NETWORKS

Why study Networks?

 BASIC NETWORK CONCEPTS
NETWORK
Set of computers and other computing hardware devices
that are linked together through communication channels to
facilitate communication and resource sharing among a wide
range of users.
 BASIC NETWORK CONCEPTS
NODES/END POINTS
A node/endpoint is a computing device/computer hardware
device that is connected to a network and accepts
communications back and forth across the network.
Examples: smartphones, Desktops, Laptops, Tablets, thin
clients, printers or other specialized hardware such as POS
terminals and smart meters.
Every endpoint/node has a unique network address.
 BASIC NETWORK CONCEPTS
NETWORK ADDRESS
A network address is an identifier for a node or host on a
telecommunications network.
Most cases network addresses are designed to be unique
identifiers across the network.
Examples: Telephone number (in the public switched
telephone network), MAC address(in Ethernet), IP address
(in IP networks including the internet), IPX address (in
Netware)
 BASIC NETWORK CONCEPTS
COMMUNICATION CHANNELS/TRANSMISSION MEDIA
The path that can be used to transmit data from one place to
another. There are two types:
• Wired communication channels
Use of cables to directly connect the communication devices
with each other. Examples: Coaxial Cable, Fiber Optics, twisted
pair.
• Wireless communication channels
Use of wireless signals to directly connect the communication
devices with each other. Examples: radio frequency, microwave
system, infrared, communication satellite.
 BASIC NETWORK CONCEPTS
PROTOCALS
A set of rules that define communication between devices
on a network. Protocols include:
• Mechanisms for devices to identify and make connections
with each other.
• Formatting rules that specify how data is packaged into
sent and received messages.
 BASIC NETWORK CONCEPTS
Types of protocols include:
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP): Used over the world wide
web(shows information in web pages).
Transmission Control Protocol(TCP): Used for communication
over a network.
Internet Protocol(IP): An addressing protocol (Makes sure
addresses are transmitted to the right address and works with
the TCP)
File Transfer Protocol (FTP): Used to transfer files to different
networks
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol(SMTP):Manages the transmission
and outgoing e-mails over the internet.
 USES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS
• Facilitates User communication: Networks allow users to
communicate effectively and easily via various means such as
emails, instant messaging, online chats, voice/video telephone
calls and video conferencing.
• Sharing of computer hardware resources: Users can share
devices such as printers, scanners, CD-ROM drives, hardware
drives etc.
• File sharing: A network allows sharing of files, data and other
types of information giving authorized users the ability to
access information stored on other computers on the network.
Includes-documents, multimedia(audio/video),graphics,
computer programs, images and e-books
 USES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS
• Network gaming: A lot of network games are available,
which allow multi-users to play from different locations.
These include-mafia wars, Farmville etc
 BENEFITS OF COMPUTER
NETWORKS
• Cost reduction: Costs are cut through sharing of resources
(hardware & software) between multiple users.
• Increased productivity: Staff can deal with more customers in less
time since they have shared access to customer and product
databases.
• Increased efficiency: Users can easily access and share information
and other resources on the network which increases speed in
service delivery hence saving time.
• Improved quality of output: Since all staff work from a single source
of information, errors can be reduced and inconsistencies
controlled.
• Improved business relationships : Staff, suppliers and customers can
share information and get in touch more easily.
 LIMITATIONS OF COMPUTER
NETWORKS
• Security issues: If a computer is a standalone, physical access
becomes necessary for any kind of data theft. However, if a
computer is on a network, a computer hacker can get unauthorized
access by using different tools.
• Viruses & Malware: if any computer system in the network gets
affected by a computer virus, there is a possible threat of other
systems getting affected too. Viruses can spread on a network
easily because of the interconnectivity of workstations hence
corrupting files and damaging operating systems.
• Expensive to set up: Its initial set up cost can be very high
depending on the number of computers to be connected. Devices
such as routers, switches, hubs etc can add up to the cost.
• Dependency on the main file server: Incase the main file server of a
computer network breaks down, it will bring the entire network to a
standstill hence disrupting business operations.
 QUIZ
• What are the two ways computers can connect to a
network?
• What devices do they usually connect to?
• How many protocols are used when one computer
accesses another computer?
 TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS
• Local Area Network (LAN)
• Wide Area Network (WAN)
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• Campus Area Network (CAN)
• Personal Area Network (PAN)
• Public Access Network (PAN)
• Peer to Peer Network (P2P)
• Client Server Network (CSN)
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)
 LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN):
A network confined to one building or site i.e. home, office, school,
hospital, small business etc. it can be wired or wireless.
The main standard used for connecting computers over LAN is the
ETHERNET.
Ethernet: standard way(Technology used) to connect computers on a
network over a wired connection. It provides a simple interface for
connecting multiple devices such as computers, routers and switches.
A technology which allows us to connect multiple devices to form a
LAN (With a single router and a few Ethernet cables you can create a
LAN).
If you want to create your own Ethernet LAN you will need a CAT5
(Ethernet) cable. It’s the main component used for creating Ethernet
LANs.
 ETHERNET CABLE,PORT & RJ-45
PLUG FOR LAN CONNECTION

