By Oladeji B.

O
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORK

WHAT IS NETWORK

A network can be define as interconnection of two or more computer (devices) in order to share
meaningful resources

A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as
printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic communications. The computers on a network
may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

A 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.

NETWORK TYPES

A computer network can be categorized by their size. A computer network is mainly of four types:

o LAN(Local Area Network)

o PAN(Personal Area Network)
o MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)
o WAN(Wide Area Network)

LAN(Local Area Network)

o Local Area Network is a group of computers connected to each other in a small area such as
building, office.
o LAN is used for connecting two or more personal computers through a communication
medium such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc.
o It is less costly as it is built with inexpensive hardware such as hubs, network adapters, and
ethernet cables.
o The data is transferred at an extremely faster rate in Local Area Network.
o Local Area Network provides higher security.

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PAN(Personal Area Network)

o Personal Area Network is a network arranged within an individual person, typically within a
range of 10 meters.
o Personal Area Network is used for connecting the computer devices of personal use is known
as Personal Area Network.
o Thomas Zimmerman was the first research scientist to bring the idea of the Personal Area
Network.
o Personal Area Network covers an area of 30 feet.
o Personal computer devices that are used to develop the personal area network are the laptop,
mobile phones, media player and play stations.

There are two types of Personal Area Network:

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o Wired Personal Area Network
o Wireless Personal Area Network

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.

Examples of Personal Area Network:

o Body Area Network: Body Area Network is a network that moves with a person. For
example, a mobile network moves with a person. Suppose a person establishes a network
connection and then creates a connection with another device to share the information.
o Offline Network: An offline network can be created inside the home, so it is also known as
a home network. A home network is designed to integrate the devices such as printers,
computer, television but they are not connected to the internet.
o Small Home Office: It is used to connect a variety of devices to the internet and to a
corporate network using a VPN

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

o A metropolitan area network is a network that covers a larger geographic area by

interconnecting a different LAN to form a larger network.
o Government agencies use MAN to connect to the citizens and private industries.
o In MAN, various LANs are connected to each other through a telephone exchange line.
o It has a higher range than Local Area Network(LAN).

Uses of Metropolitan Area Network:

o MAN is used in communication between the banks in a city.

o It can be used in an Airline Reservation.

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o It can be used in a college within a city.
o It can also be used for communication in the military.

WAN(Wide Area Network)

o A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large geographical area such as states
or countries.
o A Wide Area Network is quite bigger network than the LAN.
o A Wide Area Network is not limited to a single location, but it spans over a large
geographical area through a telephone line, fibre optic cable or satellite links.
o The internet is one of the biggest WAN in the world.
o A Wide Area Network is widely used in the field of Business, government, and education.

Examples of Wide Area Network:

o Mobile Broadband: A 4G network is widely used across a region or country.

o Last mile: A telecom company is used to provide the internet services to the customers in
hundreds of cities by connecting their home with fiber.
o Private network: A bank provides a private network that connects the 44 offices. This
network is made by using the telephone leased line provided by the telecom company.

Advantages of Wide Area Network:

Following are the advantages of the Wide Area Network:

o 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.
o Centralized data: In case of WAN network, data is centralized. Therefore, we do not need to
buy the emails, files or back up servers.
o Get updated files: Software companies work on the live server. Therefore, the programmers
get the updated files within seconds.
o Exchange messages: In a WAN network, messages are transmitted fast. The web application
like Facebook, Whatsapp, Skype allows you to communicate with friends.

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o Sharing of software and resources: In WAN network, we can share the software and other
resources like a hard drive, RAM.
o Global business: We can do the business over the internet globally.
o High bandwidth: If we use the leased lines for our company then this gives the high
bandwidth. The high bandwidth increases the data transfer rate which in turn increases the
productivity of our company.

Disadvantages of Wide Area Network:

The following are the disadvantages of the Wide Area Network:

o 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.
o 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.
o High Setup cost: An installation cost of the WAN network is high as it involves the
purchasing of routers, switches.
o Troubleshooting problems: It covers a large area so fixing the problem is difficult.

INTERNETWORK

o An internetwork is defined as two or more computer network LANs or WAN or computer

network segments are connected using devices, and they are configured by a local addressing
scheme. This process is known as internetworking.
o An interconnection between public, private, commercial, industrial, or government computer
networks can also be defined asinternetworking.
o An internetworking uses the internet protocol.
o The reference model used for internetworking is Open System Interconnection(OSI).

