NETWORKS

1. Introduction to Networks

2. Learning Outcomes: The students should be able to:

a. Define the meaning of computer networks

b. List benefits of computer networks
c. List the devices needed in a compuer networks

3. Knowledge and Skills:

a. Gather information
b. Write report
c. Present report
4. Activities
a. Define the meaning of network and computer
networks.
b. Discuss the benefits of computer networks:
-sharing devices
-sharing data and information
-sharing internet access
c. showing actual examples of network in the computer
lab

5. Module Summary: At the end of the module, student should be

able to ..

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7.1.1 NETWORKS DEFINITION

A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to

share resources (such as printers and CD-ROMs), exchange files, and
allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be
linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites or infrared
light beams.

7.1.2 BENEFITS OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

File Sharing - Network file sharing between computers gives you more
flexibility rather than using floppy drives or Zip drives. you can use the
network to save copies of your important data on a different computer,
examples share photos, music files and documents.

Sharing Devices. Sharing devices is another benefit in which a network

exceeds stand-alone computers. For example laser printers, fax
machines, modems, scanners and CD-ROM players, when these
peripherals are added to a network, they can be shared by many users.

Sharing Internet Access. In computer network, students can access

the internet simultaneously.
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Speed. Using a network is faster way for sharing and transferring files.
Without a network, files are shared by copying them to floppy disk.
Cost. Networkable versions of many popular software programmes are
available at considerable savings compared to buying individual licensed
copies. Its allows easier upgrading of the program.
Security. Files and programmes on a network are more secure as the
users do not have to worry about illegal copying of programmes.
Passwords can be applied for specific directories to restrict access to
unauthorized users.

Centralized Software Management. One of the greatest benefits of

installing a school network is the fact that all of the software can be
loaded on one computer (the server). This saves time and energy when
installing updates and tracking files.

Electronic Mail. A network that provides the hardware necessary to

install an e-mail system. E-mails help in personal and professional
communication for all school personnel as it enables the spread of
general information to the entire school staff. Example, electronic mail on
LAN (Local Area Network) enables students to communicate with
teachers and peers at their own school when connected to the Internet,
it enables users to communicate with others.

Flexible Access. School networks allow students to access their files

from computers throughout the school. Some schools provide public
access to students to begin an assignment in the computer lab and save
then access the file when they are at a cyber caf or home.

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7.1.3 DEVICES NEEDED IN A COMPUTER NETWORK
Devices Needed in Computer Networks.

Hub
A central device that provides a common connection point for nodes on a
network.

Network Interface Card

A NIC (network interface card) is a piece of computer hardware designed
to allow computers to communicate over a computer network.

Router
A device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is
connected to at least, two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a
LAN and its ISPs network.

Connector
Short for Registered Jack-45, an eight-wire connector used commonly to
connect computers onto a local-area network (LAN), especially
Ethernets. RJ-45 connectors look similar to RJ-11 connectors used for

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connecting telephone equipment.

Modem
Short for modulator-demodulator. A modem is a device or program that
enables a computer to transmit data over telephone or cable lines.
Computer information are stored digitally, whereas information
transmitted over telephone lines are transmitted in a form of analogue
waves. A modem converts between these two forms.

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7.2.1 : LIST TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS
LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)

Local Area Network are groups of computers and network devices

connected together, usually within the same building. The simplest form
of LAN is to connect two computers together.

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METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN)
MAN is a network that interconnect users with computer resources in a
geographic area or region larger than that covered by a local area
network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by wide area network
(WAN).

WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)

Wide Area Network is defined as a group of computers and network
devices connected across a large physical areas such as states or
countries. Computers connected to a Wide Area Network are often
connected through the telephone system. They can also be connected
through leased lines or satellites. The largest WAN in existence is the
Internet.

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7.2.2 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

Criteria LAN MAN WAN

Cost Low High Higher
Network Size Small Larger Largest
Speed Fastest Faster Fast
Transmission Media Twisted-Pair Twisted-Pair and Fibre-Optic,
Type Fibre-Optic radio wave and
satellite
Number of computer Smallest Large Largest

NETWORK TOPOLOGY

Now, imagine replacing the dinner table as your

network, and the chairs are your computers. How
would you like your network to be? How would
you arrange the computers?

In networking terms, the structure you are

planning to connect the computers to, is called
network topology.

Network topology is also

referred to as the configuration
of a network.

It usually refers to the physical

arrangement of the computers
and other networking devices
that are linked together.
It defines how nodes are connected to one
another in a communication network. A network
topology must show the nodes and the links
between them. The nodes must be an active
device connected to the network, such as a computer, printer, hub or a
router.
To see a network topology clearly, always apply it on a Local Area
Network (LAN). According to the needs, there are three main types of

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network topology. They are bus topology, star topology and ring
topology.

At the most basic level, a computer network consists of at least two

computers connected by a communication link, such as a physical cable.
One of the computer on a network acts as a server while the other as a
client.

