TOPIC 3: COMPUTER NETWORKS AND COMMUNICATIONS

A network:

Is a group of two or more devices or people connected to each other so that they can
exchange information, such as e-mail messages or documents or share resources such disk
storage or printers, scanner.

Computer network is a group of computers linked to each other that enables the computer to
communicate with another computer and share their resources, data, and applications.

CLASSSIFICATION OF COMPUTER NETWORK

The computer can be classified based on
1. Structure and relationship between network components
2. Mode of connectivity
3. Size of a network(geographical coverage)

1) Network structure and relationship

Based on structure and relationship between network components, computer Networks can be
either
i. peer- to- peer network
ii. client-server network.

I. Peer-to-peer Network Peer-To-Peer network is a network in which all the computers

are linked together with equal privilege and responsibilities for processing the data.

o Peer-To-Peer network is useful for small environments, usually up to 10 computers.

o Peer-To-Peer network has no dedicated server.
o Special permissions are assigned to each computer for sharing the resources, but this
can lead to a problem if the computer with the resource is down

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Advantages Of Peer-To-Peer Network:

i. It is less costly as it does not contain any dedicated server.
ii. If one computer stops working but, other computers will not stop working.
iii. It is easy to set up and maintain as each computer manages itself.

Disadvantages Of Peer-To-Peer Network:

i. In the case of Peer-To-Peer network, it does not contain the centralized system .
Therefore, it cannot back up the data as the data is different in different locations.
ii. It has a security issue as the device is managed itself.

II. The client-server network is the network with a central computer that hosts or controls
the shared resources; this central computer is called a server. The server is any
computer dedicated to provide services to other computers. The other Computers that
receive services from the server are known as clients.

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Advantages Of Client/Server network:

i. A Client/Server network contains the centralized system. Therefore we can back up the
data easily.
ii. A Client/Server network has a dedicated server that improves the overall performance
of the whole system.
iii. Security is better in Client/Server network as a single server administers the shared
resources.
iv. It also increases the speed of the sharing resources.

Disadvantages Of Client/Server network:

i. Client/Server network is expensive as it requires the server with large memory.
ii. A server has a Network Operating System(NOS) to provide the resources to the clients,
but the cost of NOS is very high.
iii. It requires a dedicated network administrator to manage all the resources

2) Mode of connectivity

Based on modes of connectivity, a computer network can be

A. wired or
B. wireless.

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(a) Wired networks use cables as a network media for data transmission.Transmission
Medias or Networking media is the means by which signals or data are sent from one
computer to another.

Example of The transmissions media/network media are unshared Twisted Pair

(UTP), coaxial cable and fiber optic cable.

(b) wireless network transmit signals without any physical wire.Wireless transmission
media include radio waves, in folded and Bluetooth.

 When a computer is turned on and can be visible by all other computers then the
computer is said to be online.
 If a computer is not turned on and it is not visible by other networked computers, it is
then said to be offline.

3) Network size or geographical coverage

Computer networks can be classified by considering a geographical area they cover.
Networked computers in a room cover a small area and are classified differently from
network computers covering the whole organization, city, country, and beyond. This type of
classification involves
i. Personal Area Network (PAN)
ii. Local Area Network (LAN),
iii. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN), and
iv. Wide Area Network (WAN)
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I. Personal Area Network

Personal area Network (PAN) is a type of computer network that connects personal Devices
such as smartphone, tablet, and laptop. It connects an individual premise or private area, and
its purpose is to enable an individual to share resources among Personal devices. PAN can
cover about 10 meters. Figure below shows a simple Setup of PAN.

