COMPUTER NETWORK:

Definition: A Computer Network is an interconnection of two or more computers, situated at separate

geographical regions. Some of the important uses of computer networks are:
 To share data/information at different locations of the world.
 To share information with other people at any point of time i.e. 24x7.
 To provide quick service to any people in the world.
 To communicate with people without any physical movement.
 To gain knowledge from the worldwide resources using largest network like Internet.
 To improve the security of data or information.
 To centralize the software management.

Advantages of Network:
1. Sharing of hardware resources:
 Large organizations require huge numbers of hardware resources such as printers, scanners
etc to be shared to all the people. So using a computer network all the hardware resources can
be shared.
2. Sharing of software resources:
 Keeping a copy of software in each and every computer in an organization makes
unnecessary wastage of memory. So using computer network softwares can be stored at a
particular location which can be shared among all the users.
3. Sharing of Files:
 Using a computer network data files, program files can be shared among the users
simultaneously.
 Any user can share the same file or program from anywhere at any time.
4. Security:
 It stores the programs in Locked, Read-only spaces on the server.
 It protects the programs from unauthorized copying.
5. Communication:
 Since all the users are connected to the computer network it becomes easier to send messages
instantly.
6. Central Storage of Data:
 Files can be stored on a central node (the file server) that can be shared and made available to
each and every user in an organization.
7. Reliability:
 Reliability implies backing up of information.
 Due to some reason, when any equipment gets crashed or the information gets undermined or
inaccessible to one PC, another duplicate of similar information is accessible on another
workstation for future use.
8. Cloud Computing:
 The practice of using a network of remote servers hosted on the internet to store, manages,
and process data rather than a local server or personal computer.
Disadvantages of Network:
1. Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive.
Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 1
 2. Managing a large network is complicated.
3. A trained network manager needs to be employed to manage the network.
4. If the file server breaks down the files on the file server becomes inaccessible.
5. Viruses can spread to other computers through the computer network.
6. There is a danger of hacking, so security procedures need to follow.
Components or Elements of Network:
A computer network requires some basic elements for data communication such as;
1. Sender (Source): This is the computer that creates the message to be transmitted.
2. Receiver (Sink): This is the destination computer that receives the message.
3. Medium / Media (Process): This is the path through which the message transmits.
4. Message: It is the data or information which needs to be transmitted from sender to receiver through
a medium.
5. Protocol: It is the set of rules that controls the data communication between the sender and receiver.
E.g TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP etc.
6. Server/Client: A server is a high capacity computer that provides various resources and services to
its clients. A client is generally a computer that requests for resources or services from the server.
7. Workstations: In a computer network, every client machine is generally referred as a workstation.
8. Host: It is the Main or Controlling computer connected to other computers or terminals to which it
provides data or computing services via a network. It is similar to a server in Client-Server
architecture.
9. Node: In a network, a node is a connection point, either a redistribution point or an end point for
data transmissions.
10. NIC (Network Interface Card): This card provides a communication channel between computer’s
motherboard and the network. Each NIC has its own unique address is called MAC (Media Access
Control) address. It needs device drivers for network adapter and OS.
11. Modem: It stands for Modulator and Demodulator. It is a device used to convert analog signal to
digital signal and vice-versa. These are connected at both the sending and receiving ends of the
computers in a network for transmission of data.
12. Communication Channels (Path or Media): There are different physical channels or media
through which data can be transmitted from one point to another. It is either wired or wireless such
as twisted pair, co axial cable, optical fibre, satellites, microwaves etc.
13. Communication Devices: These are the physical part of Data transmission technique which controls
and allows further data transmission such as hub, switch, bridge, gateway, router, repeater etc.
14. Network OS: It is a software program that resides on the server. It controls the overall network
operations. For example Windows NT, UNIX, Linux etc.

DATA COMMUNICATION IN A NETWORK

Signal:
 A signal is an electrical or electromagnetic current that is used for carrying data from one device or
network to another device or network.
 In a communication system a transmitter encodes a message into a signal which is carried to a
receiver by a communication channel.

Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 2

 It is of two types such as
i. Analog signal
ii. Digital signal
i. Analog Signal:
 It is a continuous signal which represents physical measurement.
 It is denoted by sine waves.
 It uses continuous range of values to represent information.
 It records waveform as they are e.g analog electronic devices,
human voice in air etc.
 It may vary signal strength(amplitude and frequency).
ii. Digital Signal:
 These signals are discrete (discontinuous) time signal generated by
digital modulation.
 It is denoted by square waves.
 It uses discrete values to represent information e.g computer, CD,
DVD and other electronic devices.

