Chapter 2:
Introduction To
Computer
Networks
Associated Prof.
Mohamed Abdelraheem
What is Networks ?
The term "network" is defined in the dictionary as "a group or system of
interconnected individuals or objects."
In the realm of computers, a network refers to the connection of two or
more computers that can exchange resources like data and applications,
office equipment, an internet connection, or a combination of these
elements
Local Area Networks
The term "Local Area Network" is
commonly used to describe a network
that is limited to a specific
geographical area, such as an office
building, a single department in a
corporate office, or a home office.
LAN
• In the past, there were limitations on the number of workstations that could be
connected to a LAN and a restriction In the distances between nodes.
• However, due to technological advancements, these limitations have been
overcome, and now we have more flexibility in terms of the size and span of a
LAN.
• It is still recommended to divide a large LAN into smaller workgroups for easier
administration.
LAN
In a business setting, it is recommended to organize workgroups within a
LAN based on department divisions. This means having separate
workgroups for Accounting, Sales, and Marketing. This helps with efficient
administration and coordination within the LAN.
LAN
In the previous network, the two LANs are physical separated, such that
user in one LAN cannot access resources in the other.
We may solve this problem by connecting the two LANs via Router
Wide Area Network (WAN)
• WANs are networks that connect large areas and different locations.
• They are different from LANs because they usually need a router, span
larger areas, and can be slower.
• WANs can use private or public data transport media like phone lines.
• The Internet is an example of a distributed WAN, made up of
interconnected computers in different places.
• Routers are devices that make internetworks possible, allowing LANs
to access WAN resources.
Personal Area Network (PAN)
• For close proximity connections there are
PANs, or personal area networks. These are
seen with smar tphones and laptops in a
conference room where local connections are
used to collaborate and send data between
devices.
• PAN can use a wired connection such as
Ethernet or USB, it is more common that
shor t distance wireless connections are used
such as Bluetooth, infrared, or ZigBee
Network Architecture Peer-to- Peer or
Client-Server?
Peer to Peer Network:
In a peer-to-peer network, all the computers are equal and there is
no central authority. Each computer has the power to check access
rights for resources it has.
Client Server Network
• Client-server networks are very different from peer -to-peer networks.
• In client-server networks, there is a main server that manages the whole
network. When a client machine wants something, it asks the server for it
instead of directly asking the machine that has it
• This has some advantages like better organization, easier access to files,
improved security.
2.5. Physical Network Topologies
• The physical topology shows where devices are located and how cables
are arranged. The logical topology shows how data moves through the
network.
• Sometimes, the physical and logical topologies can be different. The
physical topology is like a map of the land, while the logical topology
shows how data moves through that layout
BUS Topology
Some of the benefits of using a bus topology are that
it’s easy to install and it’s not very expensive, partly
because it doesn’ t require as much cable as the other
types of physical topologies
drawbacks: For instance, it’s hard to troubleshoot,
change, or move, and it really doesn’ t offer much in
the way of fault tolerance because everything is
connected to that single cable. This means that any
fault in the cable would basically bring the whole
network down
Star Topology
In a star topology, computers are
connected to a central point using
their own cables or wireless
connections.
This central point is usually a hub,
switch, or access point.
Star Network Advantages and disadvantages
• The advantages: easy addition or movement of stations and the
ability to troubleshoot easily
• The disadvantages include higher installation costs and a single point
of failure.
Mesh Topology
In this type of network setup, every machine is connected to every other
machine. This is called a mesh topology and it has the most physical
connections per device.
Mesh Network
Ju s t remember th at for it to be a tru e mes h topology, all devices mu s t be con n ected
to each oth er. It can be qu ite complicated wh ere ju s t fou r con n ection s make th in gs
complex.
You can clearly s ee th at ever yth in g gets more an d more complex as both th e wirin g
an d th e con n ections mu ltiply.
For each n location s or h os ts , you en d u p with n(n–1)/ 2 con n ections . Th is mean s
th at in a n etwork con s is ting of on ly fou r compu ters , you h ave 4(4 –1 )/ 2 , or 6
con n ection s .
For a n etwork of 10 compu ters , you’ll th en h ave a wh oppin g 45 con n ections to cope
with ! Th at ’s a h u ge amou n t of overh ead, s o on ly s mall n etworks can really u s e th is
topology an d man age it well
