Class 8 Networking Concepts Part-1 PDF

Delhi Public School Ghaziabad Vasundhara
Class-8
Subject - Computers
Topic- Networking Concepts
Computer networks have shrunk the world and brought people together. They have extended the
power of a computer beyond the expanse of a room. Advancements in networking techniques,
protocols and so on have made a profound impact in areas of communication and learning. The size
of computer networks may vary. The Internet is an example of a computer network that spreads all
across the world. The Internet is also referred to as the worldwide network of computers and it is
growing at a rapid rate.
A computer network
consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources such as printers,
exchange files and allow communication.
Let us learn more about computer networks.
NEED FOR COMPUTER NETWORKS

Nowadays, computer networks are a vital part of any organisation. Some of the advantages of
computer networks are:
 Resource Sharing: All computers in a network can share resources such as printers, fax
machines, modems and scanners.
 File Sharing and Remote Database Access: A computer network allows sharing of files and
access to remote database. We can easily access the files stored on various computers on a
network. Also, networking allows many people to work simultaneously on the data stored in a
database.
 Ease of Communication: Computer networks allow people to communicate through emails
and instant messaging facilities. This makes the transmission of information easier, more
efficient and less expensive.
TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

The following are the types of networks based on the geographical area covered or scale of the
network.
 Personal Area Network (PAN):

A PAN is a computer network organised around a person. It is used for communication between
devices such as phones, personal digital assistants, printers and laptops that are in close
proximity. We can use these networks to transfer files and photos between the various devices
 Local Area Network (LAN):
A LAN is a computer network that is limited to a local area such as a laboratory, a school or an
office building. Cables (wires) or low-power radiowaves (wireless) are used for the connections
in a LAN. A wireless LAN (or WLAN) is also sometimes called LAWN (Local Area Wireless
Network).
 Campus Area Network (CAN):

A CAN is a computer network that connects multiple local area networks (LAN) in a limited
geographical area. A CAN is smaller than a wide area network (WAN) or metropolitan area
network (MAN). It can be set up by a college, company and so on.
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

A MAN is a computer network that usually covers a larger area than a LAN. For example, a
network that connects two offices in a city, a neighbourhood area and so on.
 Wide Area Network (WAN):
A WAN is a computer network that spans a wide geographical area. A WAN may be spread
across cities, countries and continents. A WAN is formed by connecting LANs and MANs.
Computers or networks across long distances are usually connected with optical fibre cables,
satellite radio links or microwave radio links.
NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
Topology refers to the layout pattern in which various computers are connected to one another to
form a network. The computers on a network are also referred to as nodes.
There are four main types of topologies. They are:
 Bus Topology: In bus topology, all the computers are connected to a single cable called the
bus (Fig. 1.6). The transmission of data from any computer travels through the length of the bus
in both the directions and can be received by all other computers on the network. If the address
of a computer is that of the intended recipient, it accepts the data; otherwise, the data is
rejected. The advantage of the bus topology is that it is quite easy to set up. However, a
network cannot function if there are breaks in the bus.
 Ring Topology: In ring topology, each computer is connected to two other computers so as to
form a closed ring-like structure (Fig. 1.7). In this topology, data is transmitted in one
direction only. The disadvantage of the ring network is that the breakdown of any one computer
on a ring can disable the entire system or network.
 Star Topology: In star topology, all the computers are connected to a central computer or a
central node (Fig. 1.8). The data to be exchanged between any two computers passes through
the central node. The central node controls all the activities of the nodes. More computers can
be easily added to the network. The breakdown of computers, except the central node, does not
affect the functioning of the network. However, the failure of the central node disables the
communication across the entire network.
 Mesh Topology: In mesh topology, every computer is connected to every other computer on
the network. Full mesh topology (Fig. 1.9) is very expensive to implement. Normally, partial
mesh topology is implemented in which a computer is connected to a few other computers in
the network (Fig. 1.10).
TRANSMISSION MEDIA
Computers must be connected to each other to form a network. Computers can be connected using
wires/cables or they can be connected in a wireless manner.
Wired Transmission Media

There are various types of cables that can be used for setting up a network. Some of them are
discussed here.
 Twisted Pair Cable: It consists of a pair of insulated wires twisted together. The use of two
wires twisted around each other helps to reduce disturbances in the signals.
The twisted pair cable is often used in two or more pairs, all within a single cable. Twisted pair
cabling comes in two varieties—shielded (Shielded Twisted Pair or STP) and
unshielded (Unshielded Twisted Pair or UTP). UTP cable is the most commonly used cable in
computer networking.
The twisted pair cable is often used in two or more pairs, all within a single cable. Twisted pair
cabling comes in two varieties—shielded (Shielded Twisted Pair or STP) and unshielded
(Unshielded Twisted Pair or UTP). UTP cable is the most commonly used cable in computer
networking.
 Coaxial Cable (coax): Coaxial cable is an electrical cable with a conductor at its centre (Fig.
1.13). The inner conductor is surrounded by a tubular insulating layer. The insulating layer is
surrounded by a conductive layer called the shield, which is finally covered with a thin insulating
layer on the outside.
 Optical Fibre Cable: Optical fibre cable consists of a central glass core surrounded by
several layers of protective material (Fig. 1.14). It transmits data in the form of light rather than
electronic signals, thus eliminating the problem of electrical interference. Fibre optic cable is
expensive as compared to coaxial and twisted pair cables but can transmit signals over much
longer distances. It also has the capability to carry data at a very high speed.

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Delhi Public School Ghaziabad Vasundhara

NEED FOR COMPUTER NETWORKS

TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

 Personal Area Network (PAN):

 Campus Area Network (CAN):

 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):

Wired Transmission Media

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