COMPUTER NETWORK

Introduction

A computer network is an arrangement of two or more computers interconnected purposely for

communication, to share information and resources available on the network. Examples of
sharable network resources include; printers, files, fax machine etc.
Computers connected to the network can communicate with each other through the nodes. Nodes
may be computers on the network or network participating devices (switches, routers) that
facilitate communication.

Reasons for networking computers

i. Exchange of information between different computers. (File sharing)
ii. To share files among networked computers.
iii. To access remote software. (Programs sharing)
iv. To provide an infrastructure for other means of communication.
v. To easily distribute information to diverse geographical location.

Diagram showing a typical computer network

Client Pc File server

Cabling

Client pc Client Pc Printer

Advantages of a computer network in an organization

a. Better communication-Network provides email facility that facilitates communication
across the internal network and the whole world. Examples of network communication
tools include; instant messaging, Web blogs, Wikis, Podcasting, face book, twitter.
b. Better sharing of resources-One device can be shared by several connected network
computer users.
c. Sharing of software and data-Some software programs have multiuser licenses and can
be acquired and used by several people hence reducing costs.

1|Page
+254729993318
 d. Better security-Network provides a central repository/storage that allows network
administrators to determine who has access to information.
e. Work away from office- users can connect to the network in the work place to exchange
meetings, messages etc.
f. Network eliminates sneaker net-Use of networked computers eliminates physical
transfer of data through disks.
g. Cloud computing-Network enables users get access to all information they need in same
storage trough collaboration tools.

Components of a network

Client pc
These are personal computers accessing the shared resources on the network.

Server
A network server is used for storing and executing network operating system and enables
sharing of information and resources on a network. This is a computer with a large hard disk
and high main memory capacity than other computers connected on the network.

Network operating system

This is an installed operating system that allows resources sharing on the network.

Client pc application software

This is the software that client computers uses to access shared resources.

Media
This connectivity media that joins devices together. Connected media can be physical cables
or wireless connection.

Router
Supports connectivity between both like and unlike local area network and between LANs and
WANs.

Network Interface Card

This is a circuit board inside the ethernet port that allows that allows ethernet port to connect
to the mother board.

Cloud
Consist of physical hardware that can be located of multiple geographical locations.
Switch
This is a networking hardware that connects devices on a computer network by using packet
switching to receive and forward data to the destination device.

2|Page
+254729993318
Types of computer Networks

Computer networks can be classified according to their size. They include;

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
4. Personal Area Network (PAN)

Local Area Network (LAN)

Local Area Network is a group of computers connected to each other in a small area such as
building, office.

LAN is used for connecting two or more personal computers through a communication medium
such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, Wireless fidelity and fibre optic.

It is less costly as it is built with inexpensive hardware such as hubs, network adapters and
Ethernet cables.

Local Area Network provides high security.

TYPES OF LAN

i. Peer to Peer Model

ii. Client Server Model

PEER TO PEER MODEL

This is a kind of computer network where two or more computers systems are connected
together without a separate server

Client Pc Client Pc

Client Pc Client Pc

Advantages of Peer to Peer network

3|Page
+254729993318
 1. Cost-The overall cost of building and maintaining peer to peer is relatively inexpensive.
2. Reliability-Peer to peer network is not dependent on a centralized system. Connected
computers can function independently.
3. Implementation-It is easy to setup peer to peer network requiring no advanced
knowledge.
4. Scalability-Even if the extra clients added, the performance of the network will remain
the same.
5. Administration-There is no need for any specialized network administrator since all the
users are given the right to manage their own system.
6. Server requirement- There is no need to use a dedicated server. Each connected
computer acts as a server and a work station/ client pc.
7. Resource Sharing-In p2p the resources are shared equally among all the users.

Disadvantages of Peer to Peer

1. Decentralized storage for files. No back up.
2. Insecurity –Each computer in the network shares resources and data.
3. Each user is responsible for ensuring viruses that are not properly introduced in the
network.
4. All files and folders are not logically organized.
5. Each user must be trained to perform administrative task.
6. Does not scale well to large network and administration become unmanageable.

CLIENT SERVER MODEL

In Client server model, network services are located on a dedicated computer called server. The
Server responds to the requests of client computers. The server is continuously available to
respond to requests from clients for files, print, application and other services.

Desktop computers function as clients and one or more computers with additional processing
power, memory, and specialized software function as server.

