COMPUTER NETWORKS

Computer Network: A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers and other devices
to share data and other resources. (hardware and software resources)
Elementary terminology of Networks:
Node/ Workstation/Host: It refers to a computer that is attached to a network and is seeking to share
the resources of a network.
Server: A computer which facilitates the sharing of data, software and hardware resources and
communication among hosts on the network is termed as server.
Server can be of two types:
1. Non-dedicated server: - On small networks, a workstation that can double up as a server is
known as non-dedicated server, since it is not completely dedicated to the cause of serving.
2. Dedicated server: - On bigger networks, there is a computer reserved for server’s job and its
only job is to help workstations access data, software and hardware resources.
Differentiate between Non-dedicated and Dedicated servers
Non-dedicated server Dedicated server
Used in small networks Used in large networks
It is slow It is faster
It requires more memory It requires less memory
It is known as peer to peer network It is known as master slave network

NIU (Also called NIC- Network Interface Card) (Network Interface Unit): - It is an interpreter that helps
to establish communication between the server and workstations. The NIC is also known Terminal Access
Point(TAP)/ Network Interface Unit (NIU). It is a card that is attached to each of the workstation and the
server, and helps the workstation to connect with the network. Each card attached to workstation has a
unique no identifying it , known as node address.
Need for networking /Advantages of Networking/Application of Networking
1. Resource Sharing: The primary use of network is to share among users programs/applications, data
and peripheral devices connected to a network. This allows printing of documents by several users
and hence, the printer is shared by multiple users on the network. Other resources like hard disk,
DVD drive, scanner, sharing database, audio and video files, antivirus software, application software
etc. can also be shared on a computer network.
2. Improved Communication: A computer network enables fast, reliable and secure communication
between users which saves time, and offers easy communication methods.
For example, using a network it is possible for managers working far apart to prepare reports for the
company. The changes made at one end can be reported at the other end and it speeds up
cooperation among them and also increases their efficiency.
3. Reduced Communication Cost: Sharing of resources also reduces communication cost. Large quantity
of data can be sent at a low cost.
4. Reliability of data: Reliability means backing up of data i.e., data can be copied and stored on multiple
computers. In a network system, all computers are connected to each other. A file can have copies on
2 or 3 different machines, so even if one of them is unavailable, the other copies can be used.
5. Central storage of data: Files can be stored on a central node (the file server) , that can be shared and
made available to each and every user in an organization. So, there is no duplication of data and
almost no data redundancy.
Types of Networks
Networks vary widely in their size, complexity and geographical spread. On the basis of geographical
spread, Networks are classified into 4. They are :
a. PAN
b. LAN
c. MAN
d. WAN

a. PAN (Personal Area Network): It is a network of communication between a computer and

other handheld devices in the proximity of an individual. It can cover an area of few metre
radius. PAN can be set up using guided media (USB cable) or unguided media (Bluetooth,
Infrared). The network that belongs to a single person or user is known as PAN.
b. LAN (Local Area Network): It is a small computer network confined to a small geographical
area like home, office or a campus. It can cover an area of few metres to a few km radius.
Key purpose of LAN is to serve its users in resource sharing where it shares hardware and
software resources. LAN can be set up using wired media(UTP cables, coaxial cables) or
wireless media(infrared, radio waves).LAN set up using unguided media is known as
WLAN(Wireless LAN).
c. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): It is a network of communicating devices with in a city.
It can cover an area of few km to few hundred km radius. MAN can be set up using guided
and unguided media (wired or wireless). Interconnected offices of MNC (Multinational
Corporation) or cable television networks are examples of MAN.

d. WAN (Wide Area Network): It is a network which spreads over a large geographical area
across countries and continents. WANs are generally used to interconnect several types of
networks such as LANs and MANs. The WANs link computers to facilitate fast and efficient
exchange of information at lesser costs and higher speeds. Best example of WAN is Internet
(giant WAN). All guided and unguided media can be used to set WAN.
 Difference between LAN & WAN

LAN(Local Area Network) WAN (Wide Area Network)

1. It is spread over a small area. 1. It is spread over a very large area.
2. It usually costs less to set it up. 2. It costs higher to set it up.
3. It is usually a single network. 3. It is usually a network of networks.
4. Very low error rates. 4. Comparatively higher error rates.
5. Complete ownership by a single 5. Owned by multiple organisations.
Organisation.