There are two types of Personal Area Network:

A. Wired Personal Area Network

B. Wireless Personal Area Network

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 Wireless Personal Area Network: Wireless Personal Area Network is developed by

simply using wireless technologies such as WiFi, Bluetooth. It is a low range network.
 Wired Personal Area Network: Wired Personal Area Network is created by using the
USB

Advantages of PAN
(a) Data sharing: Enables easy and quick sharing of data between Personal devices.
(b) Inexpensive: It has low installation cost.
(c) Security: It is more secure compared to other types of computer Networks as it covers
a personal area.
Disadvantages of PAN
a) Coverage: it is restricted to a personal premise, usually about 10 meters range.
b) Data sharing limitation: it is not fit for sharing data in longer distances.
c) Technologies: uses short-range communications technologies such as Bluetooth and
USB cable. Thus, user devices cannot connect to a remote site.
II. Local Area Network
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer network that covers a small area such as a
room, home, school, or offices buildings.eg intranet. It is useful for sharing resources
like files, printers, scanner, games, and other applications. Its speed depends on the
media used. Figure 3.5 shows a simple structure of LAN.

i. LAN is used for connecting two or more personal computers through a communication
medium such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc.
ii. It is less costly as it is built with inexpensive hardware such as hubs, network adapters,
and ethernet cables.
iii. The data is transferred at an extremely faster rate in Local Area Network.
iv. Local Area Network provides higher security.

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Advantages of LAN
(a) Increased productivity: sharing resources such as hard drives, DVD drives and printers
can easily increase productivity.
(b) Cost reduction: sharing of resources such as software and hardware reduce running costs.
(c) Improved security: data stored in a local server have higher chances of being secure and
can easily be accessed by all the LAN users.
Disadvantages of LAN
(a) It covers a limited area: LAN is restricted in size. It covers a small area like a single
office, a building, or a group of nearby buildings.
(b) Its maintenance is demanding: it requires a LAN administrator and Techniques to
always maintain or troubleshoot a network, software Installation, program faults, and/or
hardware failures.
(c) High setup cost: the initial installation costs can be high.
III. Metropolitan Area Network
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a computer network that covers the whole town, city,
or a region. For example, a computer network covering the city of Dar Es Salaam can be
regarded as MAN. MAN is mainly used for data communication, especially within a specific
area. An example of MAN is cable TV in a city like what is illustrated in figure below

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Advantages of MAN
a) Less expensive: it is less expensive to attach a MAN to a WAN than attaching a LAN
to a WAN
b) Speed: it has higher speed than WAN.
c) Connection: it is easy to connect related LANs to form a MAN
d) Security: it is more secured than WAN
e) Sending local email: it sends local email faster than WAN
Disadvantages of MAN
a) Difficult to manage: as a network grows bigger, it becomes difficult to manage
b) Maintenance: technical people are required to set up and maintain it
c) More wires and other connectivity media are required: additional cables or other
media are required to connect two or more LANs to form a MAN

IV. Wide area network

Wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that is not restricted to a specific
geographical area such as whole country, a continent, and beyond. For example, the
internet is a public WAN that covers the whole globe. Figure below shows a simple
setup of WAN

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Advantages of WAN

i. Geographical area: A Wide Area Network provides a large geographical area.

Suppose if the branch of our office is in a different city then we can connect with them
through WAN. The internet provides a leased line through which we can connect with
another branch.
ii. Centralized data: In case of WAN network, data is centralized. Therefore, we do not
need to buy the emails, files or back up servers.
iii. Get updated files: Software companies work on the live server. Therefore, the
programmers get the updated files within seconds.
iv. Exchange messages: In a WAN network, messages are transmitted fast. The web
application like Facebook, Whatsapp, Skype allows you to communicate with friends.
v. Sharing of software and resources: In WAN network, we can share the software and
other resources like a hard drive, RAM.
vi. Global business: We can do the business over the internet globally.

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Disadvantages of Wide Area Network:

The following are the disadvantages of the Wide Area Network:

i. Security issue: A WAN network has more security issues as compared to LAN and
MAN network as all the technologies are combined together that creates the security
problem.
ii. High Setup cost: An installation cost of the WAN network is high as it involves the
purchasing of routers, switches.
iii. Troubleshooting problems: It covers a large area so fixing the problem is difficult.
iv. Needs Firewall & antivirus software: The data is transferred on the internet which
can be changed or hacked by the hackers, so the firewall needs to be used. Some
people can inject the virus in our system so antivirus is needed to protect from such a
virus.