Types of Internetwork:

1. Extranet: An extranet is a communication network based on the internet protocol such

as Transmission Control protocol and internet protocol. It is used for information sharing.
The access to the extranet is restricted to only those users who have login credentials. An
extranet is the lowest level of internetworking. It can be categorized as MAN, WAN or other
computer networks. An extranet cannot have a single LAN, at least it must have one connection
to the external network.

2. Intranet: An intranet is a private network based on the internet protocol such as Transmission
Control protocol and internet protocol. An intranet belongs to an organization which is only
accessible by the organization's employee or members. The main aim of the intranet is to share
the information and resources among the organization employees. An intranet provides the
facility to work in groups and for teleconferences.

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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.
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.

NETWORK TOPOLOGY

Network topology is the arrangement of the elements (links, nodes,) of a communication

network. Network topology can be used to define or describe the arrangement of various types of
telecommunication networks.

Network topology is the topological structure of a network and may be depicted physically or
logically. It is an application of graph theory wherein communicating devices are modeled as nodes
and the connections between the devices are modeled as links or lines between the nodes.

Physical topology is the placement of the various components of a network (e.g., device location
and cable installation), while logical topology illustrates how data flows within a network. Distances
between nodes, physical interconnections, transmission rates, or signal types may differ between two
different networks, yet their logical topologies may be identical. A network ’s physical topology is a
particular concern of the physical layer of the OSI model.

Bus Topology

One of the most basic forms of a network topology, a bus topology is also known as line topology.
Over here, the bus actually refers to the main central wire or cable that connects all the network and
peripheral devices on the network. This topology is used to create small local area networks (LANs).
The bus is also called the backbone. This type of topology is utilized in Ethernet systems.

The main advantages of this topology are that they are inexpensive, easy to install, and uses less
wiring. The major disadvantage is that if there’s a break in the main cable, all the devices connected
to it shutdown and furthermore, troubleshooting a problem can be difficult.

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Star Topology

In this type of topology, all the devices are connected to a central computer or server in a star-shaped
arrangement. The central computer is known as the hub and all the nodes and devices communicate
with each other through the hub; the data passes through the central server.

The benefit of this type of arrangement is that if any one of the device fails or there ’s a break in the
wire, the rest of the devices aren’t affected. But if the hub fails, the entire network shuts down.
Additionally, it’s more expensive to implement than a bus topology because it involves more than
one wire.

Ring Topology

In this arrangement, the peripherals and devices are connected with one another to form a ring; data
travels across each device in a closed loop and each device can access that data. The major benefit is
that this topology can cover larger distances because every node can regenerate or amplify the data.

Tree Topology

This topology combines the properties of a bus topology and a star topology. It ’s also called a hybrid
topology; the networks are configured in a star arrangement and these networks are connected to a
main cable in a bus or line arrangement. This topology is used in large organizations with numerous
networks because the network is easy to manage as it is divided into smaller networks. On the other
hand, if the central hub fails, the whole network can malfunction.

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Mesh Topology

In this topology, all the devices are connected to each other with many interconnections between the
nodes. This results in the greatest amount of redundancy. In a full mesh topology, every node is
connected to every other node in a network, but it’s the most expensive.

A partial mesh topology is less expensive and has a few nodes arranged in a full mesh topology,
while the rest are connected to only a single or at the most, two nodes in the network.

DISH (SATELLITE DISH)

SATELLITE DISH
Parabolic microwave antenna used to transmit and receive satellite signals. On the downlink, the dish
collects data or video signals from orbiting satellites and focuses them to where a feed horn collects
them and passes the signal on to be amplified and sent to a satellite receiver or IRD. The term is
derived from the shape of the reflector surface but also represents the entire antenna subsystem,
including the feed horn and antenna structure.

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LNB (LOW NOISE BLOCKER)

The LNB (Low-Noise Block Downconverter) receives the signal collected by the satellite antenna,
amplifies that signal, and then downconverts those signals to a lower frequency, typically L-Band,
which is better suited to transmission over a coaxial cable to your receiving device.

NETWORK CARD

A network card (also called a network adapter, network interface card, or NIC for short) acts as
the interface between a computer and a network cable. The purpose of the network card is to
prepare, send, and control data on the network. In this article we will introduce this component.