Server

Client Pc Client Pc

Client Pc

4|Page
+254729993318
Advantages of client server model

1. Provides better security.

2. Easier to administer when the network is large because administration is centralized.
3. All data can be backed up in one central location.
4. Flexibility of integrating new technology.

Disadvantages of client server model

1. Requires expensive, specialized network administrative and operational software.
2. Requires a professional administrator.
3. User data is unavailable incase of server failure.
4. Requires powerful and expensive hardware.
5. Difficult in maintenance.

LAN communication standards

LAN is facilitated by network standards. There are various types of network standards;
i. Ethernet
ii. IP and IPX
iii. TCP and SPX
iv. Token ring
v. HTTP,FTTP, FTP, STMP and DNS

Ethernet (data link layer)

This is the physical layer of a network that focuses on hardware configured to a netwok such as
cables, repeaters, NIC etc. It addresses the way data packets move from one node to another.

IP and IPX (Network layer)

Routes network messages (data) from one computer to another.

TCP and SPX (Transport layer)

Concerned with efficient and reliable transportation of data packets from one network to another.

Token Ring
Every device takes in turn to send and will only do so when given permission in the form of data
signal known as token.

HTTP,FTTP, FTP, STMP and DNS( session/ presentation/ application layer)

Http- Hyper Text Transfer protocol- This is responsible for sending and receiving web pages.
Ftp- File Transfer protocol-Transfers and manipulates files in the internet.
STMP-Simple Mail Transfer Protocol-Protocol for simple mail messages in the internet.
DNS- Dynamic Host Configuration-Automatically assigns the internet address to host computers
and the users an identity number on the internet.

5|Page
+254729993318
COMPONENTS OF A LOCAL AREA NETWORK
Network interface card
This is a circuit board that is installed in a computer so that it can be connected to the network.
Each network device contains network interface card.

Server
This is a computer assigned to process requests and deliver data to other client computers over
local area network or the internet.

Station or a Client pc
Computers accessing each other over the network.

Hub
This is a network device that allows several devices to communicate with one another. A hub
connects segments of a LAN.

Switch
A switch receives a packet and transmits it to only the destination computer.

Router
Supports connectivity between both like and unlike LAN, between LANs and WANs.

Bridge
This is an interface that connects same types of LANS that utilize same protocol.

Gateways
Performs both functions of bridges and routers and protocol conversion in all layers.

Shared peripheral devices

Any or all devices connected can be accessed by multiple users when connected to LAN in a
proper manner. Eg. Printer, disk space.

Medium
This can be either physical or wireless connection.

Connector- Device for cabling joinery.

Diagram showing a typical LAN

6|Page
+254729993318
 Cable

Printer

Terminator
Connector

Client Pc

Server

LAN transmission medium

Transmission medium is anything that can carry information from the source to a destination.
Simply, the path between the transmitter and a receiver in a data transmission system.

The characteristics and quality of data transmission are determined by;

a. Nature of the signal.
b. Nature of the transmission media.

Common data impairments

a. Attenuation-The strength of a signal decreases with increasing distance which causes
loss of energy in overcoming resistance of the media.
b. Distortion-Changes in the form or shape of the signal.
c. Noise-This is the random or unwanted signal that mixes up with the original signal.
d. Cross talk-Signal transmission issue that disrupts the data communication between
interconnected computers.

Types of LAN transmission media

1. Twisted Pair of copper wire
Consists of two pair of insulated copper wires twisted in a spiral pattern to minimize
electoral magnetic interference. Twisting increases electrical noise immunity and reduces
cross talk. If offers both analogue and digital data transmission.

7|Page
+254729993318
 PVC Jacket Twisted pair of copper wire
Insulated foils

Advantages of twisted pair

1. It’s relatively easy to implement and terminate.
2. It is the smallest amount expensive media of transmission for brief distances.
3. If portion of a twisted pair cable is broken it doesn’t effect the whole network.
4. Less vulnerable to electrical interference caused by nearby equipment or wires.
5. It causes interference themselves.
6. Best performance in short distances.
7. High-cost performance
8. The twisted-pair cable is low in weight.
9. Twisted pair cable is flexible to use
10. Twisted Pair cable is easy to connect.
11. These cables are suitable for Data and voice infrastructure.