RJ-45 Plug

Ethernet port & CAT5 Ethernet/LAN

Ethernet cable cable
 CHARACTERISTICS OF LAN

-Coverage area is generally a few kilometers (close

proximity)-0.1 km i.e. 100 meters.
-Used to connect various nodes of a single building.
-Because LANs are geographically small, they usually use
cables or low-power radio (wireless) for connections.
ILLUSTRATION OF A LAN NETWORK

Wired & Wireless

LAN
 ROUTER
A hardware device that routes data from a LAN to another
network connection. It allows only authorized machines to
connect to other computer systems and also keeps log files
about the local network activity.

The router offers both wired and wireless connections. e.g.

a computer may connect to the router via Ethernet while
smart phones and tablets connect to the router via Wi-Fi.
 WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)
A network that extends over a large area i.e. computers
may be spread out over a town, a country or the world. e.g.
A bank (ATM network-allow customers to access cash) will
have a WAN, as they have branches across the country and
across the world, each with computers that can communicate
with each other.
Many WANs span Long distances via telephone lines, fiber
optic cables or satellite links.
The internet is the biggest WAN in the world.
 CHARACTERISTICS OF A WAN
-Usually created by joining several LANs & MANs
together, such as when a business that has offices in
different countries links the office LAN together.
-It is a result of joining two or more geographically
separate LANs & MANs via satellite, fiber-optic cables,
telephone lines, microwave etc.
-It is not limited to a single location.
ILLUSTRATION OF A WAN
 SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
A satellite is a machine that is launched into space and moves
around (orbits) earth or another body in space.
Satellite internet is a wireless connection that creates a
communication channel between a source transmitter and a
receiver at different locations on earth.
Involves 3 satellite dishes: one at the internet service providers
hub, one in space and one attached to your property.
In addition to the satellite dish, you also need a modem and
cables running to and from the dish to your modem.
Once you have everything connected, the ISP will send the
internet signal to the dish in space which then relays it to you.
 SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
Every time you make a request (new page, download, send
an email etc) it goes to the dish in space and then the ISP’s
hub. The complete request is then sent back through space,
to your dish and then to your computer.
ILLUSTRATION OF SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS
 METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN) &
CHARACTERISTICS

A network that spans an entire city/town (links together the

computing devices across several sites within an area).

Characteristics
-Formed by connecting multiple LANs.
-they are larger than LANs but smaller than WANs.
-Area range is 5 to 50 kilometers.
-Ownership and maintenance is handled by either a single
person or company (a local council, large company etc).
ILLUSTRATION OF METROPOLITAN AREA
NETWORK (MAN)
 CAMPUS AREA NETWORK (CAN) &
CHARACTERISTICS
A network of multiple interconnected LANs in a limited
geographical area such as an educational or corporate campus
e.g. MUBs network
Characteristics
-Larger than a LAN but smaller than a MAN or WAN.
-Limited geographical area.
-The networking equipment (switches, routers) and transmission
media (optical fiber, copper plant, Cat5 cabling etc) are almost
entirely owned by the campus owner i.e. an enterprise,
university, government etc.
-range of a CAN is 1km to 5km
-high speed data link
ILLUSTRATION OF CAMPUS AREA NETWORK (CAN)
PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (PAN) & CHARACTERISTICS

Interconnects devices centered on an individual’s workspace (A

network used by one person only).
PANs can be wired such as USB or fire wire or they can be
wireless, such as infrared, Zigbee, Bluetooth and ultra wideband.

