Histórico e cenário atual das redes de computadores

Summary

In this lesson, the basics and history of computer networks are explored. The course introduces the fundamental components of computer networks, including end systems, communication equipment, and data links. It also highlights the importance of protocols for communication and the evolution of networks, from early packet-switching systems to the development of the internet. The lesson touches on the rise of IoT, cloud computing, and software-defined networks, emphasizing the continuous advancements in network technology. It concludes with insights into the growing need for efficient, adaptable networks to support modern technologies and services.

Takeaways

• 😀 The basic function of a computer network is to transfer information from one point (A) to another (B).
• 😀 Today, much of the data traffic in networks is automated, with machines communicating with each other without human interference.
• 😀 A computer network consists of three major elements: end systems (e.g., computers, tablets), communication equipment (e.g., routers, switches), and communication links (e.g., cables).
• 😀 Networks can be viewed as an infrastructure that provides services and applications to users, where end systems communicate with each other through protocols.
• 😀 A protocol in computer networks defines the rules and procedures for communication between two or more devices, ensuring proper message exchange.
• 😀 An example of protocol use is TCP connection establishment, where one device sends a request to connect, waits for a response, and then begins data transmission.
• 😀 The history of computer networks dates back to the 1960s, with early experiments leading to the creation of ARPANET in the 1970s, which eventually evolved into the modern internet.
• 😀 In the 1980s, the internet began to expand, reaching universities and research centers. By the 1990s, the World Wide Web (WWW) was developed, significantly improving the accessibility of online information.
• 😀 In Brazil, the internet began to grow in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with the creation of the National Research Network (RNP), providing internet access to universities and research institutions.
• 😀 The infrastructure of the internet continues to grow, with advancements in technology such as cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and software-defined networking, which are shaping the future of computer networks.
• 😀 Global communication over the internet primarily relies on submarine cables, with satellite communication being less common for intercontinental connections.

Q & A

What is the basic function of a computer network?

The basic function of a computer network is to ensure that information can travel from one point (Point A) to another (Point B).

How has the role of humans in computer network communications changed over time?

Previously, most network communication involved human actions, where one person would request data and another would respond. Today, many communications are automated between machines without human intervention, especially with the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT).

What are the three main components of a computer network?

The three main components of a computer network are: final systems (such as computers, tablets, and other smart devices), communication equipment (such as routers and switches), and communication links (which connect devices and enable data transmission).

What is the role of application programming interfaces (APIs) in computer networks?

APIs serve as an interface that allows different services and applications to communicate with each other within a network. They define the set of rules for sending and receiving data, ensuring that programs can interact properly within the network infrastructure.

What is a network protocol, and why is it important?

A network protocol is a set of rules that define how data is transmitted and received between devices on a network. It ensures proper communication by specifying the format and order of messages exchanged between systems. Examples include protocols like TCP/IP.

Can you give an example of a protocol used in computer networks?

One example is the TCP protocol, which begins with a connection request from the client, waits for a response from the server, and only then starts data transmission. This ensures the connection is established before data exchange begins.

What was the ARPANET, and why is it significant in the history of computer networks?

The ARPANET, developed in the 1970s, was one of the first networks to use packet switching to allow computers to communicate with each other. It was initially developed for military and research purposes and is considered the precursor to the modern internet.

How did the Internet evolve in the 1990s?

In the 1990s, the World Wide Web (WWW) was developed, using HTML and hypertext to make information more accessible and visually appealing. This, along with the creation of web browsers, significantly contributed to the widespread adoption of the internet.

What role did the National Research Network (RNP) play in Brazil's internet development?

The RNP, established in 1990, was responsible for implementing the infrastructure necessary for internet services across Brazil. It began as a research network but eventually contributed to broader internet access for various institutions and universities.

What are some of the recent technological advancements in computer networks?

Recent advancements in computer networks include the proliferation of smart devices, the rise of IoT (Internet of Things), network virtualization, software-defined networking (SDN), and cloud computing. These technologies allow for greater flexibility, scalability, and efficiency in managing network resources.