Computer Networking

DR. SOUVIK SAHA

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
AMITY INSTITUTE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Computer Network
 A computer network is a system that connects numerous independent computers to share
information (data) and resources.
 The integration of computers and other different devices allows users to communicate
more easily.
 A network connection can be established using either cable or wireless media.
 Hardware and software are used to connect computers and tools in any network.
 A computer network consists of various kinds of nodes.
- Servers
- networking hardware
- personal computers
- other specialized or general-purpose hosts
 Host names and network addresses are used to identify them.
How Does a Computer Network Work?
 Computer Networks simply work using nodes and links.
 Data communication equipment is simply termed as Nodes.
- Modems
- Hubs
- Switches, etc.
 Links in Computer networks can be referred to as a connection between two
nodes.
 Whenever a Computer Network is working, nodes have the work of sending and
receiving data via the links.
Criteria of a Good Network
 Performance: It can be measured in many ways, including transmit time and
response time. Transit time is the amount of time required for a message to travel
from one device to another. Response time is the elapsed time between an inquiry
and a response. The performance of the network depends on a number of factors,
including the number of users, the type of medium & Hardware.

 Reliability: In addition to accuracy is measured by frequency of failure, the time it

takes a link to recover from failure, and the network’s robustness in catastrophe.

 Security: Network security issues include protecting data from unauthorized

access, protecting data from damage and development, and implementing policies
and procedures for recovery from breaches and data loss.
Types of Computer Networks
Division Based on the Communication Medium
 Wired Network: As we all know, “wired” refers to any physical medium made
up of cables. Copper wire, twisted pair, or fiber optic cables are all options. A
wired network employs wires to link devices to the Internet or another network,
such as laptops or desktop PCs.

 Wireless Network: “Wireless” means without wire, media that is made up of

electromagnetic waves (EM Waves) or infrared waves. Antennas or sensors will
be present on all wireless devices. Cellular phones, wireless sensors, TV remotes,
satellite dish receivers, and laptops with WLAN cards are all examples of
wireless devices. For data or voice communication, a wireless network uses radio
frequency waves rather than wires.
Types of Computer Networks (Continued…)
Division Based on Area Covered
 Local Area Network (LAN): A LAN is a network that covers an area of around
10 kilometers.
 For example, a college network or an office network.
 Depending upon the needs of the organization, a LAN can be a single office,
building, or Campus.
 We can have two PCs and one printer in-home office or it can extend throughout
the company and include audio and video devices. Each host in LAN has an
identifier, an address that defines hosts in LAN. A packet sent by the host to
another host carries both the source host’s and the destination host’s address.
Types of Computer Networks (Continued…)
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): MAN refers to a network that covers an
entire city.
- For example: consider the cable television network.
 Wide Area Network (WAN): WAN refers to a network that connects countries
or continents.
- For example, the Internet allows users to access a distributed system called
www from anywhere around the globe.
- WAN interconnects connecting devices such as switches, routers, or
modems.
- A LAN is normally privately owned by an organization that uses it.
Types of Computer Networks (Continued…)
Two distinct examples of WANs today:
- Point-to-point WANs
- Switched WANs

 Point To Point: Connects two connecting devices through transmission media.

 Switched: A switched WAN is a network with more than two ends.

Types of Computer Networks (Continued…)
Based on Types of Communication
 Point To Point networks: Point-to-Point networking is a type of data networking that
establishes a direct link between two networking nodes. A direct link between two
devices, such as a computer and a printer, is known as a point-to-point connection.
 Multipoint: is the one in which more than two specific devices share links. In the
multipoint environment, the capacity of the channel is shared, either spatially or
temporally. If several devices can use the link simultaneously, it is a spatially shared
connection.
 Broadcast networks: In broadcast networks, a signal method in which numerous
parties can hear a single sender. Radio stations are an excellent illustration of the
“Broadcast Network” in everyday life. The radio station is a sender of data/signal in
this scenario, and data is only intended to travel in one direction. Away from the radio
transmission tower, to be precise.
Types of Computer Network Architecture
1. Client-Server Architecture: Client-Server Architecture is basically the
architecture where the clients and the server are connected as two clients can
communicate with each other and the devices present work as servers in the
network.