Bus Topology

Sta
r
Topology

Ring Topology

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 1. BUS TOPOLOGY

In communications technology, you think of a

bus as a common highway on which data is
transmitted. A bus refers to the main physical
pathway or central cable where all other
devices are connected to it. Like a major
motor highway, all traffic flow will be affected if
this main road is broken.

- Each computer or server is connected

to the single bus cable

- A terminator is required at each end

of the bus cable to prevent the signal

from bouncing back and forth on the bus cable.

- A signal from the source travels in both directions to all machines

connected on the bus cable until it finds IP address on the network

that is the intended recipient.

A bus topology consists of a single central cable to which all computers

and other devices connect. A bus topology is also known as a bus
network.

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DESCRIPTION OF BUS
TOPOLOGY
Bus networks are very common in
Local Area Networks (LAN). A bus
network must have a common
backbone (the central cable) to
connect all devices.

All nodes share the backbone to

communicate with each other on the
network. Sometimes, a bus network
has more than one server. Sometimes, a server is not needed on the
network.

DEPENDENCE OF A BUS TOPOLOGY

If one of the nodes fails, the bus network would still function as long as
the backbone is working. If the backbone fails, the network will fail to
function.

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 Diagram:
This is where to get IP address for a
computer

ADVANTAGES OF BUS TOPOLOGY

Easy implementation. New devices can be added to the backbone
or to the existing nodes.
Failure of a node doesn't affect the entire LAN.
No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing
devices.
Network can easily be extended, by adding new devices to the
backbone or existing nodes.
It consists of only one wire, it is rather inexpensive to implement
when compare to other topologies

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DISADVANTAGES OF BUS TOPOLOGY
If the backbone fails, the entire bus network will be affected.
Network speed decreases when the number of nodes increases.
Troubleshooting is difficult when one of the nodes fails.

2. RING TOPOLOGY

A ring topology consists of all computers and

other devices that are connected in a loop.
Ring topology is also known as a ring
network.

A ring network can be found in Local Area

Networks. In a ring network each node
directly connect to two neighbouring nodes.
A server may exist in a ring network, but it will
not connect to all the nodes
in the network.

The server, like other nodes,

will only communicate to its
two neighbouring nodes.

- Each computer is

connected to the network in a closed loop or ring

- Each computer has a unique address that is used for

identification purposes.

- The signal passes through each machine or

computer connected to the ring in one direction.

- The computers connected to the ring act as signal boosters or

repeaters which strengthen the signals that transverse the network

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 - The primary disadvantage of ring topology is the failure of one

machine will cause the entire network to fail.

DEPENDENCE OF A RING TOPOLOGY

If one of the nodes fails, the network will fail to
function.

ADVANTAGES OF A RING TOPOLOGY

Troubleshooting is easy when one of the nodes
fails.
Repair or remove the failing nodes and the
network will continue to function.

DISADVANTAGES OF A RING TOPOLOGY

Implementation is difficult.
Network administrator has to
terminate the entire network to
install a new node between
existing nodes.
A failing node will affect the
entire LAN.
Connecting or removing devices
is difficult because network administrator needs to terminate the
network in order to do it.
Network speed decreases when the number of nodes increases.

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 3. STAR TOPOLOGY

In the early days of computer

networking, all computers were
connected to a centralised mainframe
computer.

All resources and management of

information were centred in this main
computer.

The idea of a centralised mainframe

computer is where the basic concept of a star topology comes from.
A star topology consists of a central host which acts as the centre, and
all nodes connect to the host. A star topology is also known as star
network.

- Each computer is connected to a central

hub, so all of the traffic which transverses

the network passes through the central hub.

- The hub acts as a signal booster or repeater

which in turn allows the signal to travel greater distances.

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DESCRIPTION OF STAR TOPOLOGY

A star network is found in a Local Area Network setting.

A star network must have a host which acts as the centre.
The host can be a server, hub or router.
In a star network, every node will not connect to the neighbouring
nodes.
Every node must connect to the host in order to communicate.
The host will control the flow of communication in the network.

DEPENDENCE OF A STAR TOPOLOGY

If one of the nodes fails, the star network can still

function as long as the host is working.

If the host fails, the network will

fail to function.

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ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF STAR TOPOLOGY
Advantages
It is easy to implement. You only add nodes to
the host.
The failure of a node does not affect the entire
LAN.
There are no disruptions to the network when
connecting or removing devices.
The network can be extended by adding new
devices to the host or nodes.
Troubleshooting is easy when the host fails. Simply repair or
replace the host and the network will continue to function.

Disadvantages
If the host fails, the entire LAN will be
affected.
Network speed decreases when the number
of nodes increases.
Troubleshooting is difficult when one of the
nodes fails.
A host must be installed to control the
network.