Characteristics
-made up of a wireless modem, a computer or two, phones,
printers, tablets etc.
-Evolves around one person in one building
-found in small offices or residences and are managed by one
person or organization from a single device
ILLUSTRATION OF PERSONAL AREA
NETWORK (PAN)
 OTHER TYPES OF NETWORKS
Public Access Network (PAN)
Type of network where anyone (general public) has access and
through it can connect to the internet or other networks i.e. A
network that is accessible to the public e.g. MYUG (provided by
NITA-U). Its main characteristic is that it has few or no restrictions.
Peer to Peer Network (P2P)
A group of computers, each of which acts as a node for sharing files
within the group. Instead of having a central server to act as a shared
drive, each computer acts as the server for the files stored upon it.
 OTHER TYPES OF NETWORKS
Client Server Network(CSN)
A network in which a single central computer (server) directs multiple
other computers (Clients) connected to it.
Through accessing the server, clients are able to reach shared files
and information saved on the server.
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the
internet. Can be used to access region- restricted websites, shield
your browsing activity from snoopers on a public Wi-Fi etc. Helps to
bypass internet censorship or geographic restrictions on websites or
streaming audio & Video.
 NETWORK TOPOLOGY & TYPES
General shape or layout of a network OR;
Network arrangement , connecting various nodes (sender & receiver)
through lines of connection.

TYPES
• BUS Topology
• RING Topology
• STAR Topology
• MESH Topology
• TREE Topology
• HYBRID Topology
 BUS TOPOLOGY
Every computer and network device is connected to a single
cable.
The information intended for the last node on the network must
run through each connected computer.

Features
• It transmits data only in one direction.
• Every device is connected to a single cable.
• Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.
• Only one computer can send data on the bus at any one time.
 BUS TOPOLOGY

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• It is cost effective since it requires • Entire network shuts down if there is a break
less cable length compared to in the main cable/back bone cable
other network topologies • Cable has a limited length hence limiting the
• Used in small networks number of computers and peripheral that can
be added to the network
• Easy to connect a computer or • As more workstations are connected, the
peripheral to a linear bus because performance of the network will become
it doesn’t have the same demands slower because of data collisions and heavy
for cable length that a star network traffic since only one cable is being
topology link would require used
• Easy to expand joining two cables • Security risk since every workstation on the
together using a repeater or network sees all the data on the
connector. network/each terminal has full access to
every other terminal
• Difficult to trouble shoot because a larger
number of connections would have to be
investigated
BUS TOPOLOGY
 RING TOPOLOGY
It forms a ring as each computer is connected to another
computer via a single cable, with the last one connecting to
the first one.

Features
• A number of repeaters are used for ring topology with
large number of nodes.
• Every device is connected to a single cable forming a ring.
• Data flows in a single loop continuously (endless loop).
 RING TOPOLOGY

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Cheap to install • Trouble shooting is difficult
because it can be hard to
• Network traffic is track down where in the ring
controlled because only the failure has occurred
nodes having tokens can • Failure of one computer
transmit data disturbs the whole network
• All data flows in one • Harder to modify or expand
direction, reducing the because to add or remove a
node you must shut down the
chance of data collision network temporarily
RING TOPOLOGY
 STAR TOPOLOGY
Computers (clients) are connected to a single hub (server)
through a cable. The hub is the central node and all other
nodes are connected to it. The central node extends a cable
to each computer on the network.

Features
• Every node has its own dedicated connection to the hub
• Hub acts as a repeater for data flow
• Can be used with twisted pair, optical fiber or coaxial
cable
 STAR TOPOLOGY

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Fast performance with few • Cost of installation is high
nodes and low network • Expensive to use
traffic
• If the hub fails, then the
• Hub can be upgraded easily whole network is stopped
• Easy to troubleshoot because all the nodes
• Easy to set up and modify depend on the hub
• Failure of one node does • Performance is based on
not stop the other nodes the hub i.e. depends on its
from working smoothly capacity
STAR TOPOLOGY
 MESH TOPOLOGY
It is a point to point connection to other nodes or devices.