TOPOLOGY
Topology: - The pattern of interconnection of nodes in a network is called Topology. It is an
arrangement of physical connection among nodes in a network. The major ones are:
a. Star topology
b. Bus topology
c. Mesh topology
d. Tree topology

a) Star Topology: This consists of a central node to which all other nodes are connected by a
single path.
Advantages of Star Topology
1. It is easy to install and wire.
2. No disruptions to the network take place ,while connecting or removing devices.
3. It is easy to detect the faults and to remove parts.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
1. It requires more cable length than bus topology.
2. Central node dependency. If anything happen to the central node, the entire
network crashes.
3. It is more expensive than bus topology.

b) Bus Topology (Linear Topology): This consists of a single length of transmission medium (coaxial
cable) , onto which the various nodes are attached. The main cable is called backbone. If any
node has to send information to another node, it sends the signal to the backbone. The signal
travels the entire length of backbone and is received by the node for which it is intended. A small
device called terminator is attached to each end of the backbone which removes the travelling
data token from the network.
 Advantages of Bus Topology
1. It is easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a bus.
2. It requires less cable length than star topology.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
1. If there is a break in the main cable, the entire network shuts down.
2. It is difficult to diagnose the problem, if the entire network shuts down.
3. Terminators are required at both ends of the cable.

c) Mesh Topology: In this topology, each node is connected to more than one node to provide an
alternative route, in the case - the host is either down or too busy. This topology is excellent for
long distance networking because it provides extensive back-up, rerouting and pass-through
capabilities. Communication is possible between any two nodes on the network either directly or
by passing through. This is also ideal for distributed networks.
Advantages of Mesh Topology
1. Each connection can carry its own data load.
2. It is robust and provides security and privacy.
3. Fault diagnosis is easy.
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology
1. Its installation and configuration is difficult.
2. Cabling cost is more for mesh topology.
3. Bulk wiring is required.
d) Tree Topology (Extended Star Topology/Hybrid Topology): It is a combination of star and bus
topology. It is used to link different star topology connected together to a linear bus backbone
cable.
Advantages of Tree Topology
1. It provides point-to-point wiring for individual segments.
2. It is supported by several hardware and software vendors.
Disadvantages of Tree Topology
1. If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.
2. It is more difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.
3. Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.

NETWORK DEVICES
1. Hub: - It is a hardware device that allows us to connect multiple computers/devices
together in a network. A hub has ports into which cables from individual computers are
inserted. Hub is an electronic device that connects several nodes to form a network and
redirects the received information to all the connected nodes in broadcast mode.

2.
3. Switch: - It is an intelligent device that connects several nodes to form a network and
redirects the received information only to the intended nodes. It is a device used to
segment networks into different sub networks called subnets or LAN segments.
Segmenting the networks into smaller subnets, prevents traffic overloading in a network.
It is called as an Intelligent Hub.

4. Repeater: - It is a device that is used to regenerate (amplify) signals which is on its way
through a communication channel. A repeater regenerates the received signal and
retransmits it to its destination. When data is transmitted over a network for long
distance, the data signal gets weak after a certain distance. If the signal becomes weak,
it cannot reach its destination. Repeater is the device which is used to re-strengthen the
data signal.

5. Gateway: - It is a device which is used to connect different types of network and

perform the necessary translation, so that the connected networks can communicate
properly. It connects dissimilar networks. It establishes an intelligent connection
between a local network and external networks with completely different structures.
6. Bridge: - It is a device which is used to connect 2 LANs or 2 segments of the same LAN.
LANs connected by bridge must follow the same protocol. Bridge work with MAC
address.

7. Modem: - It is a computer peripheral that allows you to connect and communicate with
other computer via telephone. Telephone lines cannot carry digital information, modem
changes the digital data from computer to analog data which can be carried by telephone
lines. Later the analog signal is changed into digital data that computer can understand.
Modem is the short form for modulation and demodulation.

8. Router: - It is a device that works like a bridge but can handle different protocols. The
router is responsible for forwarding data from one network to a different network. A
router works with IP address.
 Differentiate between Router and Bridge
Router Bridge
It can handle multiple Bridge cannot handle multiple protocols.
protocols.
It works with IP address. It works with MAC address.

Differentiate between Switch and Hub

Hub Switch
Network traffic is more. Network traffic is less.
Suitable for small networks. Suitable for large networks.
It passes on information it receives to all It passes information only to the
devices connected to internet. intended nodes.

Introduction to Internet
The Internet is a worldwide network of computer networks around the globe. Information is
available on almost all the topic in the Internet.

Uniform Resource Locator(URL)(Web Address)

The Uniform Resource Locator is the unique identifier of a web page. A location on a net server
is called a web site. Each website has a unique address called URL (Uniform Resource Locator).
For e.g., the web site of Microsoft has an address or URL called http://www.microsoft.com.
URL’s look like this:
type://address/path
where type: specifies the type of server in which the file is located, address is the address of the
server, and path tells the location of the file on the server. URL is an address of a file on internet.

WWW and it’s applications

The World Wide Web (WWW) is a set of protocols that allows you to access any document on
the Internet through a naming system based on URLs. Protocols are rules or standards that
govern communications. The World Wide Web (WWW) is a combination of all resources and
users on the Internet that are using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
The Hyper Text Transfer Protocol is a protocol mainly used to access data on the World Wide
Web.
This protocol defines how messages are formatted and transmitted, and what actions web
servers and browsers should take in response to various commands. For example, when you
enter a URL in your browser, this actually sends an HTTP command to the Web Server directing
it to fetch and transmit the requested web page.