2. Peer-to-Peer Architecture: Peer-to-Peer Architecture, computers are connected

to each other and each computer is equally capable of working as there is no central
server here. Each device present here can be used as a client or server.
Network Topology

 Network topology is the way devices are connected in a network.

 It defines how these components are connected and how data
transfer between the network.
 There are two major categories of Network Topology i.e. Physical
Network topology and Logical Network Topology.
 Physical Network Topology refers to the actual structure of the
physical medium for the transmission of data.
 Logical network Topology refers to the transmission of data between
devices present in the network irrespective of the way devices are
connected.
Types of Network Topology

 Point to Point Topology

 Mesh Topology
 Star Topology
 Bus Topology
 Ring Topology
 Tree Topology
 Hybrid Topology
Point to Point Topology

 Point-to-point topology is a type of topology that

works on the functionality of the sender and
receiver.
 It is the simplest communication between two
nodes, in which one is the sender, and the other
one is the receiver.
 Point-to-Point provides high bandwidth.
Mesh Topology

 In a mesh topology, every device is connected to

another device via a particular channel.
 Every device is connected to another via
dedicated channels. These channels are known as
links.
 Suppose, the N number of devices are connected
with each other in a mesh topology, the total
number of ports that are required by each device
is N-1.
Advantages of Mesh Topology

 Communication is very fast between the nodes.

 Mesh Topology is robust.
 The fault is diagnosed easily. Data is reliable because data is transferred among
the devices through dedicated channels or links.
 Provides security and privacy.
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology

 Installation and configuration are difficult.

 The cost of cables is high as bulk wiring is required, hence suitable for a smaller
number of devices.
 The cost of maintenance is high.
Star Topology

 In Star Topology, all the devices are connected to

a single hub through a cable.
 This hub is the central node, and all other nodes
are connected to the central node.
 The hub can be passive in nature i.e., not an
intelligent hub such as broadcasting devices, at
the same time the hub can be intelligent known as
an active hub.
Advantages of Star Topology

 If N devices are connected to each other in a star topology, then the number of
cables required to connect them is N. So, it is easy to set up.
 Each device requires only 1 port i.e. to connect to the hub, therefore the total
number of ports required is N.
 It is Robust. If one link fails only that link will affect and not other than that.
 Easy to fault identification and fault isolation.
 Star topology is cost-effective as it uses inexpensive coaxial cable.
Disadvantages of Star Topology

 If the concentrator (hub) on which the whole topology relies fails, the whole
system will crash down.
 The cost of installation is high.
 Performance is based on the single concentrator i.e. hub.
Bus Topology

 Bus Topology is a network type in which every

computer and network device is connected to a
single cable.
 It is bi-directional. It is a multi-point connection
and a non-robust topology because if the
backbone fails the topology crashes.
Advantages of Bus Topology

 Coaxial or twisted pair cables are mainly used in bus-based networks that support
up to 10 Mbps.
 The cost of the cable is less compared to other topologies, but it is used to build
small networks.
 Bus topology is familiar technology as installation and troubleshooting techniques
are well known.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology

 If the common cable fails, then the whole system will crash down.
 If the network traffic is heavy, it increases collisions in the network.
 Security is very low.
Ring Topology

 In a Ring Topology, it forms a ring connecting

devices with exactly two neighbouring devices.
 Several repeaters are used for Ring topology with
many nodes, because if someone wants to send
some data to the last node in the ring topology
with 100 nodes, then the data will have to pass
through 99 nodes to reach the 100th node.
 The data flows in one direction, i.e. it is
unidirectional.
 The most common access method of ring topology is token passing.
 Token passing: It is a network access method in which a token is passed from
one node to another node.
 Token: It is a frame that circulates around the network.
Operations of Ring Topology
 One station is known as a monitor station which takes all the responsibility for
performing the operations.
 To transmit the data, the station must hold the token. After the transmission is
done, the token is to be released for other stations to use.
 When no station is transmitting the data, then the token will circulate in the
ring.
 There are two types of token release techniques: Early token release releases
the token just after transmitting the data and Delayed token release releases the
token after the acknowledgment is received from the receiver.
Advantages of Ring Topology

 The data transmission is high-speed.

