CTU – San Francisco Campus

CompTech 213 – Computer Network and Security

Topic No. 2 – The Introduction of Networking

THE INTRODUCTION OF NETWORKING

PRINCIPLES OF NETWORKING
A computer network is a group of computer systems and other computing
hardware devices that are linked together through communication channels to
facilitate communication and resource-sharing among a wide range of users. A
data network is a telecommunications network which allows computers to
exchange data. In computer networks, networked computing devices exchange
data with each other using a data link. The connections between nodes are
established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known
computer network is the Internet.
Network computer devices that originate, route and terminate the data are called network nodes. Nodes can include hosts
such as personal computers, phones, servers as well as networking hardware. Computer networks differ in the
transmission medium used to carry their signals, the communications protocols to organize network traffic, the network's
size, topology and organizational intent. Computer networks support an enormous number of applications such as access
to the World Wide Web, video, digital audio, shared use of application and storage servers, printers, and fax machines,
and use of email and instant messaging applications as well as many others. Networks are systems that are formed by
links. Websites that allow individuals to link to each other’s pages are called social networking sites.

People use the following networks every day:

• Mail delivery system
• Telephone system
• Private and Public transportation system
• Private and Public Online Transactions
• Online Education
• Corporate computer networks
• The Internet (World Wide Web)

A network can be as simple as two computers connected by a single cable or as complex as hundreds of computers
connected to devices that control the flow of information. Converged data networks can include general purpose
computers, such as PCs and servers, as well as devices with more specific functions, including printers, phones, televisions,
and game consoles. All data, voice, video, and converged networks share information and use various methods to direct
how this information flows.

The public transportation system is similar to a data network. The cars, trucks, and other
vehicles are like the messages that travel within the network. Each driver defines a
starting point (source) and an ending point (destination). Within this system, there are
rules such as stop signs and traffic lights that control the flow from the source to the
destination.

Computer Networks
A computer data network is a collection of hosts connected by networking devices. A host
is any device that sends and receives information on the network. Peripherals are devices
that are connected to hosts. Some devices can serve either as hosts or peripherals. For
example, a printer connected to your laptop which is on a network is acting as a
peripheral. If the printer is connected directly to a networking device, such as a hub,
switch, or router, it is acting as a host. Computer networks are used globally in businesses,
homes, schools, and government agencies.
Many different types of devices can connect to a network:
Desktop computers, Laptop computers, Printers, Scanners, PDAs, Smartphones, File/print servers and Wifi Gadgets

NETWORK MEDIA
Network devices link together using a variety of connections, examples are:
• Copper cabling – Uses electrical signals to transmit data between devices (Twisted Pair
and Coaxial
• Fiber-optic cabling – Uses glass or plastic wire, also called fiber, to carry information as
light pulses
• Wireless connection – Uses radio signals, infrared technology (laser), or satellite
transmissions
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THE FOLLOWING ARE THE FOUR (4) MAIN ADVANTAGES OF A COMPUTER NETWORK.
1. File Sharing - From sharing files you can view, modify, and copy files
stored on a different computer on the network just as easily as if they were
stored on your computer.
2. Resource Sharing - Resources such as printers, fax machines, Storage
Devices (HDD, FDD and CD Drives), Webcam, Scanners, Modem and many
more devices can be shared.
3. Program Sharing - Just as you can share files on a network, you can often
also share program on a network. For example, if you have the right type of
software license, you can have a shared copy of Microsoft Office, or some
other program, and keep it on the network server, from where it is also run.
4. Communication - Using a network, different people can communicate
with each other all over the world. People can communicate at very low
cost via e-mail, chatting, telephone, video telephone, video conferencing,
groupware, and SMS services etc.

BENEFITS OF NETWORKING
The benefits of networking computers and other devices include lower costs and increased productivity. With networks,
resources can be shared, which results in less duplication and corruption of data.
Fewer Peripherals Needed
Each computer on the network does not need to have its own printer,
scanner, or backup device. Multiple printers can be set up in a central
location and shared among the network users. All network users send print
jobs to a central print server that manages the print requests.
Increased Communication Capabilities
Networks provide several different collaboration tools that can be used to
communicate between network users. Online collaboration tools include
e-mail, forums and chats, voice and video, and instant messaging.
Avoid File Duplication and Corruption
A server manages network resources. Servers store data and share it with
users on a network. Confidential or sensitive data can be protected and
shared with the users who have permission to access that data. Document
tracking software can be used to prevent users from overwriting files, or
changing files that others are accessing at the same time.