Transmission Mode:
 It refers to the mechanism of transferring data between two devices connected over a network.
 It is also called as communication mode.
 Computer generates data in digital form which are transmitted between devices in binary format.
 The transmission of binary data across the link either in parallel mode or serial mode.
 In parallel mode, group of bits (byte) are send from one device to another with each clock pulse.
 In serial mode one bit is send with each clock pulse serially.
 The parallel mode is fast but expensive where as serial mode is slow but cost effective.

Types of Transmission Mode:

 Based on the direction of signal flow between two linked devices, there are three types of
transmission mode such as: Simplex, Half Duplex, Full Duplex.
i. Simplex:
 In this mode, data travels in one direction that is
communication is unidirectional.
 We can’t send message back to the sender.
 E.g: Loud speaker, Telephone broadcasting, data send from
keyboard to memory and memory to printer etc.
ii. Half Duplex:
 In this mode, data travels in both direction but one at a time.
 When the sender is sending the data then at the same time
the receiver can’t send the data to the sender.
 E.g: Walki talkie

Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 3

iii. Full Duplex
 In this mode, data travels in both direction simultaneously.
 E.g: Communication over a telephone network, internet etc.

NETWORK TOPOLOGY
 Network Topology is the way how the computers, workstations of a network are connected.
 In other words, the physical and logical arrangement of computers in a network are known as
Topology
 Basically there are 2 types of topology, such as:
o Physical topology
o Logical Topology
 There are several types of physical topologies such as star, ring, bus tree, hybrid, cellular etc.
i. Star Topology
 In star topology all computers and peripheral devices are directly connected to a central node which
is called as "Hub”, through which data can transmit between the devices.
 If one device wants to send information to another device then data can send through the server
computer.
Advantages
 It has a low cost, because (N-1) lines are required for connection of
N nodes.
 Transmission delay in 2 nodes will not increase by adding nodes
into the network.
 Fast performance with few nodes and low network traffic.
 Hub can be upgraded easily.
 Easy to troubleshoot.
 Easy to setup and modify.
 Only that node is affected which has failed, rest of the nodes can work smoothly.
Disadvantages
 It is expensive than bus topology.
 Cost of installation is high.
 If the hub fails then the whole network is stopped because all the nodes depend on the hub.
 Performance is based on the hub that is it depends on its capacity
ii. Ring Topology
 In ring topology, all computers are arranged in such a way than they form a ring.
 Each device in the ring is physically connected to only 2 devices on its both end.
 Normally the data travels in one direction. But in dual ring topology the data travels in both
directions(clockwise and anticlockwise)
 A node receives data from one of its adjacent nodes.
 If there are N number of nodes used, then it requires N physical links.

Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 4

Advantages
 It is easy to pinpoint the problems in the network.
 High volume of data can be passed by this topology.
 Transmitting network is not affected by high traffic or by
adding more nodes, as only the nodes having tokens can
transmit data.
 It is cheap to install and expand
Disadvantages
 If one computer fails then the entire network goes down.
 It is expensive than star and bus topology.
 Troubleshooting is difficult in ring topology.
 Adding or deleting the computers disturbs the network activity.
iii. Bus Topology
 It uses one main cable to which all nodes are directly connected.
 It is also known as multipoint topology.
 The main cable acts as a backbone for the network. If any nodes have to send some information to
other nodes then it sent the signals through the backbone.
 The signal travels through the entire length of the backbone.
 A node receives the signal for which it is addressed.
 A terminator is used at both the ends of the bus to absorb the signals that the signal doesn’t reflect
back to the backbone or Bus.
Advantages
 It is easy to install.
 It is cost affective to implement as it requires less cable length.
 It is mostly used for temporary network.
 Failure of any one computer doesn’t affect the network.
 Cable required is least compared to other network
topology.
 It is used in small networks.
 It is easy to understand.
 Easy to expand joining two cables together.
Disadvantages
 It is difficult to troubleshoot.
 If the cable is broken it disables the entire network.
 The maintenance can be expensive.
 The performance of the network might be degrading, if more computers are added to it.
 Cable has a limited length.
 It is slower than the ring topology.