Internetwork
o An internetwork is defined as two or more computer network LANs or WAN or
computer network segments are connected using devices.
o An interconnection between public, private, commercial, industrial, or government
computer networks can also be defined as internetworking.
o An internetworking uses the internet protocol.
o The reference model used for internetworking is Open System Interconnection(OSI).

Types Of Internetwork:
1. Intranet: Is the private internal network of an organization which allows access to
specific authorized users such as organization's employee or members.

 The main aim of the intranet is to share the information and resources among the
organization employees.

Intranet advantages:
o Communication: It provides a cheap and easy communication. An employee of the
organization can communicate with another employee through email, chat.
o Time-saving: Information on the intranet is shared in real time, so it is time-saving.

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o Collaboration: Collaboration is one of the most important advantage of the intranet.

The information is distributed among the employees of the organization and can only
be accessed by the authorized user.
o Platform independency: It is a neutral architecture as the computer can be connected
to another device with different architecture.
o Cost effective: People can see the data and documents by using the browser and
distributes the duplicate copies over the intranet. This leads to a reduction in the cost.

DISADVANTAGE

 Information cannot be shared outsides the local network

2. Extranet: is a communication network that extended to users outside the company

usually via internet.

It is used for information sharing. The access to the extranet is restricted to only those users
who have login credentials

ADVANTAGES

1) Share of information between companies.

2) Collaboration with other companies

3) Communication between companies

4) Jointly develop and use training programs with other companies

DISADVANTAGES

1) Expensive to implement

2) Requires network security

INTERNET

Is an interconnected network worldwide.

ADVANTAGES DISADVANTAGE
1) Sharing of information 1) Security of data
2) Data can easily update 2) Virus attack

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Quiz: MENTION 4 TYPES OF NETWORKS

1) LAN - local – area network

2) WAN – Wide area network

3) MAN – Metropolitan area network

4) PAN-Personal Area network

Components Of Computer Network:

LAN DEVICES AND ACCESSORIES (Network devices and accessories)

Major components of a computer network are:

1. NIC (National interface card)
2. Hub
3. Switch
4. Router
5. Network cables and connectors
6. Modem
7. Bridge
8. Server
9. Repeater

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1. NIC(National interface card)

 A network interface card (NIC) is a device that plugs into a mother board and provides
ports for the network media connections.
 Refer to an electronic card that enables a computer to connect to a networks
 It is the component that interface with the local – area network (LAN)
 A NIC is sometimes called Ethernet card or network adapter

There are two types of NIC: wireless NIC and wired NIC.

o Wireless NIC: All the modern laptops use the wireless NIC. In Wireless NIC, a
connection is made using the antenna that employs the radio wave technology.
o Wired NIC: Cables use the wired NIC to transfer the data over the medium.

2. Hub
Hub is a central device that splits the network connection into multiple devices. When
computer requests for information from a computer, it sends the request to the Hub. Hub
distributes this request to all the interconnected computers

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3. Switches
Switch is a networking device that groups all the devices over the network to transfer the data
to another device.

A switch is better than Hub as it does not broadcast the message over the network, i.e., it
sends the message to the device for which it belongs to.

Therefore, we can say that switch sends the message directly from source to the destination.

4. Router

Router is a device that connects the LAN to the internet. The router is mainly used to connect
the distinct networks or connect the internet to multiple computers.

A router can be wired, wireless or both. Figure below show a wireless router .A
wireless router is a device that performs the functions of a router but also includes
the function of a wires access point. It is commonly used to provide access to the
Internet or computer network. It does not require a wired link as the connection is
made virtually via waves.

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5. Network Cables and connectors

Cable is a transmission media that transmits the communication signals.

There are three types of cables:

o Twisted pair cable: It is a high-speed cable that transmits the data over 1Gbps or
more.
o Coaxial cable: Coaxial cable resembles like a TV installation cable. Coaxial cable is
more expensive than twisted pair cable, but it provides the high data transmission
speed.
o Fibre optic cable: Fibre optic cable is a high-speed cable that transmits the data using
light beams. It provides high data transmission speed as compared to other cables. It is
more expensive as compared to other cables, so it is installed at the government level.