Lower Cost Licensing

Application licensing can be expensive for individual computers. Many software vendors offer site licenses for networks,
which can dramatically reduce the cost of software. The site license allows a group of people or an entire organization to
use the application for a single fee.
Centralized Administration
Centralized administration reduces the number of people needed to manage the devices and data on the network,
reducing time and cost to the company. One administrator can control the data, devices, and permissions of users on the
network.
Conserve Resources
Data processing can be distributed across many computers to prevent one computer from becoming overloaded with
processing tasks. Computer Networking and conserve resources through sharing and processing data with aid of other
computers on the network.
TYPES OF NETWORK
LAN
Local Area Network (LAN) refers to a group of interconnected devices that is under the
same administrative control that governs the security and access control policies that
are in force on the network. In the past, LANs were considered to be small networks that
existed in a single physical location. Although LANs can be as small as a single local
network installed in a home or small office, over time, the definition of LANs has evolved
to include interconnected local networks consisting of many hundreds of devices,
installed in multiple buildings and locations.
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 WAN
Wide Area Networks (WANs) are networks that connect LANs in geographically
separated locations. The most common example of a WAN is the Internet. The Internet
is a large WAN that is composed of millions of interconnected LANs. ISP Internet
Service Provider (ISP) are used to interconnect these LANs at different locations.

WLAN
In a traditional LAN, devices are connected together using copper cabling. Wireless
devices are used to transmit and receive data using radio waves. These networks are
called wireless LANs, or WLANs. As with LANs, on a WLAN you can share resources,
such as files and printers, and access the Internet. Access points used to connect
wireless devices to WLAN

Some of the different networks based on size are:

In terms of purpose, many networks can be considered general purpose, which
means they are used for everything from sending files to a printer to accessing the
Internet. Some types of networks, however, serve a very particular purpose. Some
of the different networks based on their main purpose are:
• PAN - Personal Area Network
• MAN - Metropolitan Area Network
• SAN - Storage Area Network
• EPN - Enterprise Private Network
• VPN - Virtual Private Network
• CAN – Campus Area Network

Personal Area Network

A personal area network, or PAN, is a computer network organized around an
individual person within a single building. This could be inside a small office or
residence.

Metropolitan Area Network

A metropolitan area network, or MAN, consists of a computer network across an entire city, college campus or small
region. A MAN is larger than a LAN, which is typically limited to a single building or site.
Storage Area Network
This network connects servers directly to devices which store amounts of data without relying on a LAN or WAN network
to do so. This can involve another type of connection known as Fiber Channel, a system similar to Ethernet which handles
high-performance disk storage for applications on a number of professional networks.
Campus Area Network
This is a network which is larger than a LAN, but smaller than an MAN. This is typical in areas such as a university, large
school or small business. It is typically spread over a collection of buildings which are reasonably local to each other.
Private Networks
One of the benefits of networks like PAN and LAN is that they can be kept entirely private by restricting some
communications to the connections within the network. This means that those communications never go over the
Internet.
TWO (2) MAJOR FORMS OF NETWORK CONNECTIVITY IN TERMS OF SHARING FILES AND RESOURCES

Peer to Peer Network

In a peer-to-peer network, devices are connected directly to each other without any
additional networking devices between them. In this type of network, each device
has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. Individual users are responsible for
their own resources and can decide which data and devices to share.

Client and Server Network

In a client/server network, the client requests information or services from the
server. The server provides the requested information or service to the client.
Servers on a client/server network commonly perform some of the processing work
for client machines; for example, sorting through a database before delivering only
the records requested by the client. All of the data on the network is stored on a
centralized file server. Shared printers on the network are managed by a centralized
print server.

