of computer networks using a bottom-up approach.
Network World: This is a website that provides news, analysis, reviews, and opinions on various topics related to computer networking, such as cloud computing, security, IoT, wireless, etc.
Packet Pushers: This is a website that hosts podcasts, blogs, newsletters, and events on various topics related to computer networking, such as routing, switching, automation, SDN, etc.
Dan's Courses: This is a YouTube channel that offers video tutorials on various topics related to computer networking, such as network fundamentals, network security, network simulation, etc.
Courses
There are many online and offline courses that can teach you the theory and practice of computer networking. Some of them are:
Networking Basics Specialization: This is an online course offered by Cisco through Coursera that teaches the basics of computer networking using interactive labs and quizzes.
Computer Networking Fundamentals: This is an online course offered by IBM through edX that teaches the fundamentals of computer networking using real-