Twisted pair cables

Twisted pair cables, also known as Ethernet cables, are insulated twisted together.
Twisted cable: is a type of wiring in which two conductors of a single circuit are together
(LAN, MAN, WAN internet, intranet)
These cables are used in telephone lines and LANs. There are two types of twisted pair
cables:
a) unshielded Twisted pairs (UTP) cable is a cable comprised of only wired and
insulated cables as show by label 1 in figure 3.12

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b) Shielded twisted pair (STP) cable is a cable braided with wire mesh 3.12STP
cables are less affected by electromagnet induction (EMI) compared to UTP
cables.
Key: 1= unshielded Twisted pairs cable
2=Shielded Twisted pairs cable
3=cable head or connectors
Advantage of twisted pair cables
a) They are easy to use and maintain.
b) they are cheap
Disadvantages of twisted pair cables
a) They are affected by electromagnetic induction, which cause interference.
b) They are suitable for use only in short distances.

FIBRE OPTIC CABLES

Fibre optic cables are made up of very thin strands of glass or plastic. One cable may contain
two strands or several hundreds of strands Fibre optic cable transmits data signals as light.

Advantages of Fibre optic cables.

a) It is the faster transmission media.
b) It supports higher bandwidth.
c) It is not affected by attenuation and electromagnetic interference.
d) It is used in transmitting signals in longer distance.
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Disadvantages of Fibre optic cable.

a) It is most expensive because it requires expensive equipment.
b) it is very difficult to install
Coaxial cables.
Coaxial cable is a type of cable that has an inner conductor surrounding by a tubular
insulating layer, network. (LAN, WAN, MAN, Internet, Intranet)
Coaxial cables are commonly used in cable TV, telephone companies, and computer
networks for transmitting data.

Advantages of coaxial cable.

a) It is not easily affected by attenuation and electromagnetic interference.
b) It can be used to transmit data in longer distance than twisted pair cable.
c) It supports transfer of high bandwidth signal compared to twisted pair cable.
d) It is faster than twisted pair cable.
Disadvantages of coaxial cable.
a) It is more expensive than twisted pair cable.
b) It is not so safe because it can be taped by breaking the cable and inserting the T- joint
in between.
6. Modem
Modem connects the computer to the internet over the existing telephone line. A modem is not integrated
with the computer motherboard. A modem is a separate part on the PC slot found on the motherboard.

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7. Bridge is a network device that connects multiple network devices (LAN).

It is a device that divides a network into segments

8. Server is large computer that stores websites on internet or

A network server is a computer designed to act as central repository and help in

providing various resources like hardware access, disk space, printer access, etc,.
to other computers in the network

9. A repeater is a powerful network hardware device that regenerates an incoming

signal from the sender before retransmitting it to the receiver

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Uses / Importance Of Computer Network

o Resource sharing: Resource sharing is the sharing of resources such as programs,
printers, and data among the users on the network without the requirement of the physical
location of the resource and user.
o Server-Client model: Computer networking is used in the server-client model. A server
is a central computer used to store the information and maintained by the system
administrator. Clients are the machines used to access the information stored in the server
remotely.
o Communication medium: Computer network behaves as a communication medium
among the users. For example, a company contains more than one computer has an email
system which the employees use for daily communication.
o E-commerce: Computer network is also important in businesses. We can do the business
over the internet. For example, amazon.com is doing their business over the internet, i.e.,
they are doing their business over the internet

Disadvantages of installing a Network

1. Expensive to install: Although a network will generally save money, our time, the initial
cost of installation can be prohibitive; cable, network cards and software are expensive and
the installation may require the services of a technician.
2. Requires administrative time. Proper maintained of a network requires considerable time
and expertise. Many schools have installed a network, only to find that they did not budget
for the necessary administrative support.
3. File server may fail: Although a file server is no more susceptible to failure than any other
computer, when the files server ―goes down‖ the entire network may come more to a halt.
When this happens, the entire school or company may lose access to necessary programs and
file
4. Cables may break: Some of the configurations are designed to minimize the
inconvenience of a Brocken cable, with other configurations; one Brocken cable can stop the
entire network.