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BASIC NETWORKING CONCEPTS AND TECHNOLOGIES
As a computer technician, you will be required to configure and troubleshoot computers on a network. To effectively
configure a computer on the network, you should understand IP addressing, protocols, and other network concepts.
Bandwidth and Data Transmission
Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted within a fixed time period. When data is sent over a computer
network, it is broken up into small chunks called packets. Each packet contains headers. A header is information added to
each packet that contains the source and destination of the packet. A header also contains information that describes
how to put all of the packets back together again at the destination. The size of the bandwidth determines the amount of
information that can be transmitted
Bandwidth is measured in bits per second and is usually denoted by any of the following units of measure:
• bps – bits per second
• Kbps – kilobits per second
• Mbps – megabits per second
• Gbps – Gigabits per second

NOTE: One byte is equal to 8 bits, and is abbreviated with a capital B. One MBps is approximately 8 Mbps.

Data Transmissions
Data transmission, digital transmission or digital communications is the physical transfer of data (a digital bit stream or a
digitized analog signal over a point-to-point or point-to-multipoint communication channel. Examples of such channels
are copper wires, optical fibers, wireless communication channels, storage media and computer buses. The data are
represented as an electromagnetic signal, such as an electrical voltage, radio wave, microwave, or infrared signal.

The data that is transmitted over the network can flow using one of three modes: simplex, half-duplex, or full-duplex.

Simplex
It is also called unidirectional, is a single, one-way transmission. An example
of simplex transmission is the signal that is sent from a TV station to your
home TV.

Half-Duplex
When data flows in one direction at a time, it is known as half-duplex. With
half-duplex, the channel of communications allows alternating transmission
in two directions, but not in both directions simultaneously. Two-way
radios, such as police or emergency communications mobile radios, work
with half-duplex transmissions.

Full-Duplex
When data flows in both directions at the same time, it is known as full-
duplex. Although the data flows in both directions, the bandwidth is
measured in only one direction. A network cable with 100 Mbps in full-
duplex mode has a bandwidth of 100 Mbps. A telephone conversation is an
example of full-duplex communication. Both people can talk and be heard
at the same time. Full-duplex networking technology increases network
performance because data can be sent and received at the same time.

PHYSICAL NETWORK COMPONENTS

There are many devices that can be used in a network to provide
connectivity. The device you use will depend on how many
devices you are connecting, the type of connections that they
use, and the speed at which the devices operate.

These are the most common devices on a network:

• Computers
• Hubs
• Switches
• Bridges
• Routers
• Wireless access points

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Name, Purposes and Characteristic of Network Devices
To make data transmission more extensible and efficient than a simple peer-to-peer network, network designers use
specialized network devices, such as hubs, switches, routers, and wireless access points, to send data between devices.
Hubs
Hubs are devices that extend the range of a network by receiving data on one port,
and then regenerating the data and sending it out to all other ports. This process
means that all traffic from a device connected to the hub is sent to all the other
devices connected to the hub every time the hub transmits data.

Bridges
Files are broken up into small pieces of data, called packets, before they are
transmitted over a network. The packet, along with the address information, is called
a frame. A bridge is a type of computer network device that provides interconnection
with other bridge networks that use the same protocol. Bridge devices work at the
data link layer of the Open System Interconnect (OSI) model, connecting two
different networks together and providing communication between them.

Switches
A network switch (also called switching hub, bridging hub, officially MAC bridge is a
computer networking device that connects devices on a computer network by using
packet switching to receive, process, and forward data to the destination device. A
network switch is a small hardware device that centralizes communications among
multiple connected devices in one local area network (LAN).

Routers
Whereas a switch connects segments of a network, routers, are devices that connect
entire networks to each other. Routers use IP addresses to forward frames to other
networks. A router can be a computer with special network software installed, or a
router can be a device built by network equipment manufacturers. Routers contain
tables of IP addresses along with optimal destination routes to other networks.

Wireless Access Points

Wireless access points provide network access to wireless devices such as laptops
and PDAs. The wireless access point uses radio waves to communicate with radios in
computers, PDAs, and other wireless access points. An access point has limited range
of coverage. Large networks require several access points to provide adequate
wireless coverage.

Multipurpose Devices
There are network devices that perform more than one function. It is more
convenient to purchase and configure one device that serves all of your needs than
to purchase a separate device for each function. This is especially true for the home
user. In your home, you would purchase a multipurpose device instead of a switch, a
router, and a wireless access point.

