Read the Information Sheet 5.
1 carefully and at the end of
this sheet there will be a Self-check to measure how much
you’ve learned and remembered.
INFORMATION SHEET No. 5.1
NETWORK DESIGN
Learning Objectives:
After reading this Information Sheet, you should be able to:
➢ Define network,
➢ Identify the different types of network design,
What is a network?
A Network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to
share resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow
electronic communications. Communication is the act of transferring data,
information through verbal messages, the written word, or more subtle, non-
verbal signals or even digital signals (Merriam, 2011). In communication, a
network is a major requirement to be able to transmit such data from one
place to another. A network is the interconnection of computers, devices and
peripherals to allow them to communicate, share or print data and
information.
There are two very common types of networks; Local Area Network
(LAN), and Wide Area Network (WAN).
Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN is a collection of two or more computers that are located within a
limited distance of each other and that are connected to each other, directly
or indirectly. It can range from simple (two computers connected by a cable)
to complex (hundreds of con
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Wide Area Network or WAN is a network that connects users across
large distances, often crossing the geographical boundaries of cities or states.
It has no geographical limit. It can connect computers and other devices on
opposite sides of the world. It is made up of interconnected LANs.
Wide Area Network is consisting of two or more interconnected LAN and
one of the best examples of Wan is the Internet wherein all the computers
around the world are directly connected with each other.
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What is the Network Topology?
Network Topology is the layout pattern representation of the
interconnection of all the computers, nodes, links and other peripherals of a
network. It shows the structure and transmission links that connect nodes in
a network. The Topology from the Greek word “tophos” means place. It is a
representation or structure of a network that deals with different types of
interconnectivity.
What are the types of Network Topologies?
Network topologies are categorized into the following basic types:
1. Bus Topology
The Bus Topology uses a common cable to connect all the computers. A
computer wanting to communicate with another computer on the network
sends the message to all computers through the cable, but only the target
computer accepts the message.
Bus Topology
2. Ring Topology
Computers that are using the Ring Topology form a ring when
interconnecting to each other. A computer in the ring topology transmits the
message, either clockwise or counterclockwise through the computer on
either side. The message is then passed on from computer to computer until
it reaches the intended recipient.
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Ring Topology
3. Star Topology
The Star Topology uses a central device such as a hub, switch or a
router to connect a computer / computers to the network. All communication
requests are transmitted through the central device before reaching the
intended target computer.
Star Topology
4. Mesh Topology
The Mesh Topology employs network redundancy which means
messages sent can take several routes from source to destination. When one
hub, switch or router is unavailable, the message is rerouted to another
device until the messages reaches its destination. The internet employs the
mesh routing topology.
Mesh Topology
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Note: For further study watch these video presentations in youtube.com
Title: What is Network? uploaded by Kandu Education Ltd.
Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqRwpFKBbPM
Title: Networks Types uploaded by PowerCert Animated Videos.
Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_zSIXb7tLQ
Title: Network Topologies upload by PowerCert Animated Videos.
Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbqrNg4C98U
Electronic references:
Networks Types by PowerCert Animated Videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_zSIXb7tLQ
Network Topologies: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zbqrNg4C98U
What is Network? by Kandu Education Ltd.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GqRwpFKBbPM
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Self-Check 5.1
Multiple Choice: Choose the letter of the correct answer from the given choices.
______1. It is an act of transmitting data from one place to another through a
medium. Receiving and sending of information through a channel.
A. Transmission C. Calling
B. Communication D. Transfer
______2. It is a representation or structure of a network that deals with different types
of interconnectivity, from the Greek word “tophos” means place.
A. Networking C. Topography
B. Topology D. Communication
______3. In a Star topology, all communication requests are transmitted through the
central device before reaching the intended target computer. What device should be
installed as the central device?
A. Modem C. Switch
B. ISP D. LAN Card
______4. Computer shops or internet café consists of several computers connected to
each other, what type of topology is appropriate for this shop?
A. Mesh C. Bus
B. Star D. Ring
______5. A computer in this topology transmits the message, either clockwise
or counterclockwise through the computer on either side. The message is then
passed on from computer to computer until it reaches the intended recipient.
A. Mesh C. Bus
B. Star D. Ring
______6. Is a collection of two or more computers that are located within a
limited distance of each other and that are connected to each other, directly or
indirectly.
A. Wide Area Network C. Local Area Network
B. Local Network Area D. Wireless Area Network
______7. Is a network that connects users across large distances, often
crossing the geographical boundaries of cities or states. It has no geographical
limit.
A. Wide Area Network C. Local Area Network
B. Local Network Area D. Wireless Area Network
______8. It uses a common cable to connect all the computers. A computer
wanting to communicate with another computer on the network sends the
message to all computers through the cable, but only the target computer
accepts the message.
A. Mesh C. Bus
B. Star D. Ring
______9. It employs network redundancy which means messages sent can take
several routes from source to destination.
A. Mesh C. Bus
B. Star D. Ring
______10. It uses a central device such as a hub, switch or a router to connect
a computer / computer to the network.
A. Mesh C. Bus
B. Star D. Ring
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