Quiz: state the advantages and disadvantages of computer network

THE ADVANTAGES OF NETWORKING

 Sharing of data
 Sharing of hardware e.g.; printer
 Easy transferring of data
 Easy communication
 Online shopping

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 Sim banking
 Easy transfer of data through network device
 Enable e- learning
 Enables e- commerce
 Exchange of information

DISADVANTAGES OF NETWORKING

 Security of data
 Cost of installing nodes is very high
 If server fails all the nodes will be affected
 Virus attack

There many are many functions of computer networks, which can be generalized as
communication and sharing of resources. Some of the areas where you can find notable
function of computer networks are such as communication, entertainment, business, health,
and education.
Communication
(A)The use of e-mail, teleconferences, video conferences, newsgroups and social media are
commonly facilitated by the presences of computer networks.
(b) Computer networks enable easy and smooth resources sharing. Example of resources
sharing include the use of networks printers, chatting and access to audio, video, and texture
information from different networked computers.
Entertainment
(a) Webcasting enables information such as radio and TV program from one computer to be
accessed by many other computers at once.
(b) Video and audio contents can be easily accessed from a particular stations or server
Business
(a) Computer networks enable digital financial transactions. For example, the use of ATM
cards to withdraw money from any Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) (see figure 3.15)
anywhere, and use of mobile services such as T-pesa, M-pesa, Tigopesa, Airtel money, and
easypesa, facilitated by computer networks
(b) International trade: commodities can be advertised and ordered online; transactions are
made through computer networks without buyer going physically to sellers.

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Health and education

(a) In research, computer networks help much in sharing resources like online journals and
publications.
(b) In health, computer networks are used for supporting health management systems,
telemedicine, and online care provision. Also, they are used to search for causes and
treatment of disease from various medical resources available on the internet.
(c)E-learning uses computer networks for online classes, enabling classrooms without walls-
learning enables people to learn anytime and anywhere.

COMPUTER NETWORK ARCHITECTURE (COMPUTER NERTWORK TOPOLOGIES)

The network topology/topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and
connections in a network

It defined as layout/design of the network (connected devices).

Is the way in which nodes are connected in a network?

NODES: are the network devices e.g.: Computer, switch, hub, server or router

NODES can be connected physically or logically

TYPES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGY

A) PHYSICAL TOPOLOGY

B) LOGICAL TOPOLOGY

PHYSICAL TOPOLOGY

Refers to the visible design of the device in a network or the way in which in nodes are
connected physically.

LOGICAL TOPOLOGY

Refers to the paths that signal from one point to the network to another. Or refer to how data
are actually transferred in a network

TYPES OF PHYSICAL TOPOLOGY

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There is common six types of physical topology

1. BUS TOPOLOGY
2. STAR TOPOLOGY
3. RING TOPOLOGY
4. MESH TOPOLOGY
5. TREE TOPOLOGY
6. HYBRID TOPOLOGY

1. BUS TOPOLOGY/ LINEAR BUS

BUS TOPOLOGY refer to the type of network topology that consists of a single cable known
as a truck or backbone or segment that connects all computer and other devices on a network.
Data travels in one direction along the bus from the source to the destination

This topology is rarely used and would only be suitable for a home office or small business
with few hosts.

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Advantages of Bus topology:

i. Low-cost cable: In bus topology, nodes are directly connected to the cable without
passing through a hub. Therefore, the initial cost of installation is low.
ii. Moderate data speeds: Coaxial or twisted pair cables are mainly used in bus-based
networks that support up to 10 Mbps.
iii. Familiar technology: Bus topology is a familiar technology as the installation and
troubleshooting techniques are well known, and hardware components are easily
available.
iv. Limited failure: A failure in one node will not have any effect on other nodes.

Disadvantages of Bus topology:

i. Extensive cabling: A bus topology is quite simpler, but still it requires a lot of
cabling.
ii. Difficult troubleshooting: It is challenging to identify and isolate problems if the
entire network shutdown.
iii. Signal interference: If two nodes send the messages simultaneously, then the
signals of both the nodes collide with each other.
iv. Reconfiguration difficult: Adding new devices to the network would slow down
the network.
v. Attenuation: Attenuation is a loss of signal leads to communication issues.
Repeaters are used to regenerate the signal.
vi. It needs terminators at both end of the cable.