Disadvantages of twisted pair

1. It result signal distortion in a very effective manner.
2. Attenuation is very high.
3. It supports low bandwidth.
4. It provides poor security and is relatively easy to tap.
5. As they a thin so can be easily breakable.

Uses of twisted pair cable

 Networking computers connection.
 Connecting switches, routers, printers, IP cameras etc.

2. Coaxial cable
Consists of copper wire surrounded by insulation, a braided metal sheathing and an outer
jacket. Sheathing refers to woven / stranded metal mesh .Sheathing protects transmitted
data by absorbing stray signals called noise that may get into cable and distort data. The
core is used to carry data.

Insulation Conducting core

PVC Jacket Copper wire mesh/Aluminium/ metal sheth
Advantages of coaxial cable

8|Page
+254729993318
  The cost of a coaxial cable is less.
 Highly resistant to physical damage.
 Highly resistant to EMI.
 Great channel capacity.
 The transmission rate is high.
 It is small in diameter.
 It is less susceptible to noise interference compare to twisted pair.
 It allows a high transfer rate with coaxial cable having better shielding materials.
 It is easy to wire and easy to expand to flexibility.
 It support high bandwidth signal transmission compare to twisted pair.
 Noise immunity due to a low error rate.
 It requires fewer repeaters than twisted pair.
 It has been used for many years for many types of data communication, including cable
television also.
 It is used for high-frequency applications so it will increase the tensile strength of the
cable and reduces weight.
 The outer conductor in coaxial cable is used to improve and increases attenuation and
shield effectiveness.

Disadvantages of coaxial cable

 It is expensive to install.
 Cost maintenance is also high.
 Inflexible construction.
 Unsupported by newer networking standards.
 It is bulky.
 It has a more security problem.
 It must be grounded to prevent interference.
 In case of failure in one cable, the entire network will be down by using this wire.
 The security is a great concern as it is easy and to use to tap the coaxial cable by breaking
it and inserting T- joint in between.
 Its baseband transmission does not allow for integrated video and voice.
 Need more room in wiring ducts than twisted pair.

Uses of coaxial cable

 TV antennae installation.
 HDTV installation
 Internet connection signals.
 Video streamlining connections.
 Radio frequency signals transmission.

3. Fiber Optic
9|Page
+254729993318
 Consists of a centre glass core surrounded by several cladding of protective materials.
Fibre optic transmits light signal rather than electronic signal. It is more resistant to
electromagnetic interference. Fiber optic offers long distances signal transfer.

Light signal

Pvc Insulator Cladding material

Glass tube

Advantages of fiber optic cables

 Fiber optic has much band width-The amount of information and data that can be
transmitted per unit time in fiber is much higher.
 Low attenuation-it allows longer distances transmission.
 No interference-Fiber optic is immune to electromagnetic interference. It can run in
electric noisy environments.
 Fibre optic cables are much thinner and and lighter than other cables. This property
makes it easier to install.
 Optical fibers are difficult to tap.
 Flexible-It bends easily and resists most corrosive elements that attacks copper wire.
 It is cheaper than copper wire

Disadvantages of fiber optic cables

 Difficult to splice-If you bend them too much the will break.
 Expensive to install-Optical fiber is more expensive to install and have to be installed by
specialists.
 Highly susceptible-It is highly susceptyible to becoming cut or damaged during
installation or construction.
 Cant be curved-Can be broken or have transmission losses when wrapped around curves
of few centimeters radius.

Uses of fiber optic cables

 Cable television signals.
 Internet communication
 Transmission of telephone signals in telecommunication companies.

4. Wireless LANS

10 | P a g e
+254729993318
 These are a wireless computer network that uses high frequency radio waves instead of
cables for connection LAN devices within a limited area such as home, school, office
building.

Diagram of wireless LAN

Advantages of WLANs
 They provide clutter-free homes, offices and other networked places.
 The LANs are scalable in nature, i.e. devices may be added or removed from the network
at greater ease than wired LANs.
 The system is portable within the network coverage. Access to the network is not
bounded by the length of the cables.
 Installation and setup are much easier than wired counterparts.
 The equipment and setup costs are reduced.

Disadvantages of WLANs

 Since radio waves are used for communications, the signals are noisier with more
interference from nearby systems.
 Greater care is needed for encrypting information. Also, they are more prone to errors.
So, they require greater bandwidth than the wired LANs.
 WLANs are slower than wired LANs.

11 | P a g e
+254729993318