Basic Network Concepts

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 Overview
• Introduction to networks.
• Need for networks.
• Classification of networks.

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 Introduction to Networks
• A network is a connection of two or more entities
or objects sharing resources and information. or
• A computer network is a connection of two or
more computing devices sharing resources and
information.
• The network becomes a powerful tool when
computers communicate and share resources
with other computers on the same network or
entirely distinct networks.
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 Introduction to Networks
• Computers on a network can act as a client or
a server.
• A client is a computer that requests for
resources.
• A server is a computer that controls and
provides access to resources.

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 Need for Networks
• A computer that operates independently from
other computers is called a stand-alone
computer.
• The process of printing or transferring data
from one system to another using various
storage devices is called sneakernet.

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 Need/Advantages for Networks
1. Enhance communication.
2. Share resources.
3. Facilitate centralized management.
4. Information Sharing: Easy accessibility from
anywhere (files, databases), Search Capability
(WWW).
5. Remote computing
6. Distributed processing (GRID Computing)

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 1.Enhance Communication
• Computer networks use electronic mail (e-
mail) as the choice for most of the
communication.
• By using networks, information can be sent to
a larger audience in an extremely fast and
efficient manner.

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 2.Share Resources

• A copy of data or application stored at a single

central location is shared over a network.

• Computer peripheral devices, referred to as

additional components, can be attached to a

computer and be shared in a network.

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 Share Resources
• Peripheral devices include faxes, modems,
scanners, plotters, and any other device that
connects to the computers.
• Equipments having common requirements can
be shared in order to reduce maintenance
cost.

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 Share Resources
• Important data can also be stored centrally to
make it accessible to users, thereby saving
storage space on individual computers.
• Computer applications, which take up a
considerable amount of storage space, can be
installed centrally on the network, saving
storage space.

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 3.Facilitate Centralized
Management
• Networks are used to assist in management
tasks associated with their own operation and
maintenance.
• Using networks results in increased efficiency
and a resultant reduction in maintenance
costs.

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Facilitate Centralized Management
Software:
– Software is a set of instructions or programs that
control the operation of a computer.
– Software can be installed at a central location
using servers, where the installation files are
made accessible over the network.

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 4.Information Sharing
– Easy accessibility from anywhere (files,
databases)
– Search Capability (WWW)

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 5.Remote computing
• Remote access - The ability to log onto a
network from a distant location

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6.Distributed processing (Grid computing)
• is the collection of computer resources from
multiple locations to reach a common goal.
The grid can be thought of as a distributed
system with non-interactive workloads that
involve a large number of files.

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 The Disadvantages (Costs) of Networking

• Network Hardware, Software and Setup Costs

• Hardware and Software Management and
Administration Costs
• Undesirable Sharing
• Illegal or Undesirable Behavior
• Data Security Concerns
 Classification of Networks
i. Classification by network geography.
ii. Classification by component roles.

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 i. Classification by Network
Geography
• Networks are frequently classified according
to the geographical boundaries spanned by
the network itself.
• LAN, WAN, and MAN are the basic types of
classification, of which LAN and WAN are
frequently used.

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 Classification by Network
Geography
Local area network (LAN):
– A LAN covers a relatively small area such as a
classroom, school, or a single building.
– LANs are inexpensive to install and also provide
higher speeds.

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Classification by Network
Geography
Client Client

Client Client

Client Client

Local area network

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 Classification by Network Geography
Metropolitan area network (MAN):
– A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network that
interconnects users with computer resources in a
geographic area or region larger than that covered by
even a large local area network (LAN) but smaller than
the area covered by a wide area network (WAN).
– The term is applied to the interconnection of networks
in a city into a single larger network (which may then
also offer efficient connection to a wide area network). It
is also used to mean the interconnection of several local
area networks by bridging them with backbone lines.
The latter usage is also sometimes referred to as a
campus network. 21
 Classification by Network Geography
Metropolitan area network (MAN):
– A MAN spans the distance of a typical metropolitan city.
– The cost of installation and operation is higher.
– MANs use high-speed connections such as fiber optics to
achieve higher speeds.

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Classification by Network Geography

Metropolitan area network

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 Classification by Network Geography
Wide area network (WAN):
– WANs span a larger area than a single city.
– These use long distance telecommunication
networks for connection, thereby increasing the
cost.
– The Internet is a good example of a WAN.

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Classification by Network
Geography

Wide area network

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 ii. Classification by Component
Roles
• Networks can also be classified according to
the roles that the networked computers play
in the network’s operation.
• Peer-to-peer, server-based, and client-based
are the types of roles into which networks are
classified.

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 Classification by Component Roles
Peer-to-peer:
– In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are
considered equal.
– Each computer controls its own information and
is capable of functioning as either a client or a
server depending upon the requirement.
– Peer-to-peer networks are inexpensive and easy
to install.
– They are popular as home networks and for use
in small companies.
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Classification by Component Roles
Peer-to-peer (continued):
– Most operating systems come with built-in peer-
to-peer networking capability.
– The maximum number of peers that can operate
on a peer-to-peer network is ten.
– Each peer shares resources and allows others
open access to them.

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Classification by Component Roles
Peer-to-peer (continued):
– Peer-to-peer networks become difficult to manage
when more security is added to resources, since
the users control their security by password-
protecting shares.
– Shares can be document folders, printers,
peripherals, and any other resource that they
control on their computers.

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Classification by Component Roles

Peer-to-peer network

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Classification by Component Roles
Server-based:
– A server-based network offers centralized control
and is designed for secure operations.
– In a server-based network, a dedicated server
controls the network.

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Classification by Component Roles
Server-based (continued):
– A dedicated server is one that services the
network by storing data, applications, resources,
and also provides access to resources required by
the client.
– These servers can also control the network’s
security from one centralized location or share it
with other specially configured servers.

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Classification by Component Roles

Server-based network

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Classification by Component Roles
Client-based:
– Client-based network servers process requests
from clients and return just the results.
– These networks take advantage of the powerful
processing capabilities of both the client and the
server.
– Application servers and communications servers
are examples of client-based networks.

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Classification by Component Roles

Client-based network
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 Summary
• A network consists of two or more entities
sharing resources and information.
• A computer network consists of two or more
computers that are connected and are able to
communicate.

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 Summary
• The basic purpose of networks is to enable
effective communication, share resources, and
facilitate centralized management of data.
• Networks can be classified according to their
geographical boundaries or their component
roles.

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