2. STAR TOPOLOGY

Refer to the type of network topology in which every device in a network is individual
connected to a central node known as switch or hub or router.

Nodes communicate through the network by passing the data through the hub or switch

Star topology is the most popular topology in network implementation

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Advantages of Star topology

i. Efficient troubleshooting: Troubleshooting is quite efficient in a star topology as
compared to bus topology. In a bus topology, the manager has to inspect the kilometers
of cable. In a star topology, all the stations are connected to the centralized network.
Therefore, the network administrator has to go to the single station to troubleshoot the
problem.
ii. Network control: Complex network control features can be easily implemented in the
star topology. Any changes made in the star topology are automatically accommodated
iii. Limited failure: As each station is connected to the central hub with its own cable,
therefore failure in one cable will not affect the entire network.
iv. Familiar technology: Star topology is a familiar technology as its tools are cost-
effective.
v. Easily expandable: It is easily expandable as new stations can be added to the open
ports on the hub.
vi. Cost effective: Star topology networks are cost-effective as it uses inexpensive coaxial
cable.
vii. High data speeds: It supports a bandwidth of approx 100Mbps. Ethernet 100BaseT is
one of the most popular Star topology networks.

Disadvantages of Star topology

i. A Central point of failure: If the central hub or switch goes down, then all the
connected nodes will not be able to communicate with each other.
ii. Cable: Sometimes cable routing becomes difficult when a significant amount of
routing is required.

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3. RING TOPOLOGY

Refer to the network topology in which each device is connected to two other devices on
either side via an RJ-45 cable or coaxial cable

That means Nodes are connected in a circle where by all device have equal importance.

 Data from one node are passed along to the next node at which they are examined, and
if that node is not intended destination ,then they are transmitted to the next node until
the destination is reached
 A ring can be unidirectional or bie directional
 It has no terminated ends, i.e., each node is connected to other node and having no
termination point.

Advantages of Ring topology:

i. Network Management: Faulty devices can be removed from the network without
bringing the network down.
ii. Product availability: Many hardware and software tools for network operation and
monitoring are available.
iii. Cost: Twisted pair cabling is inexpensive and easily available. Therefore, the
installation cost is very low.
iv. Reliable: It is a more reliable network because the communication system is not
dependent on the single host computer. That means no one computer monopolize the
network
v. All station have equal access

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Disadvantages of Ring topology:

i. Difficult troubleshooting: It requires specialized test equipment to determine the
cable faults. If any fault occurs in the cable, then it would disrupt the communication
for all the nodes.
ii. Failure: The breakdown in one station leads to the failure of the overall network.
iii. Reconfiguration difficult: Adding new devices to the network would slow down the
network.
iv. Delay: Communication delay is directly proportional to the number of nodes. Adding
new devices increases the communication delay. Since each data must pass through all
the computers between a source and destination

4. MESH TOPOLOGY
 Mesh technology is an arrangement of the network in which computers are interconnected
with each other through various redundant connections.
 There are multiple paths from one computer to another computer.
 It does not contain the switch, hub or any central computer which acts as a central point of
communication.
 The Internet is an example of the mesh topology.
 Mesh topology is mainly used for WAN implementations where communication failures
are a critical concern.
 Mesh topology is mainly used for wireless networks.
 Mesh topology can be formed by using the formula:
Number of cables = (n*(n-1))/2;

Where n is the number of nodes that represents the network.

Mesh topology is divided into two categories:

I. Fully connected mesh topology

II. Partially connected mesh topology

o Full Mesh Topology: In a full mesh topology, each computer is connected to all the
computers available in the network.
o Partial Mesh Topology: In a partial mesh topology, not all but certain computers are
connected to those computers with which they communicate frequently.

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Advantages of Mesh topology:

i. Reliable: The mesh topology networks are very reliable as if any link breakdown will
not affect the communication between connected computers.
ii. Fast Communication: Communication is very fast between the nodes.
iii. Easier Reconfiguration: Adding new devices would not disrupt the communication
between other devices.