Wireless Adapters
A wireless network adapter which 802.11a, 802.11b, or 802.11g Wi-Fi standards
allows a computing device to join a wireless LAN. Wireless network adapters contain
a built-in radio transmitter and receiver. It also comes with a USB support or NIC
(Network Interface Card) for PCI slots. Newer WiFi technologies are pocket WiFi,
USB plugins broadbands, Ipods and etc.

NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
Most of the computers that you work on will be part of a network. Topologies and architectures are building blocks for
designing a computer network. While you may not build a computer network, you need to understand how they are
designed in order to work on computers that are part of a network. There are two types of LAN topologies: physical and
logical. The two most common types of logical topologies are broadcast and token passing.
LAN TOPOLOGIES
Most of the computers that you work on will be part of a network. Topologies and architectures are building blocks for
designing a computer network. While you may not build a computer network, you need to understand how they are
designed in order to work on computers that are part of a network.
There are two types of LAN topologies: physical and logical.
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Physical Topologies
A physical topology is the physical layout of the components on the network. A logical topology determines how the hosts
communicate across a medium, such as a cable or the airwaves. Topologies are commonly represented as network
diagrams. A LAN architecture is built around a topology. LAN architecture comprises all the components that make up the
structure of a communications system. These components include the hardware, software, protocols, and sequence of
operations.

LAN Topologies
A physical topology defines the way in which computers, printers, and other devices are connected to a network. A logical
topology describes how the hosts access the medium and communicates on the network. The type of topology determines
the capabilities of the network, such as ease of setup, speed, and cable lengths.

TYPES OF PHYSICAL TOPOLOGIES

Bus Topology
In the bus topology, each computer connects to a common cable. The cable connects
one computer to the next, like a bus line going through a city. The cable has a small
cap installed at the end, called a terminator. The terminator prevents signals from
bouncing back and causing network errors.

Ring Topology
In a ring topology, hosts are connected in a physical ring or circle. Because the ring
topology has no beginning or end, the cable does not need to be terminated. A
specially-formatted frame, called a token, travels around the ring, stopping at each
host.

Star Topology
The star topology has a central connection point, which is normally a device such as a
hub, switch, or router. Each host on a network has a cable segment that attaches the
host directly to the central connection point. The advantage of a star topology is that
it is easy to troubleshoot. Each host is connected to the central device with its own
wire. If there is a problem with that cable, only that host is affected. The rest of the
network remains operational.

Tree Topology
This is a "hybrid" topology that combines characteristics of linear bus and star
topologies. In a tree network, groups of star-configured networks are connected to a
linear bus backbone cable. A Tree topology is a good choice for large computer
networks as the tree topology "divides" the whole network into parts that are more
easily manageable.

Mesh Topology
The mesh topology connects all devices to each other. When every device is
connected to every other device, a failure of any cable will not affect the network.
The mesh topology is used in WANs that interconnect LANs.

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 NETWORK CONNECTIVITY
There are many ways to connect to the Internet. Phone,
cable, satellite, and private telecommunications companies
offer Internet connections for businesses and home use.
Most Internet connections were analog modems that used
the "plain old telephone system" (POTS) to send and receive
data. In recent years, many businesses and home users have
switched to high-speed Internet connections. The additional
bandwidth allows for transmission of voice and video as well
as data.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF NETWORK CONNECTIVITY

Analog Telephone
This technology uses standard voice telephone lines. This type of service uses a
modem to place a telephone call to another modem at a remote site, such as an
Internet Service provider. There are two major disadvantages of using the phone line
with an analog modem. The first is that the telephone line cannot be used for voice
calls while the modem is in use. The second is the limited bandwidth provided by
analog phone service. The maximum bandwidth using an analog modem is 56 Kbps,
but in reality, it is usually much lower than that. An analog modem is not a good
solution for the demands of busy networks.

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

The next advancement in WAN service is ISDN. ISDN is a standard for sending voice,
video, and data over normal telephone wires. ISDN technology uses the telephone
wires as an analog telephone service. However, ISDN uses digital technology to carry
the data. Because it uses digital technology, ISDN provides higher-quality voice and
higher-speed data transfer than traditional analog telephone service.