 The possibility of collision is minimum in this type of topology.
 Cheap to install and expand.
 It is less costly than a star topology.
Disadvantages of Ring Topology

 The failure of a single node in the network can cause the entire network to fail.
 Troubleshooting is difficult in this topology.
 The addition of stations in between or the removal of stations can disturb the
whole topology.
 Less secure.
Tree Topology

 Tree topology is the variation of the Star

topology.
 This topology has a hierarchical flow of data.
 In tree topology, the various secondary hubs are
connected to the central hub which contains the
repeater.
 It is a multi-point connection and a non-robust
topology because if the backbone fails the
topology crashes.
Advantages of Tree Topology

 It allows more devices to be attached to a single central hub thus it

decreases the distance that is travelled by the signal to come to the
devices.
 It allows the network to get isolated and also prioritize from
different computers.
 We can add new devices to the existing network.
 Error detection and error correction are very easy in a tree topology.
Disadvantages of Tree Topology

 If the central hub gets fails, the entire system fails.

 The cost is high because of the cabling.
 If new devices are added, it becomes difficult to reconfigure.
Hybrid Topology

 Hybrid Topology is the combination of all the

various types of topologies we have studied
previously.
 Hybrid Topology is used when the nodes are free to
take any form. It means these can be individuals such
as Ring or Star topology or can be a combination of
various types of topologies seen previously.
Advantages of Hybrid Topology

 This topology is very flexible .

 The size of the network can be easily expanded by adding new devices.
Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

 It is challenging to design the architecture of the Hybrid Network.

 Hubs used in this topology are very expensive.
 The infrastructure cost is very high as a hybrid network requires a lot of cabling
and network devices .
Importance of Network Topology
 Network Performance: Upon choosing the appropriate topology as
per requirement, it helps in running the network easily and hence
increases network performance.
 Network Reliability: Some topologies like Star, Mesh are reliable as
if one connection fails, they provide an alternative for that connection,
hence it works as a backup.
 Network Expansion: Choosing correct topology helps in easier
expansion of Network as it helps in adding more devices to the
network without disrupting the actual network.
 Network Security: Network Topology helps in understanding how
devices are connected and hence provides a better security to the
network.
Data Communication modes

 The way in which data is transmitted from one device to another

device is known as transmission mode.
 The transmission mode is also known as the communication mode.
 Each communication channel has a direction associated with it, and
transmission media provide the direction. Therefore, the transmission
mode is also known as a directional mode.
Categories of
Transmission mode

 The Transmission mode is divided

into three categories:
  In Simplex mode, the communication is unidirectional.
 A device can only send the data but cannot receive it or it can
receive the data but cannot send the data.
 This transmission mode is not very popular as mainly
communications require the two-way exchange of data.
Simplex  The simplex mode is used in the business field as in sales that
do not require any corresponding reply.

mode  The main advantage of the simplex mode is that the full
capacity of the communication channel can be utilized during
transmission.
 Advantage of Simplex mode:
 In simplex mode, the station can utilize the entire bandwidth of the
communication channel, so that more data can be transmitted at a
time.
 Disadvantage of Simplex mode:
 Communication is unidirectional, so it has no inter-communication
between devices.
  In a Half-duplex channel, direction can be reversed, i.e., the
station can transmit and receive the data as well.
 Messages flow in both the directions, but not at the same time.

Half-
 The entire bandwidth of the communication channel is utilized
in one direction at a time.
 A Walkie-talkie is an example of the Half-duplex mode. In
Duplex Walkie-talkie, one party speaks, and another party listens. After
a pause, the other speaks and first party listens. Speaking
simultaneously will create the distorted sound which cannot be
mode understood.
 Advantage of Half-duplex mode:
 In half-duplex mode, both the devices can send and receive the data and can utilize the
entire bandwidth of the communication channel during the transmission of data.
 Disadvantage of Half-Duplex mode:
 In half-duplex mode, when one device is sending the data, then another must wait, this
causes the delay in sending the data at the right time.
  In Full duplex mode, the communication is bi-directional, i.e., the
data flow in both the directions.
 Both the stations can send and receive the message
simultaneously.
 Full-duplex mode has two simplex channels. One channel has