Features
• Fully connected/ all the network nodes are inter-
connected to each other.
• Robust
• Each computer not only sends its own signals but also
relays data from other computers.
• Every node has a point to point connection to the other
node.
 MESH TOPOLOGY

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Each connection can carry its • Installation and
own data load
configuration is difficult
• It is robust (failure of one
node doesn’t not bring the • Cabling cost is more
entire network down)
• Fault is diagnosed easily • Bulk wiring is required
• Provides security and privacy
• If one cable fails, data has
alternative paths to get to its
destination
MESH TOPOLOGY
 TREE TOPOLOGY
Has a root node and all other nodes are connected to it forming
a hierarchy.
All computers are connected to each other in a hierarchical fashion.
Top most in the topology is known as the root node and all other
nodes are the descendants of the root node.
Only one path exists between two nodes for the data transmission
hence it forms a parent-child hierarchy.
Features
• Ideal if work stations are located in groups
• Used in WAN
 TREE TOPOLOGY

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Extension of bus and star • Heavily cabled
topologies • If more nodes are added
• Expansion of nodes is maintenance is difficult
possible and easy • Central hub fails, network
• Easily managed and fails
maintained
• Error detection is easily
done
TREE TOPOLOGY

STAR
 HYBRID TOPOLOGY
It is mixture of two or more topologies e.g. if in an office in
one department ring topology is used and in another start
topology is used, connecting these two topologies will
result in hybrid topology e.g. ring topology and star
topology.

Features
• A combination of two or more topologies
• Inherits the advantages and disadvantages of the
topologies included
 HYBRID TOPOLOGY

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGES
• Reliable as error detecting • Complex in design
and trouble shooting is • Costly
easy
• Effective
• Scalable as size can be
increased easily
• flexible
HYBRID TOPOLOGY
 NETWORK DESIGN PARAMETERS
Availability: The amount of time a network is available to the users. A
highly available network is one that eliminates or reduces the potential
impact of failures. This enables the network to meet requirements for
access to applications, systems and data from anywhere, at any time.
Reliability: The network should continue to work correctly (performing the
correct function at the desired level of performance) even in the face o
adversity (hardware or software faults, and even human error).
Scalability: The ability to be able to scale or adapt the network for future
growth (It refers to how much growth and adaptability a network design
can support without having to be radically re-designed). The network
should be able to cope with the existing demands placed upon it but also it
should expandable to meet future demands in a planned way.
 NETWORK DESIGN PARAMETERS
Security: Any activity designed to protect the usability and integrity
of your network and data. This includes where data is stored, either
in-house or offsite with cloud-based solutions, what types of
information should be accessible, who should be able to access it, and
which types of devices should be included. Firewalls and access
servers on a network need to be secure without slowing down
operations. A network should be highly secure in order to protect
proprietary information from attack which ultimately protects the
company’s reputation.
Response time: The amount of time required for a packet to travel
across a network path from a sender to a receiver host. A network
should have good response time so that employees have more time to
communicate and complete their assigned tasks on time.
 NETWORK DESIGN PARAMETERS
Throughput: This refers to the rate of successful message delivery
over a communication channel. A network with high throughput
capabilities results in significantly faster transfer speeds resulting in
less frustration and greater customer satisfaction.
Cost: This includes the costs of building, maintenance and operation
of a network by a company. Network must not only meet a certain
technical specification, they must also be cost effective in their
design and implementation.
Robustness: Refers to the ability of the network to maintain its total
throughput under node or link removal. The networks should be able
to sustain an acceptable level of service in the event of faults,
changes or other challenges to normal network operation.
 QUESTION
Discuss the fundamental parameters considered to
define how the network must perform to meet the
needs of its users.
 NETWORK DEVICES
Electronic devices which are required for
communication and interaction between devices on
a computer network.
Specifically they mediate data transmission in a
computer network.
 TYPES OF NETWORK DEVICES
• Router
• Hub
• Switch
• Gateway
• Bridge
• Repeater
• Network Interface Card
• Modem
 NETWORK HUB
Used to connect multiple network hosts as well as
aiding data transfer.
The data is transferred in terms of packets on a
computer network. As such, when a host sends a
data packet to the network hub, the hub copies the
data packet to all of its ports connected to it. This
means that all the ports know about the data and the
port for whom the packet is intended, claims the
packet.
ILLUSTRATION OF A NETWORK HUB
 NETWORK SWITCH
While the hub just does the work of data forwarding,
a Switch does “filter and forwarding” which is a
more intelligent way of dealing with the data
packets.
When a packet is received at one of the interfaces
of the switch, it filters the packet and sends only to
the interface of the intended receiver. For this
purpose, a switch also maintains a CAM (Content
Addressable Memory)table and has its own system
configuration and memory.
ILLUSTRATION OF A NETWORK SWITCH
 MODEM
Stands for Modulator +Demodulator.
A hardware networking device that converts data to
a signal so it can be easily sent and received over a
phone line, cable or satellite connection.
In the case of transmission over an analog telephone
line, it modulates and demodulates the signal
between the digital data of a computer and the
analog signal of a telephone line.
Acts as a sort of converter or translator.
ILLUSTRATION OF A MODEM
 NETWORK ROUTER
A router is a network device which is responsible
for routing traffic from one to another network.
A router regulates traffic between similar networks
and it is protocol dependant.
ILLUSTRATION OF A NETWORK ROUTER
 BRIDGE
A computer network device that connects two segments
of a network together. The purpose of a bridge is to
divide a network into manageable sections.

