Grade 10

Unit 2

COMPUTER NETWORK

A computer network is a system that connects two or more computing devices for transmitting and
sharing information. Computing devices include everything from a mobile phone to a server. These
devices are connected using physical wires such as fiber optics, but they can also be wireless.

1. Network Devices

Network devices or nodes are computing devices that need to be linked in the network. Some network
devices include:

 Computers, mobiles, and other consumer devices: These are end devices that users directly and
frequently access. For example, an email originates from the mailing application on a laptop or
mobile phone.
 Servers: These are application or storage servers where the main computation and data storage occur.
All requests for specific tasks or data come to the servers.
 Routers: Routing is the process of selecting the network path through which the data packets
traverse. Routers are devices that forward these packets between networks to ultimately reach the
destination. They add efficiency to large networks.
 Switches: Repeaters are to networks what transformers are to electricity grids—they are electronic
devices that receive network signals and clean or strengthen them. Hubs are repeaters with multiple
ports in them. They pass on the data to whichever ports are available. Bridges are smarter hubs that
only pass the data to the destination port. A switch is a multi-port bridge. Multiple data cables can
be plugged into switches to enable communication with multiple network devices.
 Gateways: Gateways are hardware devices that act as ‘gates’ between two distinct networks. They
can be firewalls, routers, or servers.

2. Network media, or transmission media, can be categorized into several types based on their
physical characteristics. Here is a list of common network media:
A. Twisted Pair Cable:
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP): Commonly used for Ethernet connections in homes and offices.
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP): Provides additional electromagnetic interference (EMI) protection, often used
in industrial environments.
B. Coaxial Cable:
Coaxial cable: Consists of a central conductor, an insulating layer, a metallic shield, and an outer
insulating layer. Used in cable television (CATV) and broadband connections.
C. Fiber Optic Cable:
Single-mode fiber: Designed for long-distance, high-bandwidth communication.
Multi-mode fiber: Used for shorter distances and moderate bandwidth requirements.
D. Wireless Transmission:
Radio Waves: Utilized in Wi-Fi networks and other wireless communication technologies.
Microwave: Commonly used for point-to-point communication in long-distance networks.
Infrared: Limited-range, line-of-sight communication, often used in remote controls and short-range data
transfer.
E. Satellite Communication:
Communication signals are transmitted to and received from satellites in orbit. Used for long-distance
and global communication.

3. Links
Links are the transmission media which can be of two types:
 Wired: Examples of wired technologies used in networks include coaxial cables, phone lines, twisted-
pair cabling, and optical fibers. Optical fibers carry pulses of light to represent data.
 Wireless: Network connections can also be established through radio or other electromagnetic signals.
This kind of transmission is called ‘wireless’. The most common examples of wireless links include
communication satellites, cellular networks, and radio and technology spread spectrums. Wireless LANs
use spectrum technology to establish connections within a small area.

4. Types of Computer Networks

Computer networks can be classified based on several criteria, such as the transmission medium, the
network size, the topology, and organizational intent. Based on a geographical scale, the different types
of networks are:.

Personal
1. area network (PAN): PAN refers to a network used by just one person to connect
multiple devices, such as laptops to scanners, etc.
Local
2. area network (LAN): The local area network connects devices within a limited geographical
area, such as schools, hospitals, or office buildings.
Storage
3. area network (SAN): SAN is a dedicated network that facilitates block-level data storage.
This is used in storage devices such as disk arrays and tape libraries.
Campus
4. area network (CAN): Campus area networks are a collection of interconnected LANs.
They are used by larger entities such as universities and governments.
5.
Metropolitan area network (MAN): MAN is a large computer network that spans across a city.
Wide
6. area network (WAN): Wide area networks cover larger areas such as large cities, states, and
even countries.
Enterprise
7. private network (EPN): An enterprise private network is a single network that a large
organization uses to connect its multiple office locations.
8.
Virtual private network (VPN): VPN is an overlay private network stretched on top of a public
network.
9.
Cloud network: Technically, a cloud network is a WAN whose infrastructure is delivered via
cloud services.
5. What is telecommunications (telecom)?
Telecommunications, also known as telecom, is the exchange of information over significant distances by
electronic means and refers to all types of voice, data and transmitting technologies and communications
infrastructures. Examples include wired phones, cellphones, microwave communications, fiber optics,
satellites, radio and television video transmission. This is a broad term that includes a wide range of
information- broadcasting, the internet and telegraphs.

A complete, single telecommunications circuit consists of two stations, each equipped with a transmitter
and a receiver. The transmitter and receiver at any station might be combined into a single device
called a transceiver. The medium of signal transmission can be via electrical wire or cable -- also known
as copper -- optical fiber, electromagnetic fields or light. The free space transmission and reception of
data by means of electromagnetic fields is called wireless communications.
A telecommunications system is a collection of compatible hardware and software arranged to
communicate information from one location to another. These systems can transmit text, data, graphics,
voice, documents, or video information.

