UNIT 2
COMPUTER NETWORK
2.1 Definition of Network
A computer network is a group of interconnected nodes or computing devices that
exchange data and resources with each other. A network connection between these
devices can be established using cable or wireless media.
Internet is called the largest global network.
2.2 Fundamental Elements of Network
Basic elements of a computer network include hardware, software, and protocols.
The interrelationship of these basic elements constitutes the infrastructure of the network.
A network infrastructure is the topology in which the nodes of a local area network
(LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) are connected to each other.
The backbone of any network is the hardware that runs it.
Network hardware includes end devices (sending and receiving devices) and intermediary
devices which are network cards, routers or network switches, modems and Ethernet
repeaters.
Element of networks
1. End devices
2. Intermediary devices
3. Communication Protocols, which are rules held in the form of software and,
4. Transmission medium (wired or wireless)
2.2.1 End Devices
End devices, which are also called hosts, are devices used to send or receive data over the
network.
The sending device is called a sender and the receiving one is a receiver. Some examples
of end devices are:
Computers (such as desktops, laptops, file servers and web servers etc.)
Network printers
Security cameras and Mobile handheld devices.
2.2.2 Intermediary devices
Intermediary devices interconnect end devices. These devices interconnect and work
behind the scenes to ensure data flow across the network and the devices.
Intermediary devices connect the individual hosts to the network and also can connect
multiple individual networks to form an internetwork.
Intermediary device includes network cards, routers or network switches, wireless access
point (WAP) and repeaters. Without these hardware devices, end devices have no means
of accessing a network.
a. Network Interface Card (NIC)
Network Interface Card (NIC) is a computer hardware component that connects a
computer to a computer network.
b. Repeater
Repeater enables a network segment to extend the coverage to reach beyond its inherent
distance limitation.
Repeaters refresh the network signal between cable segments, allowing cables to reach
beyond their maximum length without signal loss.
c. Switch
A network switch connects devices in a network to each other, enabling them to talk by
exchanging data packets.
d. Router
A router is such an intelligent device which operates in determination of pathways for
electronic messages in networks.
A router, as its name suggests, works with routing or finding a route through a network.
The main objective of router is to connect dissimilar and different networks
simultaneously.
e. Wireless Access Points
A wireless access point (WAP) is an intermediary device in a network that connects
various types of wireless communication devices with wireless networks.
The connectivity is made possible through Bluetooth and Wi-Fi technologies.
It acts as an intermediary between wireless and wired devices that are part of a network.
2.2.4 Connection Media
The connection media are the media which are used to carry the message from sender to
receiver. We have two types of communication medium: wired and wireless.
1.Wired medium: It is also called guided medium. It is a cable that connects end devices.
Copper and fiber optic cables are examples of wired medium. The most common copper
cable used in networks today is unshielded twisted-pair cable (UTP), which uses electric
signal to transmit message for a maximum distance of 100 meters.
Fiber optic cable uses light to transmit signal at faster speed and longer distance than
copper cable.
2. Wireless Medium: It is also referred to as unguided media or unbounded transmission media.
It is used to communicate information through the air, water or vacuum, e.g. radio Waves, micro
waves, infrared waves and satellite communications.
Note that: - Network is connection of two or more devices for sharing resource which can be
data, hardware, software, etc. A given network comprised of the following four basic
components
End devices are senders and receivers and able to send and receive messages.
Intermediary devices are used to interconnect end devices together in the same and
different networks.
Protocols are common rules followed by communicating parties to govern
communication in a network.
Transmission medium is a physical path between sender and receiver, used to carry
message.
*There are two types of transmission medium: wired and wireless medium. *Switch is
used to create a local area network whereas Router is used to interconnect different local
area networks.
2.3 Types of Networks
There are different types of network classified based on the following four categories:
Network media
Size of the network
Topology
Resource security and access
2.3.1 Types of Network Based on Connection Medium
o Based on connection medium, computer networks are classified into wired and wireless
networks.
Wired Network: Wired networks, also called Ethernet networks, are the most common type
of local area network (LAN) technology. A wired network is simply a collection of two or
more computers, printers, and other devices linked by Ethernet cables.
Wireless Network: Wireless networks have no physical connection with the wired network;
instead they get connected through the wireless access point (WAP). A wireless network,
which uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to communicate between nodes, is
another option for home or business networking. The backbone of wireless network is
always a wired network.
2.3.2 Types of Networks Based on Size
The size of a network can be expressed in terms of the geographic area the network
occupies and the number of computers connected to the network. Networks can cover
anything from a handful of devices within a single room to millions of devices spread
across the entire globe.
Some of the network types based on size are:
1. Personal area network or PAN
2. Local area network or LAN
3. Metropolitan area network or MAN
4. Wide area network or WAN
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network organized around an individual
person within a single building. A common example is a wireless network that connects a
computer with its peripherals.
A network created by Bluetooth is PAN. Bluetooth is a short-range wireless network used
to connect computer’s peripheral components without wires.
2. Local Area Network
Local Area Network (LAN) is generally an organizational or a privately owned network
within a single office, building or campus covering a distance of a few kilometers.
