Computer Networks

Topic Contents
• Why there is a need to create network?
• Devices used to connect a network.
• What is computer network?
• What are types of computer network?
• Point of differentiation between LAN and WAN.
• Computer topologies.
 Need of Computer Network:

• File sharing
• Resource sharing
• Communication and
collaboration
• Remote access
• Data protection
 Devices Use To Connect Network:
• Routers
• Gateways
• Repeaters
• Bridges
• Hub
• Modem
Advantages of a network
• Resources (Hardware and Software) can be shared.
• Allows more effective communication between users e.g. via e-mail.
• Networks are cheaper than “stand-alone PCs.”
• Information held on the network can be accessed by all users with
authorised access.
Disadvantages of a network
• The set-up and maintenance costs can be expensive.
• A fault with the network server can cause difficulties with the
organisation.
• Networks need security measures to restrict access to users.
• WANs are vulnerable to hackers and viruses.
What is a computer network?
• A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order
to share resources, exchange files, or allow electronic
communications.
• Network can be as simple as two computers connected by a single
cable or as complex as hundreds of computers connected to devices
that control the flow of information.
• A computer network is a group of computers connected to each
other electronically by which they can talk to each other and
exchange data.
Types of networks
LAN (Local Area Network)
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
WAN (Wide Area Network)
LAN
• What is a local area network (LAN)?
• LAN covers a small region of space typically a
single building, school or at home. In LAN,
group of computers and other devices
dispersed over a relatively limited area say
within a building and connected by a
communication link that enables each device
to interact with any other device on the
network.
Advantages of LAN
• Sharing of expensive resources
• High speed exchange of essential Information
• One can store all critical data at a central place
• Back-up of all important files
Metropolitan area network(MAN)

MAN is a data network intended to serve an

area approximately that of a large city. Such
networks are being implemented by
techniques like running fibre cables through
subway tunnels and satellites.
MAN Cont…
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a
network that interconnects users with
computer resources in a geographic area or
region larger than that covered by even a
large local area network but smaller than
the area covered by a wide area network
(WAN).
It is also used to mean the interconnection
of several local area networks by bridging
them with backbone lines
wide area network (WAN)?
• Network that covers large geographic
area using many types of media Internet
is world’s largest
• WAN Can be a collection of LANs or
WANs or the mix of two with a very
large geographical area for instant a
country or even beyond the border
• Dedicated transoceanic cabling or
satellite uplinks may be used to connect
this type of network.
 Comparison between the three types of computer
Networks
CRITERIA LAN MAN WAN

Cost Low High Higher

Network Size Small Larger Largest

Speed Fastest Slower Slowest

Transmission media type Twisted-pair Twisted-pair and fiber- Fiber optic, radio wave
optic cables and satellite

Number of computers Smallest Large Largest

Network Topologies
• Ring
• Bus
• Star
• Mash
The Ring Topology:
Computers are connected together to form a ring shape so that
none of them is more important than any of the others.
Advantages:
They are cheap to expand.
The data flows around the network in one direction so it is fast.
There is no reliance on a central computer.

Disadvantages:
If there are a lot of users on the network, it could slow down as all the data is sent
along a single line.
If one computer in the ring stops working, the whole network stops.
The Bus (or line) Topology
• Computers are connected like bus stops on a main road. None of
them is more important than any of the others.
Advantages:
• It is cheap as it uses the least amount of cable.
• More computers can be added without disruption.

Disadvantages:
• With a lot of users, the network will be slow as data has to travel
through the same central cable.
• Failure of the central cable will stop the network from working.
The Star Network
• Computers are connected like a star to a central computer such as a
mainframe. This is also called the “host” computer.
Advantages:
• If a cable fails, it will only affect one workstation.
• More computers can be added without disruption.

Disadvantages:
• It is more expensive as it uses the most cabling.
• Failure of the central computer will stop the network from working.