Detailed Note on Network Basics
A network is a system of technologies that connect computers and other devices,
enabling communication, resource sharing, and collaboration. Networks are fundamental
to modern computing, supporting various applications from personal communication to
large-scale enterprise operations.
Key Uses of a Network
. Data Sharing:
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○ Shared files stored on servers allow simultaneous access by multiple users.
○ Access can be restricted or limited based on user roles.
. Software Sharing:
○ Networks support the use of site licenses or network versions of
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applications.
○ Application servers enable centralized access to software.
. Peripheral Device Sharing:
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○ Devices like printers and faxes are shared to reduce costs per user.
○ Print servers manage and prioritize print jobs in a network environment.
. Communication:
○ Networks facilitate personal and group communication via:
◆ Email
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◆ Teleconferencing and videoconferencing
◆ Voice over IP (VoIP), enabling phone calls over the network.
. Data Backup:
○ Centralized backup simplifies the process and ensures data safety by
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creating copies in removable media or secure locations.
Common Network Types
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. Local Area Network (LAN):
○ Covers a small geographic area like a single office or building.
○ Includes printers, servers, and computers in close proximity.
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. Wide Area Network (WAN):
○ Connects multiple LANs over large geographic areas.
○ Utilizes public or leased lines (e.g., phone lines, satellite links).
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○ The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.
. Hybrid Networks:
○ Campus Area Network (CAN): Connects LANs within a single organization
over a large campus.
○ Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Links different organizations across a
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city or region, often managed by a provider.
○ Home Area Network (HAN): Found in residential settings to connect
personal devices and entertainment systems.
○ Personal Area Network (PAN): Covers very short distances (e.g., Bluetooth
between a smartphone and a smartwatch).
Network Structures
. Server-Based Network:
○ Centralized servers control access to resources and data.
○ Users must log in to access network services.
○ Server reliability is critical for the network's functionality.
. Client/Server Network:
○ Combines roles of nodes (clients) and servers, where servers manage
access and data security.
○ Common in organizations for database and application access.
. Peer-to-Peer Network (P2P):
○ Nodes (computers) are equal and directly share resources.
○ Simple to set up but lacks centralized control.
Network Topologies
. Bus Topology:
○ Single cable connects all nodes; a terminator ends the cable.
○ Advantages: Simple and cost-effective.
○ Disadvantages: Prone to network crashes and limited scalability.
. Star Topology:
○ All nodes connect to a central hub.
○ Advantages: Easy to set up; a single cable failure doesn’t disrupt the
network.
○ Disadvantages: Hub failure brings the entire network down.
. Ring Topology:
○ Nodes are connected in a circular format using tokens for communication.
○ Advantages: Predictable data transmission time, no collisions.
○ Disadvantages: Slow and challenging to troubleshoot.
. Mesh Topology:
○ Every node connects to every other node.
○ Advantages: Highly reliable, no single point of failure.
○ Disadvantages: Expensive and complex to maintain.
Network Media
. Wire-Based Media:
○ Twisted-Pair Cabling (Cat5/Cat6): Common in LANs; supports speeds
from 1 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
○ Coaxial Cable: Shielded cable with up to 10 Mbps; nearly obsolete.
○ Fiber-Optic Cable: Uses light for data transmission, immune to
interference, and supports up to 100 Gbps.
. Wireless Media:
○ Uses radio waves for LANs and microwave signals for WANs.
○ Easy to set up but more challenging to secure compared to wired media.
Network Hardware
. Hubs:
○ Central point for a star topology; broadcasts data to all nodes, making it
slower and less secure.
. Switches:
○ Advanced replacement for hubs; sends data only to the intended recipient
node, improving speed and security.
. Bridges:
○ Connect multiple LANs based on MAC addresses, segmenting networks to
reduce traffic.
. Routers:
○ Connects multiple LANs and routes data based on IP addresses.
○ Essential for connecting internal networks to the Internet.
. Gateways:
○ Link networks using different protocols, such as converting coaxial signals
to twisted-pair.
Network Protocols
. TCP/IP:
○ The most widely used protocol suite, essential for Internet communication.
○ Defines packet structure, error correction, and collision handling.
. Other Protocols:
○ IPX/SPX: Used in older Novell NetWare systems.
○ NetBEUI: A simple protocol used in early Windows networks.
○ Token Ring: Often found in manufacturing and finance industries.