BROADBAND TECHNOLOGIES
Broadband is a technique used to transmit and receive multiple signals using multiple frequencies over one cable. The
term broadband commonly refers to high-speed Internet access that is always on and faster than the traditional dial-up
access. Broadband includes several high-speed transmission technologies such as: Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) , Cable
Modem, Fiber, Wireless, Satellite and Broadband over Power lines (BPL)

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

DSL is an "always-on" technology. “Always on” means that there is no need to dial up
each time to connect to the Internet. DSL uses the existing copper telephone lines to
provide high-speed digital data communication between end users and telephone
companies. Unlike ISDN, where the digital data communications replace the analog
voice communications, DSL shares the telephone wire with analog signals. The
telephone company limits the bandwidth of the analog voice on the lines.

The following are types of DSL transmission technologies:

• Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) – Used primarily by residential customers, such as Internet surfers,
who receive a lot of data but do not send much. ADSL typically provides faster speed in the downstream direction
than the upstream direction.
• Symmetrical Digital Subscriber Line (SDSL) – Used typically by businesses for services such as video conferencing,
which need significant bandwidth both upstream and downstream.
Power Line Communication (PLC)/Broadband over Power Line (BPL)
Power line communication (PLC) is a communication method that uses
power distribution wires (local electric grid) to send and receive data.
PLC is known by other names such as, Power Line Networking (PLN),
Mains Communication and Power Line Telecoms (PLT). With PLC, an
electric company can superimpose an analog signal over the standard
50 or 60 Hz AC that travels in power lines. The analog signal can carry
voice and data signals.

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 Cable Modem
Cable modem service enables cable operators to provide broadband using the
same coaxial cables that deliver pictures and sound to your TV set. Most cable
modems are external devices that have two connections: one to the cable wall
outlet, the other to a computer. They provide transmission speeds of 1.5 Mbps or
more. Subscribers can access their cable modem service by simply turning on their
computers, without dialing-up an ISP.

Fiber Optic Technology

Fiber optic technology converts electrical signals carrying data to light and sends
the light through transparent glass fibers about the diameter of a human hair.
Fiber transmits data at speeds far exceeding current DSL or cable modem speeds,
typically by tens or even hundreds of Mbps. Fiber providing your broadband can
also simultaneously deliver voice (VoIP) and video services, including video-on-
demand

Wireless
Wireless broadband connects a home or business to the Internet using a radio link
between the customer’s location and the service provider’s facility. Wireless
technologies using longer-range directional equipment provide broadband
service in remote or sparsely populated areas where DSL or cable modem service
would be costly to provide. An external antenna is usually required. Wireless
broadband Internet access services offered over fixed networks allow consumers
to access the Internet from a fixed point while stationary and often require a
direct line-of-sight between the wireless transmitter and receiver.

Satellite
Just as satellites orbiting the earth provide necessary links for telephone and
television service, they can also provide links for broadband. Satellite broadband
is another form of wireless broadband, and is also useful for serving remote or
sparsely populated areas. Downstream and upstream speeds for satellite
broadband depend on several factors, including the provider and service package
purchased, the consumer’s line of sight to the orbiting satellite, and the weather.
Typically a consumer can expect to receive (download) at a speed of about 500
Kbps and send (upload) at a speed of about 80 Kbps.

White Space
White Space refers to the unused broadcasting frequencies in the wireless
spectrum. Television networks leave gaps between channels for buffering
purposes, and this space in the wireless spectrum is similar to what is used for
4G and so it can be used to deliver widespread broadband internet.

Website References:
https://www.techopedia.com/definition/25597/computer-network
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Data_transmission
https://www.fcc.gov/general/types-broadband-connections
http://www.certiology.com/computing/computer-networking/types-of-networks.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_spaces_(radio)

Adapted and Compiled from:

CCNA IT Essential, “PC Hardware and Software” version 4.0, Cisco Networking Academy
CCNA Discovery 1, “Networking for Home and Small Businesses”, Cisco Networking Academy
CCNA Discovery 2, “Working at a Small-to-Medium Business of ISP”, Cisco Networking Academy
CCNA Exploration 1, “Network Fundamentals”, Cisco Networking Academy
Cisco Networking Academy Program, CCNA 1 and 2 Companion Guide, Cisco Press