If a router connects two different types of networks,

then a bridge connects two sub networks (that use the
same protocol) as a part of the same network.
You can think of two different labs or two different
floors connected by a bridge.
ILLUSTRATION OF A BRIDGE
 REPEATER
An electronic device that amplifies the signal it
receives. It can also be defined as a device which
receives a signal and retransmits it at a higher level or
higher power so that the signal can cover longer
distances. For example:
Inside MUBS (University campus), Berlin (hostel) might be
far away from the main building where the ISP line comes
in. If management (university authority) wants to pull a wire
in between the hostel and main building, they will have to
use repeaters if the distance is much because different
types of cables have limitations in terms of the distance
they can carry the data for.
ILLUSTRATION OF A REPEATER
 NETWORK INTERFACE CARD
Hardware device that allows the computer to be
identified amongst others in a network and allows the
computer to connect to a network.
ILLUSTRATION OF A NETWORK INTERFACE CARD
 GATEWAYS
A gateway acts as the meeting point or go between point
between 2 different networks, using different protocols e.g.
Network A uses one protocol, Network B uses another. A
computer from A wants to communicate with a machine
from B but due to the difference in protocols, it does not
know how to communicate. It can adopt or add B’s protocol
but this is a tasking process and is not really efficient.
Instead, a gateway will translate the request from the
computer in A’s network, into B’s language and then
translate the reply from B’s language into A’s. so the two
machines can communicate without any change in protocol.
ILLUSTRATION OF A GATEWAY
 TELECOMMUNICATIONS
The transmission of signals over long distances by
electronic means such as computers, telephones, radio
and television. Includes all types of voice, data and
video transmission.
Telecommunication devices include telephones,
telegraph, radio, television etc
 DATA COMMUNICATIONS
Refers to the exchange of data between a source and a
receiver through a transmission media such as a wire
cable. OR;
The process of transferring data electronically from one
place to another using various transmission media.
 COMPONENTS OF DATA COMMUNICATIONS

• Message
• Sender
• Receiver
• Medium/communication
channel
• Encoder and decoder
• Protocol
 DATA COMMUNICATIONS
Message: Data or information to be communicated. It may consist of text,
numbers, pictures, sound, video or a combination of any of the above.
Sender: Device that sends message. Also called a source or transmitter.
Receiver: Device that receives the message. Can be a computer, printer or
any other computer related device.
Medium/communication channel: physical path that connects sender and
receiver. It is used to transmit data. It can be copper wire, a fiber optic
cable, microwaves etc.
Encoder and decoder: Encoder is a device that converts digital signals in a
form that can pass through a transmission medium. The decoder is a device
that converts the encoded signals into digital form.
Protocol: set of rules that governs data communications. Represents an
agreement between the communicating devices. Without a protocol, two
devices may be connected but not communicating.
 TRANSMISSION SIGNALS
A signal is an electromagnetic or light wave that
represents data. Signals are used to transfer data from
one device to another through a communication medium.

TYPES OF SIGNALS
• Analog signals
• Digital signals
 ANALOG SIGNALS
A continuous electrical signal
in the form of wave e.g.
telephone line.
 DIGITAL SIGNALS
A sequence of voltage
represented in binary form.
Signals are in discrete form.
• Digital signals are faster
and efficient.
• Provide low error rates
• Provide high transmission
speed
• Provide high quality voice
transmission
 DATA TRANSMISSION
TYPES OF DATA TRANSMISSION