Disadvantages of Mesh topology

i. Cost: A mesh topology contains a large number of connected devices such as a router
and more transmission media than other topologies.
ii. Management: Mesh topology networks are very large and very difficult to maintain
and manage. If the network is not monitored carefully, then the communication link
failure goes undetected.
iii. Efficiency: In this topology, redundant connections are high that reduces the efficiency
of the network.

5. TREE TOPOLOGY

Tree topology combines the characteristics of bus topology and star topology.

A tree topology is a type of structure in which all the computers are connected with each
other in hierarchical fashion.

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The top-most node in tree topology is known as a root node, and all other nodes are the
descendants of the root node.

There is only one path exists between two nodes for the data transmission. Thus, it forms a
parent-child hierarchy.

Advantages of Tree topology

i. Support for broadband transmission: Tree topology is mainly used to provide
broadband transmission, i.e., signals are sent over long distances without being attenuated.
ii. Easily expandable: We can add the new device to the existing network. Therefore, we
can say that tree topology is easily expandable.
iii. Easily manageable: In tree topology, the whole network is divided into segments known
as star networks which can be easily managed and maintained.
iv. Error detection: Error detection and error correction are very easy in a tree topology.
v. Limited failure: The breakdown in one station does not affect the entire network.
vi. Point-to-point wiring: It has point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

Disadvantages of Tree topology

i. Difficult troubleshooting: If any fault occurs in the node, then it becomes difficult to
troubleshoot the problem.
ii. High cost: Devices required for broadband transmission are very costly.
iii. Failure: A tree topology mainly relies on main bus cable and failure in main bus cable
will damage the overall network.
iv. Reconfiguration difficult: If new devices are added, then it becomes difficult to
reconfigure.

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6. HYBRID TOPOLOGY

Combines more than one type of topology mainly star and bus topology.

Advantages of Hybrid Topology

1. Reliable: If a fault occurs in any part of the network will not affect the functioning of
the rest of the network.
2. Scalable: Size of the network can be easily expanded by adding new devices without
affecting the functionality of the existing network.
3. Flexible: This topology is very flexible as it can be designed according to the
requirements of the organization.
4. Effective: Hybrid topology is very effective as it can be designed in such a way that
the strength of the network is maximized and weakness of the network is minimized.

Disadvantages of Hybrid topology

1. Complex design: The major drawback of the Hybrid topology is the design of the
Hybrid network. It is very difficult to design the architecture of the Hybrid network.
2. Costly Hub: The Hubs used in the Hybrid topology are very expensive as these hubs
are different from usual Hubs used in other topologies.
3. Costly infrastructure: The infrastructure cost is very high as a hybrid network
requires a lot of cabling, network devices, etc.

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Note

Topologies are important part of network designing theory . you can probably build your
computer network at home, school or small business without understanding the difference
between a bus design and star design, but becoming familiar with the standard topologies
gives you a better understanding of other importance networking concepts like broadcasting
,switches ,and routers.

Revision questions

SECTION A
Choose the letter of the most correct answers and write it in the provided box
1. Computer in Local Area Network are mainly connected by
A. String
B. Cables
C. Telephone lines
2. A special computer that store network programs and data is called
A. Router
B. Server
C. Hub
3. A network that is confined to one building or room is called a
A. LAN
B. MAN
C. WAN
4. Computer network without a server are called
A. Peer to peer
B. Network server
C. Client-serve
5. WANs differ from LANs in the following aspects:
A. They have more users,faster access times,and are cheaper
B. They cover large area and many recquires mordems and communications links
C. They need more powerful servers and can connect to the Internet
6. Advantages of computer networks are:
A. Improved communications and shairing of data, software and some peripherial
divices
B. Increased production, improed communication and hacking
C. Lower cost per user fewer security risk and greater privacy

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SECTION B

Short answers

7. What is computer networking?

8. Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a star topology?
9. What is the network Interface Card?
10.How does the hybrid topology differ from the star topology?
11.Is it possible to have a computer network without hard ware ,network software and
communication channels ?explain
12.When it is more appropriate to use client-server network or peer to peer network ?
13.Explain the function of computer networks in education.
14.How can computer networks be used to facilitate school management?
15.Explain three advantage and three disadvantage of computer networking.
16.(a)Describe the major characteristics of LAN,MAN,PAN&WAN.
(b)briefly explain four benefits of using local area network in government institution of
your choice.
(c)List three difference between wide area network and local area network .