DIFFERENCES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

UNDERSTANDING DIFFERENT TOPOLOGIES

Understanding differences in network topologies helps us to see what

each topology is able to do.

Each topology has an influence on:

the type of equipment we will use
the potential of the network in accommodating more computers
the way we manage our network
the capabilities of the hardware to manage the flow of information
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CURRENT TECHNOLOGY IN NETWORK AND COMMUNICATIONS

Wireless Network (WIFI) is one that enables connectivity without the

use of physical cable. However, generally a wireless network is not

entirely wireless or without cabling. Most wireless networks

communicate to, and function as part of a cabled LAN. Thus, creating a

hybrid network of cabled and wireless components.

WIRELESS LAN
A wireless LAN is a technology that allow
notebook users to connect to a Local Area
Network (LAN) through a wireless (radio)
connection.

The IEEE 802.11 group of standards

specifies technologies to be used for
wireless LANs.

WWAN
WWAN, which stands for Wireless Wide
Area Network, is a form of wireless network.

Wireless Wide Area Network (WWAN) is a

form of wireless network that uses cellular
network technologies such as GPRS,
CDMA2000, GSM, CDPD and Mobitex to
transfer data.

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THE INFRARED DATA ASSOCIATION

The Infrared Data Association or IrDA

defines physical specifications of
communication protocol standards for short
range exchange of data over infrared light.
This is used in Personal Area Networks
(PANs).

Among existing uses of IrDA and possible

uses are:
sending a document from a notebook computer to a printer
exchanging business cards between handheld PCs
coordinating schedules and telephone books between a desktop
and network computers.

PAN
Personal Area Network (PAN) is a computer network
used for communication among computer devices
(including telephones and personal digital assistants)
close to one person.

COMMON SERVICES FOR MOBILE COMPUTING

To cater to the needs of mobile computing, Wireless Service Providers
would seek to provide wireless access points for as many wireless
network devices as possible in specified service zones.

Services include:
Services include:
email capabilities
A variety of software applications for secured communications.
Print stations
Tracking and navigation systems
Instant mobile messaging
Mobile secutity services
Mobile data, voive and video systems.
Access to satellitte radio and TV.
Remote home premise video monitor.

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BLUETOOTH
Bluetooth, also known as IEEE 802.15.1, is
a telecommunication industry specification
for wireless Personal Area Networks or
PANs. Bluetooth devices operate on a
radio communication system.
For two Bluetooth devices to communicate,
they do not have to be in line-of-sight. In
fact, they can even be in separate rooms,
as long as the received power is high
enough.

Bluetooth transmits and receives data in a frequency band of 2.45 GHz.

- Bluetooth is an open wireless protocol for exchanging data over short

distances (using short radio waves) from fixed and mobile devices

- A replacement for infrared

- Applications:

a) Wireless control of and communication between a mobile phone

and a hands-free headset

b) Wireless networking between PCs in a confined space

c) Wireless Communication between PC input and output devices,

e.g. mouse, keyboard and printer

d) Transfer of files, contact details, calendar appointment and

reminders between devices with Bluetooth technology

e) Replacement of traditional wired serial communications in test

equipment, GPS receivers, medical equipment, bar code

scanners, and traffic control devices

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Diagram: USB

dongle

Diagram: Bluetooth headset

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PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (PAN)

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a computer network used for

communication among computer devices including PCs,
laptops, printers, telephones, digital cameras, mobile phones,
video game consoles and personal digital assistants, close to
one person.
Personal Area Networks may be wired with USB port, Firewire
port, Infrared
(IrDA) and Bluetooth technologies. Bluetooth is the popular
wireless PAN used by most people, especially the mobile phone
technologies, and it applies the IEEE 802.15.1 standards.
VIRTUAL PRIVATE NETWORK (VPN)

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a network that uses a public

telecommunication infrastructure, such as the Internet, to
remote offices or individuals with secure access to their
organisation's private network.

VPN uses tunnelling mechanism to maintain privacy and

security of the

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data. Tunnelling means transmitting data packets across a
public network. VPN is often used by companies to provide
access from their internal
network resources to their home or mobile workers.

WIRELESS LAN (WLAN)

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a type of LAN that uses

high-frequency radio waves to communicate between nodes.
WLAN improves user mobility, speed and scalability to move
around within a broad coverage area and still be connected to
the network.
The IEEE standard for Wireless LANs is 802.11

WORLDWIDE INTEROPERABILITY FOR MICROWAVE

ACCESS (WiMAX)

Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) is

the industry term for broadband wireless access network that
is developed based on the IEEE 802.16 standard.

WiMAX is a Wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

technology that will

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connect WiFi hotspots to the Internet and provides a wireless
extension to
cable and DSL for larger broadband access.WiMAX would
operate similar to WiFi but at higher speeds, over greater
distances and for a greater number of users.

A WiMAX system will have two major parts:

a WiMAX base station, similar in concept to a mobile
phone tower
a WiMAX receiver installed at home

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