NETWORKING
DEFINITION AND TYPES OF NETWORKING
Network literally means a collection of a large and widely distributed group of people or things such as stores,
colleges, or offices that communicate with one another and work together as a unit or system.
A Computer Network, simply referred to as a network, can be defined as a system of two or more computers,
terminals and communication devices linked by wires, cables, or telecommunication system in order to
exchange data.
The network may be limited to a group of users in a local area (LAN), or it could be global in scope just like the
Internet. The major reason network exist is to enable sharing of resources and information among
interconnected devices.
TYPES OF NETWORK:
(i) Ethernet
(ii) Token Ring
(iii) Arcnet
Ethernet:
Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for Local Area Networks (LANs), it is a protocol that
controls the way data is transmitted over a Local Area Network. This network which was commercially
introduced in 1980 uses wires (i.e. it is not a wireless technology) in form of either a bus or star topology and
supports data transfer rates of about 10Mbps.
An ethernet port (jack or socket) is an opening on computer network equipment that Ethernet cables plug
into.
Token Ring:
A Token ring is a type of computer network in which all the computers are arranged in a circle (see diagram
below). A token, which is a special bit pattern, travels around the circle. To send a message, a computer
catches the token, attaches a message to it, and then allows it continue to travel around the network. It uses
a special three-byte frame called a token. Physically, when implemented, the computers are connected
through cables to a ‘HUB’, which manages the network in a ring topology manner.A token ring prevents the
collision of data when more than one computer in a network attempts to send messages simultaneously. It is
the second
Ethernet most
port on popular type of Local Area Network protocol.
a Router
Token
Token
Token
Arcnet:
ARCnet (an acronym from Attached Resource Computer Network) is defined as a group of nodes that
communicates to one another over a geographically-limited area usually within one building or a campus of
buildings. It was developed by John Murphy at Data-point Corporation in the late 1970s.
It was the simplest and least expensive type of Local Area Network, which uses token ring architecture,
supported data rates of 2.5Mbps, and connected up to 255 computers. A special advantage of ARCnet is that
it permitted various types of transmission media to be mixed on the same network.
NETWORK TOPOLOGY
In Computer Networking, topology refers to the layout of connected devices. It is the plan or model in which
two or more computing devices are connected in a network.
There are two types of network topology;
1. Physical Topology and
2. Logical Topology.
The Physical Topologyof a network refers to the layout or arrangement of the cables and network devices.
The Logical Topologyrefers to the method of communication of the network devices.
Network Topologies are categorized into the following basic types:
(i) Point to Point Topology
(ii) Star Topology
(iii) Bus Topology
(iv) Ring Topology
(v) Mesh Topology
STAR TOPOLOGY
Star Network is a local area network in which each device (node) is connected to a central computer in a star-
shaped configuration (topology); commonly, a network consisting of a central computer (the hub) surrounded
by terminals. The central point may be a hub, a switch or a router, and all the individual network devices
communicate with the central point which manages and control all functions of the network. An example of
star network topology is the ARCNET.
Advantages of Star Topology
A star network is reliable in the sense that a node can fail without affecting any other node on the
network.
Easy to install and wire
Easy to detect faults and remove parts
Disadvantages of Star Topology
Failure of the central computer results in a shutdown of the entire network.
If the hub, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled
Since each node is individually wired to the hub, cabling costs can be high.
BUS TOPOLOGY
Bus network topology uses a common backbone (a cable) to connect all devices. The backbone is a shared
communication medium that all devices are attached or connected. A signal from the source travels in both
directions to all machines connected on the bus cable until it finds the intended recipient. If the machine
address does not match the intended address for the data, the machine ignores the data. Alternatively, if the
data matches the machine address, the data is accepted.
An example of bus network is the Ethernet.
Advantages of Bus Topology
Easy to connect a computer or peripheral
Inexpensive to implement when compared to other topologies because it requires less cable
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable
Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable
Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
RING TOPOLOGY
It is a local area network in which devices (nodes) are connected in a closed loop, or ring. Messages in a ring
network pass in one direction, from node to node. As a message travels around the ring, each node examines
the destination address attached to the message. If the address is the same as the address assigned to the
node, the node accepts the message; otherwise, it regenerates the signal and passes the message along to
the next node in the circle. Such regeneration allows a ring network to cover larger distances than star and
bus networks. It can also be designed to bypass any malfunctioning or failed node.
Advantages of Ring Topology
They can span larger distances than other types
It can also be designed to bypass any malfunctioning or failed node.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
Failure in one of the network connection results in breakdown of the entire network.
new nodes can be difficult to add.
MESH TOPOLOGY
In Mesh network topology, each computer includes everything it needs to serve as a relay point for sending
information to any
NETWORK DEVICES
The network devices are the nodes of the network. They are devices that aid connection and communication.
The common network devices are:
(i) The Hub
(ii) The Network Interface card
(iii) The Switch
(iv) The Router
(v) The Modem
The Hub:
A Hub is a device that connects all the other devices in a star network together, thus making them act as a
single network segment. Due to the fact that the hub broadcast messages, any message sent by the hub is
received by all the devices because the hub is not able to identify the device that owns the message.
Modems:
A Modem, which means Modulator-Demodulator, is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit
digitally stored data over telephone or cable lines. A modem converts between analogue and digital waves.
Modem transmit data at different speeds, measured by the number of bits of data they send per second. For
example, a 28.8 Kbps modem sends data at 28,800 bits per second. A 56Kbps modem is twice as fast, sending
and receiving data at a rate of 56,000 bits per second.
The Switch:
Literally, a switch means a mechanical or electronic device that opens, closes or changes the connections in
an electrical circuit. Examples are the ones used to turn light on or machine on or off. In computing, a switch
is a programmed technique for indicating which alternative path to take at a decision point in a program’s
logic. They are key components of computer networks which could connect multiple PCs, printers, servers,
and other hardware.
Unlike the hub, the switch is intelligent because it does not broadcast but channels the data to the specific
destination.
Routers:
A Router is a network device that connects networked computers to the internet, allowing multiple users to
share a connection. A Router acts as a dispatcher, choosing the best route (passage) for information to travel,
so that it is transmitted as efficiently as possible.
Network Interface Card:
A Network Interface Card (referred to as network adapter, LAN adapter or card) is an expansion board inserted
into a computer so as to be connected to a network. Networked computers communicate with each other
using a given protocol for transmitting data packets between the different machines, known as nodes.
BENEFITS OF NETWORKING
The benefits of networking can be divided into two generic categories: connectivity and sharing. Networks
allow computers and their users to be connected together. Some of the benefits of networking are as follows:
(i) It helps to enhance connectivity
(ii) It helps in sharing of hardware resources, thereby saving cost. Network resources that can be shared on a
network includes Printers, Internet connection, multiplayer games,etc.
(iii) It aids management of data from a centralized system
(iv) It enhances data sharing
(v) It eases Communication; transmission of information becomes easier, more efficient, and less expensive
(vi) It enhances computer performance because of the ease of collaboration between various systems.
(vii) Networking has promoted ‘gaming’ – games are now shared and played by people all over the world
using common servers.