Process of sending and

receiving digital or
analog data between
two or more electronic
devices over a
communication
medium(wired or
wireless).
 METHODS OF DATA TRANSMISSION
Multiple data bits are transmitted PARALLEL TRANSMISSION
over multiple channels at the same
time.
Data can be sent much faster.
Used when;
• A large amount of data is being
sent.
• The data being sent is time
sensitive.
• The data needs to be sent
quickly.
 METHODS OF DATA TRANSMISSION
Data bits are organized in a SERIAL TRANSMISSION
specific order and sent one after
the other.
Classifications are:
• Asynchronous serial transmission
• Synchronous serial transmission
Used when;
• There's long distance data
transfer
• Amount of data being sent is
relatively small
 ASYNCHRONOUS SERIAL TRANSMISSION
Data bits can be sent at any point
ASYNCHRONOUS SERIAL TRANSMISSION
in time.
Stop bits and start bits are used
between data bytes to synchronize
the transmitter and receiver and to
ensure that the data is transmitted
correctly.
 SYNCHRONOUS SERIAL TRANSMISSION
Data bits are transmitted as a
SYNCHRONOUS SERIAL TRANSMISSION
continuous stream in time with a
master clock. The data transmitter
and receiver both operate using a
synchronized clock frequency
hence, start bits, stop bits and
gaps are not used.
 MODES OF DATA TRANSMISSION

TYPES OF DATA TRANSMISSION MODES

The direction of signal

flow between two linked
devices.
 MODES OF DATA TRANSMISSION
Simplex: Data flows in one
direction only at all times. ILLUSTRATION
One station is the receiver
and the other is the
transmitter e.g. Television
and radio broadcasting.
Half duplex: Data travels in
either direction, but only one
way at a time e.g. police
radio, walkie-talkie.
Full duplex: Data travels in
both directions at the same
time e.g. Telephone.
 TRANSMISSION PROPERTIES
Five basic properties of both the physical and wireless links:

• Type of signal communicated (analog or digital).

• The speed at which the signal is transmitted (how fast the data
travels).
• The type of data movement allowed on the channel (one-way,
two-way taking turns, two-way simultaneously).
• The method used to transport the data (asynchronous or
synchronous transmission).
• Single channel (baseband) and multichannel (broadband)
transmission.
 DATA
COMMUNICATION
CHANNEL
The
means/medium by
which data is
transmitted from
one
device(sender/tran
smitter) in the
network to another
(receiver/sink).
 CHARACTERISTICS OF COMMUNICATION
CHANNELS
Transmission speed: rate at which data are moved across a
communications channel. Measured in bits per second (BPS).
Bandwidth: capacity of a wired or wireless network communications link
to transmit the maximum amount of data from one point to another over a
computer network or internet connection in a given amount of time-
usually a second. higher bandwidth gives higher data rate.
Transmission method: asynchronous or synchronous transmission.
Transmission direction: Data can be transmitted in the different direction
using simplex, half-duplex or full-duplex transmission.
Communication processors:
Telecommunication software: Any type of software package that aids in
the process of electronic communications.
 GUIDED (WIRED) CHANNELS

These use physical connection between two devices.

The waves are guided along a physical path over the
medium. A signal has to travel within the physical limits
of the guided medium. They include:
• Twisted pair cable
• Optical fiber
• Coaxial cable
 TWISTED PAIR
CABLE
Cable is made by
intertwining two separate
insulated wires together.
Types include: shielded
and unshielded.
Shielded Twisted Pair
(STP) has a fine wire
mesh surrounding the
wires which helps to
protect the transmission
while the unshielded
twisted pair(UTP) does
not have a mesh.
 OPTICAL FIBER
CABLE
Cable made of optical fibers
that can transmit large
amounts of information at the
speed of light. It is composed
of fine glass strands
surrounded by glass cladding
and protective layer.

Digital signals are sent as light

pulses which are translated
back into electronic signals.
 COAXIAL CABLE
It’s a type of copper cable
specially built with a metal
shield and other components
engineered to block signal
interference.
High frequency signals can be
carried on a single cable-used
for video transmission (cable
television, home video
equipment etc).
Used when twisted pair
cabling is not adequate to
carry the required amount of
data.
 UNGUIDED (WIRELESS) CHANNELS

These transport electromagnetic waves without using a

physical medium hence being referred to as wireless
transmission. Signals are normally broadcast through
space and they are available to anyone who has a
device capable of receiving them. They include:
Radio waves, microwaves and infrared waves.
 UNGUIDED (WIRELESS) CHANNELS

