Introduction to Computer Networks
Introduction to Networks
The collection of interconnected computers is called a computer
network. Two computers are said to be interconnected if they are
capable of sharing and exchanging information.
Need of Computer Network
Resource Sharing :- Resource Sharing means to make all
programs, data and peripherals available to anyone on the
network irrespective of the physical location of the resources and
the user.
Reliability :- Reliability means to keep the copy of a file on two or
more different machines, so if one of them is unavailable (due to
some hardware crash or any other) them its other copy can be
used.
Cost Factor :- Cost factor means it greatly reduces the cost since the
resources can be shared.
Application of Computer
Networks
1. Sharing of data, services and resources
2. Access to remote database
3. Communication facilities
4. Time saving
Elementary Terminology of Networks :-
1. Nodes (Workstations):- The term nodes refer to the
computers that are attached to a network and are seeking to
share the resources.
Server:- A computer that facilitates the sharing of data, software
and hardware resources on the network.
MAC Address: A (Media access Control) address is a hardware
identification number that uniquely identifies each device on a
network (assigned to a NIC by the manufacturer).
IP Address: Each computer on internet is identified by a unique
number called IP Address. E.g: 192.168.1.1
Types of Computer Networks
LAN (Local Area Network): A Local Area Network (LAN) is a
network that is limited to a relatively small area. It is generally
limited to a geographic area such as a school building, office or
a university campus. It is generally privately owned networks
over a distance not more than 5 Km. e.g. network in a
college, school, hospital etc.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): MAN is the networks
that cover a group of nearby corporate offices or a city and might
be either private or public. E.g. Cable TV Network in a city.
WAN (Wide Area Network): These are the networks spread
over large distances, say across countries or even continents
through cabling or satellite uplinks are called WAN. E.g.
Internet
PAN (Personal Area Network): A PAN is a network of
communicating devices (Computer, Phone, MP3/MP4 Player,
Camera etc.) organized around an individual person. A PAN
can be set up using guided media (USB cable) or unguided
media (Bluetooth, Infrared).
Network Devices
1. Modem:-A modem (modulator/demodulator) is a
hardware device that allows a computer to send and receive
information over telephone lines. When sending a signal, the
modem converts (modulates) digital data to an analog signal and
transmit it over a telephone line. Similarly when an analog
signal is received, the modem converts it back (demodulates)
to a digital signal.
2. Hub :- A Hub is an electronic device that connects several
computers together to form a network and redirects the received
information to all the connected nodes in broadcast mode. The
computer(s) for which the information is intended receive(s) this
information and accept(s) it. Other computers on the network
simply reject this information.
Example of how a hub works is shown
below. Computer A wants to send a message to computer B.
It sends the message through the Ethernet cable to the
hub, then the hub repeats the message to all of the
connected computers.
Types of Hub-
Passive Hub: This type of does not amplify or boost the
signal. It does not manipulate or view the traffic that crosses
it.
Active Hub: It amplifies the incoming signal before passing it to
the other ports.
3. Switch :- A switch is a network device which is used to
interconnect computers or devices on a network. It filters and
forwards data packets across a network. The main difference
between hub and switch is that hub replicates what it receives
on one port onto all the other ports while switch keeps a record
of the MAC addresses of the devices attached to it and
forwards data packets onto the ports for which it is addressed
across a network, that’s why switch is intelligent Hub.
Diagram of A 4-Port Switch
Example of how a switch works is shown below. Using a
switch, computer A sends a message to computer B—the other
computers do not see the message. Those computers can
send other messages at the same
time without
interfering.
4. Repeater :- A Repeater is a device that is used to amplify and
regenerate a signal which is on its way through a
communication channel. A repeater regenerates the received
signal and re-transmits it to its destination.
5. Router :- A device that forwards data packets from one
network to another by finding the shortest route, based on an
internal routing table and the address of the destination
network in the incoming packet, the router determines whether
to send the packet out (in other network) or keep it or forward
within the own network.
Gateway :- A gateway is a device that connects dissimilar networks
(Networks with different software and hardware configurations
and with different transmission protocol).
Network Topologies
Topology means the way by which a network is formed.
1.Bus Topology
Bus Topology :-Bus topology is a topology for a Local
Area Network (LAN) in which all the nodes are connected to a
single cable. The starting and ending point of cable is called
terminator.
ADVANTAGES
It is easy to install.
It requires less cable length and hence it is cost effective.
Failure of a node does not affect the network.
DISADVANTAGES
In case of cable or terminator fault, the entire network
breaks down.
Not suitable for large number of computers.
At a time only one node can transmit data.
The STAR Topology: -
A STAR topology is based on a central node which acts as a
hub. In star topology each node is directly connected to a
Hub/Switch.
Advantages:
Easy to troubleshoot
A single node failure does not affect the entire network.
Fault detection and removal of faulty parts is easier.
In case a workstation fails, the network is not affected.
Disadvantages:-
Difficult to expand.
Longer cable is required.
The cost of the hub and the longer cables makes it
expensive over others.
In case hub fails, the entire network stop working.
TREE Topology
Tree topology is a combination of bus and star topologies. It is used
to combine multiple star topology networks. All the stars are
connected together like a bus.
Features of Tree Topology
Ideal if workstations are located in groups.
Used in Wide Area Network.
Advantages of Tree Topology
Extension of bus and star topologies.
Expansion of nodes is possible and easy.
Easily managed and maintained.
Error detection is easily done
Disadvantages of Tree Topology
Heavily cabled.
Costly.
If more nodes are added maintenance is difficult.
Central hub fails, network fails.
Mesh Topology :-
Mesh topology is a group of nodes which are all connected to
each other and many types of connections are possible in a
mesh topology.
Advantage of Mesh Topology
The arrangement of the network nodes is such that it is
possible to transmit data from one node to many other
nodes at the same time.
Fault is diagnosed easily.
Disadvantage of Mesh Topology
Installation and configuration is difficult.
Cabling cost is more.
Bulk wiring is required.