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iv. Tree Topology
 These network is a variation form of bus and star.
 In these network, the terminal computers are connected just like a tree structure.
 It is also called hierarchical topology.
 It has a root node and all other nodes are connected to it which form a hierarchy.
Advantage
 Because of, it is an extension of star and bus topology, it covers more distance than bus and star
topology.
 It is the best alternative topology.
 If one computer fails, then only that branch may affect but it does not affect other branches.
 It can be easily managed and maintained.
 Error detection and correction is easy because each segment is provided with point to point
connection to central hub.
Disadvantage:
 It is complex as compared to other topologies.
 If more nodes are added maintenance is difficult.
 It is Costly.
 Communication is slow because it is extension of
star and bus topology and covers more distance
than bus and star network.
 Central hub fails, network fails.
v. Mesh Topology
 It is also known as point to point or completely connected topology.
 In this network all the computers are interconnected to each other i.e point to point connection where
in it requires a separate physical link for each node to any other node.
 These can be controlled with individual computers by deciding its communication priority.
 If there are “N” number of nodes then N*(N-1)/2 physical links are used.
 There are two types of Mesh Topology such as

 Partial Mesh Topology : In this topology some of the

systems are connected in the same fashion as mesh
topology but some devices are only connected to two or
three devices.
 Full Mesh Topology : Each and every nodes or devices
are connected to each other.

Advantage:
 It is highly reliable because of independent terminals.
 It is highly suited for large networks.
 It provides strong and high speed communication.
 It provides more security and privacy to the user.
Disadvantage
Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 6
 It is very costly for installation.
 It is too difficult for maintenance and management.
vi. Hybrid Topology
 In this network, two or more topologies that is ring, star, bus are
used to form a single network.
 In other words, it is a mixture of two or more topologies.
 The exact configuration of these network depends on the need.
Advantage
 It helps in most of the companies where no topologies suit
them.
 It is more reliable.
 It has better fault tolerance.
 The most important advantage of these topologies is that the weakness of different topologies are
disregarded and strengths are taken into consideration.
 It is flexible and implemented on a variety of distinct environment.
 It is very simple to extent its size.
Disadvantage
 It is too complex in configuration.
 It is more expensive for large organization.
vii. Cellular Topology:
 It is one of the latest topologies used in networks.
 It is a wireless topology
 In this topology the geographical area is divided into
cell or regions.
 Each cell uses individual devices for transferring data.
 There is no physical link in the cellular topology.
Advantage
 It is easy to install with high flexibility and mobility.
 It provides voice/data services even while roaming.
 It connects both fixed and wireless telephone users.
 It is used in areas where cables cannot be laid out due to its wireless nature.
 It is easy to maintain and upgrade their equipments.
Disadvantages
 Extra Cost for installation.
 If central point fails then entire communication fails.
TYPES OF NETWORK
Networks are classified based on size, capabilities and geographical distance etc. The various types of
computer networks are: LAN, MAN, WAN, PAN, SAN, EPN, VPN, W LAN etc.
1) LAN (Local Area Network)
 This is the simplest type of network.
 It is privately owned and usually covers the area upto 10 kms.

Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 7

  It connects computers together over a small distance such as school, office, college, university
etc.
 It has high data transfer rate which ranges from 100 MBPs to 10 GBPs
 It uses different types of transmission media such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, fiber optics and
wifi technologies to connect the computer.
Advantages:
 It is a cheap & easy to setup
 It is easy to trouble shoot.
 It is easy to maintain.
 It is highly reliable and secure.
Disadvantages
 It covers limited geographical area.
 As the traffic increases on a network the
performance degrades.

2) WAN(Wide Area Network)

 It is slightly complex in nature as compared to LAN and MAN
 It connects computers over a large geographical area.
 It is a collection of multiple LANs and MANs
 A WAN can be a public systems such as Public Switch Telephone Network(PSTN) where
various services are provided by public telephone authorities or private system like VPN(Virtual
Private Network).
 Its range beyond 100 kms.
 Data transmission rate is from 64Kbps to 150
Mbps.
 Here routers are used to transfer data quickly
and securely.
 It uses high speed communication links such
as satellite communication, telephone lines
and microwave links.
 The most popular example of WAN is
internet.
Advantages
 It allows computer to communicate over a large distance.
 Shares softwares and resources with connecting various workstations
 Shares information and data over large area.
 Message can be sent very quickly to any one on the network.
Disadvantages
 It is expensive.
 It is too complex to implement
 It is difficult to troubleshoot
 Security and reliability is very low

3) MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)

 It is just like LAN but it spans the entire city or town.
 It is designed to extend over a city to form city wide networks.

Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 8

  It is formed by connecting more than one LANs.
 It is larger than LAN and smaller than
WAN.
 It uses high speed connection such as Co-
axial cable, fiber optic cables and
microwave links.
 It ranges upto 100 Kms.
 Example of MAN is cable TV Network in
cities.
Advantages:
 It provides a good back bone for a larger network and provides greater access to WANs.
 MAN can be suitable for Large Organizations as compared to a LAN i.e. if a company has its
branches in the same city.
 It is more efficient and speed of handling and transferring the data than LAN.
 It enables the people to connect many fast LANS together.
Disadvantages:
 It is costly because more cables required for a MAN connection from one place to another.
 It is difficult to make the system secure from hackers.
 As compared to LAN, it is quite slow.

4) PAN(Personal Area Network)

 It is a computer network organized around an individual person.
 It can be constructed by using wired (Cables) or wireless.
 Wired technology uses USB.
 Wireless technology uses Bluetooth or Infrared connections.
 It covers up to 10 meters area.
 It is typically involved in data transmission amongst devices such as computers,
telephones, tablets and personal digital assistants (PDA).
Advantages:
 WPAN devices are easily portable.
 It needs less technical skills to operate.
Disadvantages:
 Devices with inbuilt WPANs are more
expensive
 It has limited range.
 Date transfer rate is very low

5) CAN( Campus Area Network)

 A Campus Area Network (CAN) is a computer
network that links the buildings and consists of two or more local area networks (LANs) within
the limited geographical area.
 A CAN is also known as a corporate area network (CAN).
 It can be the college campus, enterprise campus, office buildings, military base, and industrial
complex.
 CAN is one of the type of MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) on the area smaller than MAN.

Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 9

6) SAN (Storage Area Network)
 A storage area network (SAN) is a dedicated high-speed network or sub network that
interconnects and presents shared pools of storage devices to multiple servers.
 In other words, a storage area network (SAN) is a secure high-speed data transfer network that
provides access to consolidated block-level storage.
 An SAN makes a network of storage devices accessible to multiple servers.
 A SAN moves storage resources of the common user network and reorganizes them into an
independent, high-performance network.
 This enables each server to access shared storage as if it were a drive directly attached to the
server.
 When a host wants to access a storage device on the SAN, it sends out a block-based access
request for the storage device.
 A storage area network is typically assembled using three principle components: cabling, host
bus adapters (HBAs), and switches attached to storage arrays and servers.

7) EPN(Enterprise Private Network)

 It helps Enterprises/organizations to connect with number of different offices in a secure way.
 It is mainly set up to share computer resources.
 Some of the advantages of an enterprise private network are:
 The messages are secure because they are encrypted.
 They are cost effective and scalable.
 They help to centralize IT resources.
 They enable business continuity.

8) VPN (Virtual Private Network)

 It is a private network accessed using a public network.
 It enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their computing
devices were directly connected to the private network.
 It is created by establishing a virtual point-to-point connection through the use of dedicated
connections, virtual tunneling protocols, or traffic encryption.
 It provides some of the benefits of wide area network (WAN).
 Using it, resources available within the private network can be accessed remotely.

9) W LAN (Wireless LAN)

 A wireless LAN, is a network that allows devices to
connect and communicate wirelessly.
 Devices on a WLAN communicate via Wi-Fi.
 It works in the same way as the traditional LAN
 New devices need to configure to access the W LAN.
 Devices on this network communicate in the same way as
they would on a wired network.
 Wireless devices are connected using WLANs through wireless routers.
 A wireless router serves as a base station, providing wireless connections to any Wi-Fi-enabled
devices such as laptops, smart phones, tablets within a range of the router's signal.

NETWORK DEVICES
Repeater
 It is a physical network device used to amplify a signal being transmitted on the networks.
 It increases the power of signals, reduce the noise and errors.

Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 10

 It can extend the network beyond the maximum length to form a single segment.
 It allows different connections by a multiport repeater like hub even if they use different media.
 It overcomes (decreases) electromagnetic field caused by free space due to cable lost with attaching
series of repeaters.
 In microwave data transmission media, repeaters are used in between 25 to 30 Kms.
 It has basic three functions such as: 1. Receives the signal, 2. Re-times the signal, 3. Transmits the
signal.
 It works on Physical layer of OSI model.
Advantages:

 It can extend a network in terms of distance.

