Computer Network
A computer network is a group of two or more computers that are connected to each other to share data,
information and resources, and communicate electronically.
Key Components of a Computer Network
A computer network is made up of two main parts: devices (called nodes) and connections
(called links).
The links connect the devices to each other.
The rules for how these connections send information are called communication protocols.
The starting and ending points of these communications are often called ports.
Goals of Computer Networking
Programs do not have to execute on a single system because of resource and load sharing
Reduced costs – Multiple machines can share printers, tape drives, and other peripherals
Reliability – If one machine fails, another can take its place
Scalability (it’s simple to add more processors or computers)
Communication and mail (people living apart can work together)
Information Access (remote information access, access to the internet, e-mail, video conferencing,
and online shopping)
Entertainment that is interactive (online games, videos, etc.)
Social Networking
Types of Computer Networks
There are five main types of Computer Networks:
1. LAN (Local Area Network) –
Systems connected in a small network like in a building or a small office
It is inexpensive
It uses Ethernet or Token-ring technology
Two or more personal computers can be connected through wires or cables acting as
nodes
Transfer of data is fast and is highly score
2. PAN (Personal Area Network) –
The smallest computer network
Devices may be connected through Bluetooth or other infra-red enables devices
It has a connectivity range of upto 10 metres
It covers an area of upto 30 feet
Personal devices belonging to a single person can be connected to each other using PAN
3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) –
A network that can be connected within a city, for example, cable TV Connection
It can be in the form of Ethernet, ATM, Token-ring and FDDI
It has a higher range
This type of network can be used to connect citizens with the various Organisations
4. WAN (Wide Area Network) –
A network which covers over a country or a larger range of people
Telephonic lines are also connected through WAN
Internet is the biggest WAN in the world
Mostly used by Government Organisations to manage data and information
Network Devices
Discussed below are a few important network devices from the exam point of view:
Network Repeater – Used to generate incoming electrical, wireless or optical signals
Network Hub – It is a small network device. It joins multiple computers together to form a single
network segment. On this segment, all computers can interact with each other
Network Switch – It is a small hardware device which joins multiple computers together with a
single LAN
Network Router – This device interfaces in multiple networks whose task is to copy packages
from one network to another. It provides connectivity inside enterprises, between Enterprises and
the Internet and within an ISP
Network Bridge – It reads the outermost section of the data packet to tell where the message is
going. It reduces the traffic on other network segments.
Modem – This device converts digital signals into analog signals. It is always placed between a
telephone and a computer system
What is Network Topology?
The structure of the network and how each component is connected to the others are defined by
the network topology. Different types of network topology are mentioned below:
Bus Topology
Ring Topology
Star Topology
Mesh Topology
Tree Topology
Bus Topology
Every computer and network device is connected to a single cable in a bus topology network.
Linear Bus topology is defined as having exactly two terminals.
Advantages
Installation is simple
Compared to mesh, star, and tree topologies, the bus utilizes less cabling
Disadvantages
Difficulty in reconfiguring and isolating faults
A bus cable malfunction or break interrupts all communication
Ring Topology
The topology is named ring topology because one computer is connected to another, with the
final one being connected to the first. Exactly two neighbors for each device. A signal is
passed along the ring in one direction. Each ring incorporates a repeater.
Advantages
Data transmission is relatively straightforward because packets only move in one direction
There is no requirement for a central controller to manage communication between nodes
Easy installation & Reconfiguration
Simplified Faulty connections
Disadvantages
In a Unidirectional Ring, a data packet must traverse through all nodes
All computers must be turned on in order for them to connect with one another
For more, you can refer to the Advantages and Disadvantages of Ring Topology.
Star Topology
Each device in a star topology has a dedicated point-to-point link to a central controller, which
is commonly referred to as the HUB. There is no direct connection between the devices.
Traffic between the devices is not allowed in this topology. As an exchange, the controller is
used.
Advantages
When attaching or disconnecting devices, there are no network interruptions
It’s simple to set up and configure
Identifying and isolating faults is simple
Less Expensive than mesh
Easy to install & configure
Disadvantages
Nodes attached to the hub, switch, or concentrator is failed if they fail
Because of the expense of the hubs, it is more expensive than linear bus topologies
More cable is required compared to a bus or ring
Too much dependency on Hub
Example: Used in high-speed LANs
Mesh Topology
Every device in a mesh topology has dedicated point-to-point connectivity to every other
device. The term “dedicated” refers to the fact that the link exclusively transports data between
the two devices it links. To connect n devices, a fully connected mesh network contains n *(n-
1)/2 physical channels.
Advantages
Data can be sent from multiple devices at the same time. This topology can handle a lot of
traffic.
Even if one of the connections fails, a backup is always available. As a result, data transit is
unaffected.
Physical boundaries prevent other users from gaining access to messages.
Point to Point links make fault transmission & fault isolation easy.
Disadvantages
The amount of cabling and the number of I/O ports that are necessary.
The sheer bulk of wiring can be greater than the available space can accommodate.
It is difficult to install and reconfigure.
Example: connection of telephone regional office in which each regional office needs to be
connected to every other regional office.
Tree Topology
The topology of a tree is similar to that of a star. Nodes in a tree, like those in a star, are
connected to a central hub that manages network traffic. It has a root node, which is connected
to all other nodes, producing a hierarchy. Hierarchical topology is another name for it. The
number of Star networks is connected via Bus in Tree Topology.
Advantages
Network expansion is both possible and simple.
We partition the entire network into pieces (star networks) that are easier to manage and
maintain.
Other segments are unaffected if one segment is damaged.
Disadvantages
Tree topology relies largely on the main bus cable because of its basic structure, and if it
fails, the entire network is handicapped.
Maintenance becomes more challenging when more nodes and segments are added.