17.Give two advantage and two disadvantage of each of the following network
transmission media :
i. Twisted pair cables.
ii. Coaxial cables
iii. Fibre optic cables
iv. Wireless
18.Explain the function of network Interface Card?
19.Define the term network topologies.
20.State and briefly describe any five types of physical network topologies.
21.State three advantages and two disadvantages of mesh network topology.

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SECTIN C
1. (a) ABUBAKARI cable is one of the Cable Networking system found at Kahama that
receives Television programs and broadcast them to their customers who are distantly
located away from the station, through cable. Initially they were missing one of the
important networking device and they experienced a problem of poor quality of displays
to most of the Screens of their customers.

(i) Write down the possible cause of that problem. (2

marks)
(ii) As an IT expert, which networking device would you advice them to use in order to
alleviate such a problem? (1
mark)
(iii) State two (2) functions of the networking devices named in 7(a) (i) above (2
marks)
(b) What does the following terms mean, as used in Networking? (3
marks)
(i) Signal modulation
(ii) Bandwidth
(iii) Attenuation
(C)Briefly explain two types of Network Architecture.
1. a). Define the term bandwidth as used in communication. (01 mark)
Bandwidth is the maximum rate of data transfer across a given path. Or Bandwidth is
the capacity of 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 one second. Or The maximum
speed at which data can be transmitted between computers in a network.

b). Study the following figure and answer the questions that follow.

Switch

Printer

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(i). Write the name of the network topology above. (01 mark)
Star topology
(ii). Describe three advantagesof the network above. (06 marks@ 02 mark)
 As compared to Bus topology it gives far much better performance, signals
don’t necessarily get transmitted to all the workstations. A sent signal reaches
the intended destination after passing through no more than 3-4 devices and
2-3 links. Performance of the network is dependent on the capacity of central
hub.
 Easy to connect new nodes or devices. In star topology new nodes can be
added easily without affecting rest of the network. Similarly, components can
also be removed easily.
 Centralized management. It helps in monitoring the network.
 Failure of one node or link doesn’t affect the rest of network. At the same
time, it’s easy to detect the failure and troubleshoot it.

(iii). Write two advantages of using Switch as central device over a hub. (02
marks)
Advantages of switches over hub:
 Hub use for smaller network and Switches use for larger network.
 There is no VLAN function for Hub and Switches are having VLAN function.
 Hub provides less bandwidth and Switches provides more bandwidth.
 Hub is having up to 12 ports. Switches are having up to 48 ports.
 Hub speed is up to 10 Mbps. Switch speed is up to 10 Gbps.
Switch
 Layer 2 device; Data link Layer
 Allow to connect multiple devices and port can be manged. Vlan can create & security
can be applied.
 Do not forward packets to other networks like routers
 Providing more bandwidth for LAN users
 Only ‘Switch’ frames from one port to another within the switched network
 Use hardware address to filter a network
Hub
 Layer 1 device; Physical Layer
 To connect network, join through central hub
 Multi-port repeater
1. Computer network is the connection between one computer and another working
together to share resources.

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a) What are three advantages of computer network?

o Fewer peripherals needed
o Increased communication capabilities
o Avoid file duplication and corruption
o Lower cost licensing

b) Define ring topology, and mention two advantages and two disadvantages of ring topology
Ring Topology is a LAN architecture that consists of a series of devices connected to one.

Advantage of Ring.

 Data collisions are prevented by allowing only one computer at a time to use the
token
 Depending on the intelligence of hub, two or more computers may send message at the
same time
Disadvantage of Ring.
 Failure of hub result in breakdown of entire network
 higher cost

The end
Prepared by sir ABUBAKARI MALANGALI SECONDARY

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