The major components are:

1. Hardware— all types of computers and communications processors (such as a modems or small
computers dedicated solely to communications).
2. Communications media— the physical media through which electronic signals are transferred; includes
both wireline and wireless media.
3. Communications networks— the linkages among computers and communications devices.
4. Communications processors— devices that perform specialized data communication functions; includes
front-end processors, controllers, multiplexors and modems.
5. Communications software—software that controls the telecommunications system and the entire
transmission process.
6. Data communications providers— regulated utilities or private firms that provide data communications
services.
7. Communications protocols—the rules for transferring information across the system.
8. Communications applications— electronic data interchange (EDI), teleconferencing, videoconferencing,
e-mail, facsimile, electronic funds transfer, and others.
The Importance of Telecommunications
 Better communication
 Collaborative work
 Flexibility

6. Communication protocols
Internet Protocol

IP stands for Internet Protocol, which is the set of rules governing the format of data sent via the
internet or local network. In essence, IP addresses are the identifier that allows information to be sent
between devices on a network; they contain location information and make devices accessible for
communication
An IP address is a unique address that identifies a device on the internet or local network. IP (Internet
Protocol) is the set of rules governing the format of data sent via the internet or local network.
7. Network Defense
While nodes, links, and protocols form the foundation of a network, a modern network cannot exist
without its defenses. Security is critical when unprecedented amounts of data are generated, moved, and
processed across networks. A few examples of network defense tools include firewall, intrusion detection
systems (IDS), intrusion prevention systems (IPS), network access control (NAC), content filters, proxy
servers, anti-DDoS devices, and load balancers.

8. Generation of Cellular System

 4G LTE
4G LTE (long term evolution) is a type of 4G technology. It is a mobile broadband technology that
promises data transfer rates of 100 Mbps. See Figure 2.24 for 4GLTE.
5G
5G is the 5th generation mobile network and it is
the latest in the evolution of mobile wireless
technologies. 5G goes beyond 4G LTE

9. Satellite network
A satellite network refers to a system of
communication that involves the use of artificial
satellites in Earth's orbit to facilitate data
transmission between ground-based stations, also
known as earth stations or ground terminals.
These networks have a wide range of
applications, including telecommunications,
television broadcasting, weather monitoring, and
global positioning systems (GPS). Here are key
components and characteristics of satellite networks:

a) Satellites:


Orbit Types: Satellites can be in various orbits, including geostationary orbit (GEO),
medium Earth orbit (MEO), and low Earth orbit (LEO).

Communication Satellites: These are specifically designed for relaying communication
signals between ground stations.
b) Ground Stations:
 Earth Stations: These are the ground-based facilities equipped with antennas and
transceivers to send and receive signals to and from satellites.
 Teleport: A teleport is a facility that houses multiple earth stations for managing the
uplink and downlink of satellite signals.
c) Uplink and Downlink:
 Uplink: The transmission of signals from an Earth station to a satellite.
 Downlink: The transmission of signals from a satellite to an Earth station.
d) Transponders:
  Transponders on satellites receive signals on one frequency band (uplink), amplify them,
and retransmit them on another frequency band (downlink).
e) Types of Satellite Networks:
 Fixed Satellite Services (FSS): Provides point-to-point and point-to-multipoint
communication for services like television broadcasting and broadband internet.
 Mobile Satellite Services (MSS): Supports communication for mobile users, such as in
maritime, aviation, and land-based applications.
 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS): Examples include the GPS, GLONASS, and
Galileo systems, providing precise positioning and navigation information globally.
f) Advantages:
 Global Coverage: Satellites can cover vast geographical areas, making them suitable for
global communication.
 Ubiquity: Satellite networks can reach remote or inaccessible locations where terrestrial
infrastructure is impractical.
 Scalability: Satellite networks can be easily scaled to accommodate increased demand.
g) Challenges:
 Latency: Satellite communication introduces latency due to the time it takes for signals to travel
to and from space.
 Cost: Building and launching satellites can be expensive.
 Limited Bandwidth: Satellites have limited bandwidth compared to some terrestrial technologies.
h) Applications:
 Telecommunications: Satellite networks are used for voice and data communication services.
 Television Broadcasting: Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite broadcasting is common for delivering
television signals to households.
 Earth Observation: Satellites are used for weather monitoring, environmental observation, and
disaster management.
i) Emerging Technologies:
 LEO Satellite Constellations: Companies are deploying constellations of small satellites in low
Earth orbit to provide high-speed internet services globally.
 Inter-Satellite Link (ISL): Some advanced satellite systems incorporate communication links
between satellites in orbit.
Satellite networks play a crucial role in modern global communication, offering solutions for various
industries and applications. Advances in technology continue to shape and improve satellite
communication systems, making them more efficient and capable of meeting diverse connectivity needs.

10. Data Transmission Mode/Flow

There are three types of transmission mode:-

Simplex Mode –
In Simplex mode, the communication is unidirectional, as on a one-way street. Only one of the two
devices on a link can transmit, the other can only receive. The simplex mode can use the entire
capacity of the channel to send data in one direction.
Example: Keyboard and traditional monitors. The keyboard can only introduce input, the monitor can
only give the output.
 2. Half-Duplex Mode –
In half-duplex mode, each station can both transmit and receive, but not at the same time. When one
device is sending, the other can only receive, and vice versa.
Example: Walkie-talkie in which message is sent one at a time and messages are sent in both
directions.

3. Full-Duplex Mode –
In full-duplex mode, both stations can transmit and receive simultaneously. In full_duplex mode,
signals going in one direction share the capacity of the link with signals going in another direction,
this sharing can occur in two ways:

@DAWIT SHAWUL