The main reason for designing a LAN is to share resources such as storage spaces,
printers, programs and data. It also enables the exchange of information.
The smallest LAN may use only two computers while larger LANs can accommodate
thousands of computers.
A LAN typically relies mostly on wired connections for increased speed and security,
but wireless connections can also be part of a LAN.
3. Metropolitan Area Network
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a network that is designed to cover an entire
city.
4. Wide Area Network
A wide area network (WAN) occupies a very large area such as an entire country or the
entire world.
A WAN can contain multiple smaller networks such as LANs or MANs.
The Internet is the best-known example of a public WAN.
2.3.3 Types of Network Based on Topologies
Network topology defines how various computers or electronic devices represented as
nodes are connected to one another in the network.
It refers to the physical arrangement of devices in a network.
Typical network configurations include bus topology, mesh topology, star topology, and
ring topology
a. Bus Topology: In bus topology, there is a long cable called bus which acts as a backbone
for all the nodes.
A bus topology network connects each computer or electronic devised to a backbone
cable (or bus) just like a water pipe interconnection.
Advantage Disadvantage
Network disruption when computers are added
Cheap and easy to implement
or removed
A break in the cable will prevent all system from
Require less cable
accessing the network
Does not use any Specialized Network
Difficult to troubleshoot
equipment
b. Mesh Topology; In mesh topology (also called complete topology), each node is
connected to every other node by direct links. Obviously, form nodes, there would be m
(m–1)/2 physical links. This also means that every node must have (m–1) input/output
ports.
Advantage
1. Faults can be identified easily.
2. High privacy and security is provided.
3. Advanced and robust features to tackle any situation.
4. The data transmission is not affected by adding new devices.
5. Failure in a single device doesn't interrupt the network.
Disadvantages
1. It's costly as compared to the opposite network topologies i.e. star, bus, point to point
topology.
2. Installation is extremely difficult in the mesh.
3. Power requirement is higher as all the nodes will need to remain active all the time and
share the load.
4. Complex process.
C. Star Topology: A star topology is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which
all nodes are individually connected to a central connection point, like a hub or a switch. A
star takes more cable than bus, the benefit is that if a cable fails, only one node will be
brought down.
Advantages Disadvantages
1. Its speed is very high. 1. Maintenance cost is very high
2. The network is highly scalable. 2. Central device dependency
3. It is the most efficient. 3. It is very expensive.
D. Ring Topology: Ring topology is a network architecture in computer networks. The
orientation involves various devices each connecting to the other two devices using a RJ-45 or a
coaxial cable, forming a “ring” within which the frames circulate continuously in one direction.
Advantages Disadvantages
1. Fast Execution 1. Quite Expensive
2. Better Administration 2. Slow Activity Rate
3. Straightforward adaptability 3. Unprotected use
4. Fidelity of network 4. Need for Hardiness
2.3.4 Types of Network Based on Resource Access and Sharing
1.Peer-to-Peer Network: A peer-to-peer network is also called workgroup and there is no
hierarchy among the computers.
This mean that all computers are peers (equals) and the connection is created for resource
sharing and communication purposes only.
The number of computers in peer-to-peer network usually does not exceed 10; if the
number is beyond this, the network becomes very difficult for administration.
Advantages of peer-to-peer network
Server is not required.
All computers are equal in the network.
No additional cost is needed for dedicated-machine.
Disadvantages of peer-to-peer network
Provides share level security, i.e. it applies a trust-based security.
Can work in small environments only.
2. Client-server Network: are computer networks that employ a dedicated computer to
store data, manage/provide resources, and control user access (server). The server connects
all of the other computers in the network by acting as a hub. A machine that connects to the
server is known as a client.
Advantages Disadvantages
1.Scalability 1. High Cost
2.Easy Management 2. Robustness
3.Accessibility 3. Maintenance Difficulty
4.Data Security 4. Un acquirable Resources
2.4 Advantages and Disadvantages of Network
2.4.1 Advantages of network
Sharing data and information - One of the biggest advantages of a network is sharing
data and information between each of the devices on the network.
Communication - A network gives all users the ability to quickly communicate with
each other either using chatting or instant messaging services such as Skype, WhatsApp
and Viber to send files and messages among the users, video conferencing, e-mail, TV
and radio.
Sharing hardware – Expensive hardware devices connected to a network can be shared
among all users.
Share software – Different application software and Internet-based services can be
shared over the network for all licensed users for the software.
Transferring money - Being connected to a secure network allows a person or business
to digitally transfer money between banks and users.
2.4.2 Disadvantages of network
Virus and malware - Networks make sharing information between network users easy.
Vulnerabilities - When computer are connected on the network, it will be accessible
remotely, with these potential new methods of accessing the computer.
Complex - Networks are complex, and setting up and managing a network for a business
or corporation requires someone with a lot of experience or certification.
Cost - Setting up, managing and administering a network hardware and software incurs
cost to the organization building a network.
Social media effect on youth and adults - particularly youths, including students, waste
their time on use of social media and unsafe Internet resources.