Web : The Web is the common name for the World Wide Web, a subset of the Internet
consisting of the pages that can be accessed by a Web browser.

Chat: Chat is a text-based communication that is live or in real-time. For example, when talking
to someone in Chat, any typed text is received by other participants immediately.

E-Mail(Electronic Mail): One of the most popular Internet services is electronic mail (email).
E-mail functioning revolves around following three components:
• Mailer
• Mail Server
• Mailbox
Mailer is called mail program, mail application or mail client. It allows us to manage, read and
compose mail. The function of Mail Server is to receive, store and deliver the email. Mailbox is
generally a folder that contains emails and information about them.
The advantages of E-mail are
• Low cost
• Speed
• Waste Reduction
• Ease of Use
• Record Maintenance

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) :Voice over Internet Protocol is used for transferring
of voice. VoIP enables users to carry voice traffic (telephone calls and faxes) over an IP network.
The voice calls are first digitized, compressed and then fragmented into small packets which are
then relayed by Internet Protocol (IP) cross network. It allows both voice and data
communications to be run over a single network.

Web Server : : A Web Server is a WWW server that responds to requests made by web
browsers. Web server is a program or the computer that provide services to other programs called
client. Web servers provide an area to store and organize the pages of the website.

Hosting of a Website: A web host, or web hosting service provider, is a business that
provides the technologies and services needed for the website or webpage to be viewed in the
Internet. Websites are hosted, or stored, on special computers called servers.

Web Browser : Web Browser is an Application program that displays a World wide web
document. It usually uses the Internet service to access the document. The Web browser requests
the server for the web documents and services. The web browser act as an interface between the
server and the client and displays a web document to the client.
Web Page/ Web site: A Web Page is an independent part of a Web Site that contains the
links to other Web Pages on the Web Site. On the other hand, a Web Site is a collection of
relevant Web Pages that is addressed to a Uniform Resource Locator. : A location on a net server
is called a web site.

Static web page vs Dynamic web page: The Static web pages display the same content
each time when someone visits it, whereas in Dynamic web pages the page content changes
according to the user. A database is used in, at the server end in a Dynamic web page. In contrast,
there is no database used in a Static web page.

Commonly used Web-Browsers:-

1. Google Chrome : Today, Google Chrome has become the most used web browsers in the
world. Google Chrome was released in the year 2008 as a freeware that was written in C++.
The browser is known for its performance, ease of use, syncing with Google database,
security etc.
2. Firefox: Firefox is the second most popular web browser in the world. Firefox is a freeware
from Mozilla organization that was released in the year 2002 by the name “Phoenix”. Mozilla
Firefox is supported on OS such as Windows, Android, and iOS, Linux, Firefox OS and OS X.

3. Safari : Safari web browser is a freeware browser from the Apple Inc. Safari is the default
web browser in Mac computers and in OS X and iOS Operating Systems. Safari was released

in the year 2003.

4. Internet Explorer: Internet Explorer or simply IE is the default browser in Windows,

making this browser the fourth most popular and used browser in the world. The Internet
Explorer today has added new features to support the latest web technologies.

Add-ons and Plug-ins

Add-ons and plug-ins are two widely used terms in browsers. Both the terms boost the
performance of browser. In Firefox you install add-ons to add extra features as well as add
plug-ins to add some missing functionalities.
 Cookies
Cookies are messages that a web server transmits to a web browser so that the web server
can keep track of the user’s activity on a specific web site. Cookies are messages that web
servers pass to your web browser when you visit Internet sites. Your browser stores each
message in a small file, called cookie. txt . These files typically contain information about your
visit to the web page, as well as any information you've volunteered, such as your name and
interests.

MAC address (Media Access Control address):- It refers to the physical address assigned by NIC
manufacturer. It is a unique 12 digit (6 byte) address with each byte separated by a colon. The
first 3 bytes of MAC address are manufacturer id and last 3 bytes are the card no.
Card no assigned by manufacturer

E.g.: 00:A0:C9:14:C8:35

Code assigned to manufacturer

MAC address of a NIC never changes. Each MAC address is unique for each network card.

IP address (Internet protocol address):-Every machine on TCP/IP network has a unique

identifying no called an IP address. It is a unique 4 digit hexadecimal no (32 bits) assigned to
each node on a network. IP address settings of a node can be changed by the user.
E.g.: 59.177.134.72

Differentiate between MAC and IP

MAC IP
MAC address assigned by IP address assigned by Network
manufacturer administrator
When network changes, MAC address When network changes, IP address
remains the same changes
6 bytes 4 bytes
Not possible to track the location of Possible to track the location of computer
computer

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