Radio waves are low frequency signals and can travel a long
distance. They are easily generated and can penetrate
through the buildings.
Microwaves are transmitted in a straight line hence
requiring the line of sight transmission. They have a higher
frequency than radio waves. They are used for telephone
communication, mobile phones, television distribution etc.
Infrared waves are used for short range communication.
Like the remote control for televisions, VCRs etc. Use
infrared waves. It cannot penetrate through obstacles.
 QUESTION

What is the difference between guided and unguided

media?
 INTERNET,INTRANET,EXTRANET

Internet: A global system of interconnected computer

networks that use the standard internet protocol suite
(TCP/IP) to serve several billion users worldwide.
Intranet: A private network contained within an enterprise
with the aim of sharing information, services and
information systems. It may consist of many interlinked
LAN’s and use leased lines in the WAN.
Extranet: A private network that uses internet technology
and a public telecommunication system to securely share
part of the business’ information or operations with
suppliers, vendors, partners and other businesses.
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE
INTERNET,INTRANET,EXTRANET
INTRANET EXTRANET INTERNET

Shared content accessed by Shared content accessed Global

members within a single by groups through cross- communication
organization enterprise boundaries accessed through the
web
An internal network local to a A part of an intranet that’s There's only one of
company only (a private publicly available mostly it, and you’re on it
space, usually within a through the internet now (internet is open
business) (essentially a combination to the entire world)
of both the internet and an
intranet)
Dependent on the internet Dependent on the internet Independent of the
 BENEFITS OF INTRANET
Collaboration is enhanced: Makes data access and sharing easier allowing for
teamwork which inspires and motivates staff to contribute more to projects and
initiatives. Employees are also united because they are connected to a common
space everyday hence being connected to each other and the company mission.
Corporate culture is democratized: This is because the same information is made
available to every employee. Actions such as peer- to- peer recognition, leadership
articles, branding messages that are shared through the intranet reflect on the
characteristics of the company itself.
Cost savings: information can be accessed electronically through the intranet which
reduces costs on the likes of printing and distribution, in house phone calls. Time is
also saved because data can be accessed on a “as needed basis”.
Improves internal communication: it encourages communication to flourish across the
organization. Teams can have open discussions, individuals can share knowledge,
leadership can stay in touch, departments can provide updates.
 BENEFITS OF EXTRANET
More integrated supply chains: Through the use of online ordering, order tracking
and inventory management. By linking your inventory system directly to a supplier,
you can process orders as soon as the system knows you need them, thus reducing
the stock you keep on hand and making the procurement process more efficient.
Flexible working hours: On your own staff as this allows remote and mobile staff to
access company business information 24 hours a day irrespective of their locations.
Build customer loyalty: Through regular communication, extranets make business
easier for your customers. The more you make timely, accurate information available
to your customers, the more likely it is you’ll keep their business.
Improved marketing of products and services: an extranet can help create faster
awareness of your products and services by making proposals and specifications
available to suppliers and giving clients and partners up-to-date information on
current projects.
Security: information is shared through secure channels and since there is flexibility
of only limited information being shared, you can rest knowing that not every one
can access all the information available.
 BENEFITS OF INTERNET

24/7 online global presence: There is no need to close your

business physically, you do not have to deal with opening
and closing hours since the internet is on 24 hours a day.
This helps to increase visibility, revenue and customer
base.
Efficient communication: through emails, instant messaging,
video conferencing and online chats, the internet has helped
to increase efficiency and quicker response time enhancing
processing of sales. Businesses are able to send emails
with just a mouse click away, discuss strategies and issues
on live video chats and conferences.
 CHALLENGES OF THE
INTRANET,EXTRANET AND INTERNET
High Implementation and maintenance costs: Expensive h/w and s/w
needed, employee training, updating the networks.
Limited face to face contact with your market space: This mitigates your
ability to establish strong personal rapport with core customers. This
disconnect exposes you to the risk of traditional companies offering a
more engaging experience.
Increased security risks: Your password and ID may be used illegally. A
File can be accidentally deleted when many people operate on same file
same time on server.
Negative feedback: More common online. Customers find it easy to post
criticisms of online businesses. Some small business owners avoid social
media just because of its potential for negative sentiments. The potential
that a damaging message goes viral is a major risk online.
 BUSINESS VALUE OF THE
INTRANET,EXTRANET AND INTERNET
• Improved customer service
• Optimized communication with external parties
• Increased productivity
• Greater flexibility
• Cost saving