 It doesn’t increase network traffic.
 It can connect different type of media (twisted pair, fiber optic etc.)
Disadvantages:

 It extends the collision domain.

 It cannot filter data and cannot connect different network architecture.
 Limited number of repeaters can be used in the network.
Hub
 A hub is physical network device that connects multiple computers or workstations by a dedicated
cable (wires).
 A hub is a central point in the network that acts like a Repeater.
 Its main responsibility is to Send/Receive signal from Source to Destination.
 In hub, the computers are connected to its port and it configures with 4, 8, 12, or 24 ports.
 It is found in Star Topology network.
 It works in physical layer of the OSI model.
 It works on half duplex mode.
 When a hub receives the packets of data from one computer at any point of its port, it transmits the
packet to all of its computer which are connected to its other ports that means it works in broadcast
mode.
 As the packets are available with all computers, the computer receives the packet whose address
matches with the address of the packet.
 The hub is different types like Active Hub, Passive Hub, Cable Hub, Mail Hub, Managed Hub,
Switched Hub and Intelligent Hub.
 The active hub amplifies the received signal where as the passive hub does not amplify the received
signal.
Advantages:
 It is cheaper than other devices.
 It can connect different media types (twisted pair, fiber optic etc.)
Disadvantages:
 It creates collision.
 It cannot Filter the information and passes packet unnecessarily to all the ports of network.
 Simultaneous connection is not possible.
 It is not an intelligent device.

Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 11

Switch
 A switch is a physical network device that can
connects multiple computer or WS each by a
dedicated cable (wires).
 A switch connects different nodes together like a
hub.
 The switch provides 3 types of Switching
techniques such as: Circuit switching, Packet switching and Message switching.
 A switch is a central point in the network that acts like multiport bridge by following Star or Ring
topology and can configures with 24, 32, or 64 ports.
 Its main responsibilities are: 1. Get data packet, 2. Read destination address, 3. Determine port
number, 4. Establish a temporary connection, 5. Send data packets, 6. Terminates the connection.
 It is an Intelligent device than hub because it maintains a bridging table and MAC (media access
control) address to keep tracks of which hardware address are located in which network segments.
 It works at Data Link Layer of OSI model.
 It works on Full Duplex Mode.
 It acts like hub and filters like Bridge.
Advantages:
 It limits the collision.
 It provides more privacy for sender and receiver.
 It is an intelligent device as compared to Hub.
 Switches are more hardware oriented as compared to bridge.
 The cost to number of ports ratio is best. i.e for a cheaper cost you get switches with more number of
ports available than Routers.
Disadvantages:
 It is little expensive.
 It has a complex configuration than hub.
 Not as good as a router in limiting Broadcasts.
 Handling Multicast (single sender multiple receivers) packets needs quite a bit of configuration &
proper designing
Bridge
 A Bridge is a device that can transmit data between
two similar type of networks. E.g (between two
LANs)
 The efficiency of the network decreases for a big
network. So the network is broken into two or more
networks and a bridge is used to join them.
 When a packet enters a bridge, it reads the address
contained in the packet and compares the address
of all the nodes in both the networks.
 When the bridge finds a match in the same network
then it blocks the data to pass through the bridge.
 If the destination address is found in other network then bridge allows to pass the data packet to the
destination address.
Advantages:
 Bridges can extend a network by acting as a repeater.
 Bridges can reduce network traffic by dividing the network.
Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 12
 Bridges increase the available bandwidth to individual nodes because fewer nodes share a collision
domain.
 Bridges reduce collisions.
 Some bridges connect networks using different media types and architectures.
Disadvantages:
 It is more expensive and slower than a Repeater.
 The broadcast packets cannot be filtered.
Gateway
 A gateway is a network point that acts as an entrance to another network.
 Basically it is used to connect two different types of network.
 it works in LAN, MAN and WAN environments.
 It allows different networks to communicate by offering a translation service from one protocol stack
to another.
 They work at all levels of OSI model due to the type of translation service they are providing.
Advantages:
 It can connect backbone networking to form a larger WAN.
 It does not increase the network traffic.
 It can connect different type of media
Disadvantages:
 It cannot filter outgoing and incoming data.
 It extends the data collision.
Routers
 A router is a special purpose dedicated device that
is attached to two or more networks.
 It is an intelligent and smartest device.
 It is located at any gateway to choose the best route
along the network.
 It works on the Network layer of OSI model.
 It allows checking the address of incoming packets
and decides the best rout towards its destination
end.
 Its two primary functions are i) to determine the
‘Best Path’ and ii) to share details of routes with
other routers.
 It uses Routing Table – a database which keeps
track of the routes to networks and the associated costs.
 It can be of 2 types such as: 1. Static Router and 2. Dynamic Router. And both these can work on
any environment like LAN, MAN, and/or WAN.
 Static Routing: Its routes are manually configured by a network administrator.
 Dynamic Routing: Its routes are adjusted automatically to changes in network topology.
Advantages:
 It limits the collision.
 It connects different media and architecture.
 It can works on any environment i.e. LAN, MAN and WAN.
 It can determine the best rout with filtering each packet.

Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 13

Disadvantages:
 It is more expensive and slower than a Bridge.
 Due to use of Routable Protocol it is difficult to configure.
 It must use routing protocol.
NIC
 Network Interface Card is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer
network.
 It provides a communication channel between computer’s motherboard and the network.
 The NIC contains the electronic circuitry required to communicate using a wired connection
(e.g., Ethernet) or a wireless connection (e.g., WiFi).
 It works on a specific Physical layer and Data Link Layer of OSI model through Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
 It needs device drivers for network adapter and OS.
 Each NIC has unique number of address inside its network so that it can easily identify the device.
 NIC have two ends i.e. Source end and Destination end and hence the data can be transmitted at both
ends.
Advantages:
 It acts as the expansion card to any PC by this we can connect our PC to any types of network.
 It provides a fast connection to the Internet.
 It provides a reliable connection to the Internet.
Disadvantages:
 Proper configuration is needed for the device to work correctly.
MODEM
 It stands for Modulator and Demodulator.
 It is used to convert digital to analog signals at sender end and analog signals to digital signals at
receiver end.
 The process through which the digital signals convert to analog signals is called Modulation.
 The process through which the analog signals convert to digital signals is called Demodulation.
 It is connected between a computer and a telephone line through which the signal is sent.
 There are two different types of modems such as : Internal modems and external modems.
 But as per the need, modems can be classified into 56 Kbps Modem, Cable Modem, DSL Modems
(ADSL, HDSL, SDSL, VDSL), Wireless Modem etc.
Difference between external and internal modem
Internal MODEM
 An internal modem is a modem that fits inside of a computer. Internal modems typically ship with
the computer and come pre-installed.
 It is built into or plugged directly into the internal circuitry of the computer.
 It gets its power from the computer’s expansion bus.
 It is manufactured and supplied by the computer manufacture itself.
 It is freely available with PCs or can be purchased with low price and having one or two types.
External MODEM
 The external modem sits outside the computer. The external modem can be used when a computer is
unable to fit an internal modem inside of it.
 It is a separate box in which the circuitry and logic to modulate the signals.
 It has own power supply, on/off switch, and front panel LCDs to indicate its status.
 It is manufactured and supplied by different ISP or other organizations.
 It is little costlier and having different types like DSL, ISDN, Router Modem etc.
Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 14
 HUB SWITCH

Hub is operated on Physical layer of OSI

Switch is operated on Data link of OSI model.
model.

Hub sends data in the form of packets. Switch sends data in the form of frames.

While switch works in full duplex transmission

Hub works in half duplex transmission mode.
mode.

Switch is a Unicast, multicast and broadcast type

Hub is a broadcast type transmission.
transmission.

Hub have 4/12 ports. Switch can have 24 to 48 ports.

Hub is not an intelligent device that sends While switch is an intelligent device that sends
message to all ports message to selected destination.

By using Hub, only one device can send data By using Switch, multiple device can send data at
at a time. the same time.

Hub is simply old type of device and is not While switch is very sophisticated device and
generally used. widely used.

While in switch, different ports have their own

In hub, there is only one collision domain.
collision domain.

Speed of original hub 10Mbps and modern

Maximum speed is 10Mbps to 100Mbps.
internet hub is 100Mbps.

Cheaper as compared to switch. Expensive as compared to HUB.

Unit 1 (Chapter 1) Page 15