Full-duplex traffic moving in one direction, and another channel has traffic
flowing in the opposite direction.


mode
The Full-duplex mode is the fastest mode of communication
between devices.
 The most common example of the full-duplex mode is a telephone
network. When two people are communicating with each other by
a telephone line, both can talk and listen at the same time.
 Advantage of Full-duplex mode:
 Both the stations can send and receive the data at the same time.
 Disadvantage of Full-duplex mode:
 If there is no dedicated path exists between the devices, then the capacity of the
communication channel is divided into two parts.
Differences b/w Simplex, Half-duplex and
Full-duplex mode

Basis for comparison Simplex mode Half-duplex mode Full-duplex mode

This communication is
This communication is This communication is
Direction of communication bidirectional, but one at a
unidirectional. bidirectional.
time.
Both the devices can send Both the devices can send
A device can only send the
Send/Receive and receive the data, but one and receive the data
data but cannot receive it
at a time. simultaneously.
Examples of Simplex mode
Example of half-duplex is Example of the Full-duplex
Example are radio, keyboard, and
Walkie-Talkies. mode is a telephone network.
monitor.
Transmission Media

 A transmission medium is a physical path between the transmitter and the

receiver.
 It is the channel through which data is sent from one device to another.
Types of Transmission Media
Guided Media

 Guided Media is also referred to as Wired or Bounded transmission

media. Signals being transmitted are directed and confined in a
narrow pathway by using physical links.
 Features:
 High Speed
 Secure
 Used for comparatively shorter distances
Unguided Media

 It is also referred to as Wireless or Unbounded transmission media .

No physical medium is required for the transmission of
electromagnetic signals.
 Features of Unguided Media:
 The signal is broadcasted through air
 Less Secure
 Used for larger distances
Internet

 Internet is a global network that connects billions of

computers across the world with each other and to the
World Wide Web.
 It uses standard internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to
connect billions of computer users worldwide.
 It is set up by using cables such as optical Fibers and
other wireless and networking technologies.
Uses of the Internet

 E-mail
 Web Chat
 World Wide Web: The World Wide Web is the Internet’s most popular information
exchange service.
 E-commerce
 Video conferencing
Differentiation between
Network and Internet
 The number one distinction between a network and the
internet is that a network is made of computer systems
that are bodily related and may be used as a personal
laptop at the same time as additionally sharing records.
The Internet, on the alternative hand, might be an era
that connects those small and massive networks and
creates a brand new in-intensity community.
 Instant Online
Get directions
Messaging Shopping

Advantages of Pay Bills

Online Work from
Banking Home
the Internet
Cloud Career
Entertainment
computing building
 Time wastage

Bad impacts on health

Disadvantages of Cyber Crimes

the Internet
Effects on children

Bullying and spreading negativity

Hardware Requirements

 Computer or Device
 Internet Connectivity
 Modem or Router
 Networking Equipment
 Peripherals and Accessories
Software Requirements

Internet Security
Operating System Web Browser
Software

Productivity and Additional

Media Players
Communication Software and
and Plugins
Software Applications
  An intranet is a kind of private network.
 An intranet is used by different organizations and only members/staff of
that organization have access to this.
 It is a system in which multiple computers of an organization (or the
computers you want to connect) are connected through an intranet.
 As this is a private network, so no one from the outside world can access

Intranet
this network.
Why is Intranet Important?

 Improves internal communication

 Connects employees across locations and time zones
 Boosts recognition and reward
 Simplifies employee onboarding
 Provides organizational clarity
 Encourages knowledge sharing
Features of Intranet

 Document management
 Collaboration tools
 News and announcements
 Employee directory
 Training and development
 HR resources
 Support services
Advantages of Intranet

 In the intranet, the cost of conveying data utilizing the intranet is very low.
 Using intranet employees can easily get data anytime and anywhere.
 It is easy to learn and use.
 It can be utilized as a correspondence centre point where employees can store data
at whatever point they need and download files in just a few seconds.
 It connects employees with each other.
 The documents stored on the intranet are much more secure.
Disadvantages of Intranet

 The expense of actualizing intranets is normally high.

 The staff of the company or organization require special training to know how to
use the system.
 Data overloading.
 Although the intranet provides good security, but it still lacks in some places.