Introduction

Computer Networks
Network
• A network consists of two or more entities or

objects sharing resources and information.
• Sharing of:
Hardware
Software
Information
Figure : Data flow (simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex)
Network Criteria
• Performance
– Depends on Network Elements
– Measured in terms of Delay and Throughput
• Reliability
– Failure rate of network components
– Measured in terms of availability/robustness
• Security
– Data protection against corruption/loss of data due to:
– Errors
– Malicious users
Physical Structures
• Type of Connection
– Point to Point - single transmitter and receiver
– Multipoint - multiple recipients of single transmission
• Physical Topology
– Connection of devices
– Type of transmission - unicast, mulitcast, broadcast
Figure Types of connections: point-to-point and multipoint
Network Components
Physical Media
Interconnecting Devices
Computers
Networking Software
Applications
Introductin to Computer Networks
Networking Media
Networking media can be
defined simply as the
means by which signals
(data) are sent from one
computer to another
(either by cable or wireless
means).
Introduction to Computer Networks
Networking Devices
HUB, Switches, Routers,

Wireless Access Points,
Modems etc.
Introduction to Computr Networks
Computers: Clients and Servers

In a client/server network
arrangement, network
services are located in a
dedicated computer whose
only function is to respond
to the requests of clients.
The server contains the

file, print, application,
security, and other services
in a central computer that
is continuously available to
respond to client requests.
PROTOCOLS
A protocol is synonymous with rule. It consists of a set of

rules that govern data communications. It determines what
is communicated, how it is communicated and when it is
communicated. The key elements of a protocol are syntax,
semantics and timing
Elements of a Protocol
• Syntax
– Structure or format of the data
– Indicates how to read the bits - field delineation
• Semantics
– Interprets the meaning of the bits
– Knows which fields define what action
• Timing
– When data should be sent and what
– Speed at which data should be sent or speed at which it is being
received.
Standards
• Importance
– Provide a “fixed” way for hardware and/or software systems (different
companies) to communicate
– Help promote competition and decrease the price
• Types of Standards
– Formal standards
• Developed by an industry or government standards-making body
– De-facto standards
• Emerge in the marketplace and widely used
• Lack official backing by a standards-making body
Standardization Processes
• Specification
– Developing the nomenclature and identifying the
problems to be addressed
• Identification of choices
– Identifying solutions to the problems and choose
the “optimum” solution
• Acceptance
– Defining the solution, getting it recognized by
industry so that a uniform solution is accepted
Major Standards Bodies
• ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
– Technical recommendations for data communication interfaces
– Composed of each country’s national standards orgs.
– Based in Geneva, Switzerland (www.iso.ch)
• ITU-T (International Telecommunications Union –Telecom
Group
– Technical recommendations about telephone, telegraph and data
communications interfaces
– Composed of representatives from each country in UN
– Based in Geneva, Switzerland (www.itu.int)
Major Standards Bodies (Cont.)
• ANSI (American National Standards Institute)
– Coordinating organization for US (not a standards- making body)
– www.ansi.org
• IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers)
– Professional society; also develops mostly LAN standards
– standards.ieee.org
• IETF (Internet Engineering Task Force)
– Develops Internet standards
– No official membership (anyone welcomes)
– www.ietf.org
Applications
E-mail
Searchable Data (Web Sites)
E-Commerce
News Groups
Internet Telephony (VoIP)
Video Conferencing
Chat Groups
Instant Messengers
Internet Radio
Classification of Networks
• Classification by network geography.
• Classification by component roles.
Classification by Network
Geography
• Networks are frequently classified according
to the geographical boundaries spanned by
the network itself.
• LAN, WAN, and MAN are the basic types of
classification, of which LAN and WAN are
frequently used.
Geography
Local area network (LAN):
– A LAN covers a relatively small area such as a
classroom, school, or a single building.
– LANs are inexpensive to install and also provide
higher speeds.
Geography
Local area network

Geography
Metropolitan area network (MAN):
– A MAN spans the distance of a typical
metropolitan city.
– The cost of installation and operation is higher.
– MANs use high-speed connections such as fiber
optics to achieve higher speeds.
Geography
Wide area network (WAN):
– WANs span a larger area than a single city.
– These use long distance telecommunication
networks for connection, thereby increasing the
cost.
– The Internet is a good example of a WAN.
– WAN technologies function at the lower three
layers of the OSI reference model: the physical
layer, the data link layer, and the network layer.
Geography
Metropolitan area network

Geography
Wide area network

Classification by Component Roles
Peer-to-peer:
– In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are considered equal.
– Each computer controls its own information and is capable of

functioning as either a client or a server depending upon the
requirement.
– Peer-to-peer networks are inexpensive and easy to install.
– They are popular as home networks and for use in small companies.
Peer-to-peer (continued):
– Most operating systems come with built-in peer-
to-peer networking capability.
– The maximum number of peers that can operate
on a peer-to-peer network is ten.
– Each peer shares resources and allows others
open access to them.
Peer-to-peer (continued):
– Peer-to-peer networks become difficult to manage
when more security is added to resources, since
the users control their security by password-
protecting shares.
– Shares can be document folders, printers,
peripherals, and any other resource that they
control on their computers.
Peer-to-peer network
Server-based:
– A server-based network offers centralized control
and is designed for secure operations.
– In a server-based network, a dedicated server
controls the network.
Server-based (continued):
– A dedicated server is one that services the
network by storing data, applications, resources,
and also provides access to resources required by
the client.
– These servers can also control the network’s
security from one centralized location or share it
with other specially configured servers.
Server-based network
Client-based:
– Client-based network servers process requests
from clients and return just the results.
– These networks take advantage of the powerful
processing capabilities of both the client and the
server.
– Application servers and communications servers
are examples of client-based networks.
Client-based network
Design issues for the Layers
• Error Control
• Flow control
• Routing
• Multiplexing and demultiplexing
Types of services
• Connection oriented
• Connection less

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Computer Networks

• A network consists of two or more entities or

HUB, Switches, Routers,

Computers: Clients and Servers

The server contains the

A protocol is synonymous with rule. It consists of a set of

Local area network

Metropolitan area network

Wide area network

– In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are considered equal.

– Each computer controls its own information and is capable of

– Peer-to-peer networks are inexpensive and easy to install.

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