From personal networks to the Internet

This lesson introduces the main types of computer networks, ranging from personal networks to the Internet.

It explains personal networks—such as Bluetooth-based Personal Area Networks (PANs)—local networks found in homes or schools (whether wired or wireless Local Area Networks, or LANs), and Wide Area Networks (WANs), which connect devices and infrastructure over long distances.

The lesson also clarifies the distinction between an “internet” (lowercase “i”), understood as an interconnection of multiple networks, and the “Internet” (uppercase “I”), referring to the global worldwide network.

Finally, it introduces concepts such as hosts, communication subnetworks, transmission lines, routers, routing, and ISPs, explaining how Internet Service Providers enable users to access the global network.

Bibliography

Primary sources

Postel, J. (1981). Internet Protocol. RFC 791. IETF / RFC Editor.

Braden, R. (Ed.). (1989). Requirements for Internet Hosts — Communication Layers. RFC 1122. IETF / RFC Editor.

IEEE. (2005). IEEE 802.15.1-2005 — Wireless Medium Access Control and Physical Layer Specifications for Wireless Personal Area Networks. IEEE Standards Association.

IEEE 802.15 Working Group. IEEE 802.15 WPAN Task Group 1.

Bluetooth SIG. Bluetooth Core Specification.

IEEE. IEEE 802.3 — Ethernet Working Group Standards. IEEE Standards Association.

IEEE. IEEE 802.1D-2004 — Standard for Local and Metropolitan Area Networks: Media Access Control Bridges. IEEE Standards Association.

IEEE. IEEE 802.1Q — Bridges and Bridged Networks. IEEE Standards Association.

IEEE. IEEE 802.11 — Wireless LAN Medium Access Control and Physical Layer Specifications. IEEE Standards Association.

Wi-Fi Alliance. Wi-Fi CERTIFIED™ Programs and Specifications.

Baker, F. (1995). Requirements for IP Version 4 Routers. RFC 1812. IETF / RFC Editor.

Rekhter, Y., Li, T., & Hares, S. (2006). A Border Gateway Protocol 4 (BGP-4). RFC 4271. IETF / RFC Editor.

Hawkinson, J., & Bates, T. (1996). Guidelines for Creation, Selection, and Registration of an Autonomous System (AS). RFC 1930. IETF / RFC Editor.

Secondary sources

Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. Pearson.

Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. Computer Networks. Pearson.

Comer, D. E. Computer Networks and Internets. Pearson.

Peterson, L. L., & Davie, B. S. Computer Networks: A Systems Approach. Morgan Kaufmann.

Stallings, W. Data and Computer Communications. Pearson.

Forouzan, B. A. Data Communications and Networking. McGraw-Hill.

Odom, W. CCNA 200-301 Official Cert Guide. Cisco Press.

Index

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