HUB

When referring to a network, a hub is the most basic networking device that connects multiple
computers or other network devices. Unlike a network switch orrouter, a network hub has no routing
tables or intelligence on where to send information andbroadcasts all network data across each
connection. Most hubs can detect basic network errors, such ascollisions, but having all information
broadcast to multiple ports is a security risk and causesbottlenecks. In the past, network hubs were
popular because they were cheaper than a switch or router. Today, switches do not cost much more
than a hub and are a better solution for any network.

SWITCH

A network switch looks like a home base. It is a small box that has numerous ethernet ports on it and
usually some form of lighting to show quickly what ports are being used at any time. The network
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switch will likely be installed near your router but this is not required if you are planning to run
ethernet throughout your house.
Network switches aren’t known for being modern or nice looking, so it is important to find a place to
put the switch where it is out of the way. Most network switches are very simple and function very
similarly in that they are a vessel to add more ethernet ports to the router. They do not necessarily
add any additional functionality to the router.

When is a Network Switch Necessary?

A network switch is necessary when there are too few ethernet ports on the router. This could be for
a variety of reasons. For example, if you want to install an entertainment system, you will likely need
a network switch. In this case, all of the pieces of the entertainment center are will probably be
installed in the same general area so the network switch can be placed in a central location without
much wiring.
Another situation where a network switch could be helpful is for network hardware located across
your house which you want to be wired into the internet including desktop computers, televisions, or
gaming consoles. Having all of those devices on WIFI could cause a slower connection for not only
the device itself but other technologies that need WIFI such as your phone or smart home systems.
Additionally, you should note that ethernet cables tend to be most efficient when they are less than a
hundred feet long so you may need to find a central location if you are wiring your entire house for
ethernet.

BRIDGE

A network bridge is a device that divides a network into segments. Each segment

represent a separate collision domain, so the number of collisions on the network is

reduced. Each collision domain has its own separate bandwidth, so a bridge also

improves the network performance.

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A bridge works at the Data link layer (Layer 2) of the OSI model. It inspects incoming

traffic and decide whether to forward it or filter it. Each incoming Ethernet frame is

inspected for destination MAC address. If the bridge determines that the destination

host is on another segment of the network, it forwards the frame to that segment.

A bridge is a product that connects a local area network (LAN) to another local area network that
uses the same protocol (for example, Ethernet or token ring ). You can envision a bridge as being a
device that decides whether a message from you to someone else is going to the local area network in
your building or to someone on the local area network in the building across the street. A bridge
examines each message on a LAN, "passing" those known to be within the same LAN, and
forwarding those known to be on the other interconnected LAN (or LANs).

In the picture above we have a network of four computers. The network is divided into segments by
a bridge. Each segment is a separate collision domain with its own bandwidth. Let ’s say that Host A
wants to communicate with Host C. Host A will send the frame with the Host C ’s destination MAC
address to the bridge. The bridge will inspect the frame and forward it to the segment of the network
Host C is on.
Network bridges offer substantial improvements over network hubs, but they are not widely used
anymore in modern LANs. Switches are commonly used instead.

MODEM

A modem modulates outgoing digital signals from a computer or other digital device to analog
signals for a conventional copper twisted pair telephone line and demodulates the incoming analog
signal and converts it to a digital signal for the digital device.

Modulator/demodulator, a modem is a hardware device that allows a computer to send and receive
information over telephone lines. When sending a signal, the device converts
("modulates") digital data to an analog audio signal, and transmits it over a telephone line. Similarly,
when an analog signal is received, the modem converts it back ("demodulates" it) to a digital signal.

A modem or broadband modem is a hardware device that connects a computer or router to

a broadbandnetwork. For example, a cable modem and DSL modemare two examples of these types
of Modems.

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ROUTER

A router is a device that communicates between the internet and the devices in your home that
connect to the internet. As its name implies, it “routes” traffic between the devices and the internet.

A router is a key part of your home’s internet network. Thanks to it, your laptop, smartphone,
smart TV, and other devices can connect to your home Wi-Fi.

With the right kind of router, you can enjoy faster internet speeds, help protect your family
from cyberthreats and hackers, and avoid those maddening Wi-Fi dead spots.

You don’t have to be a computer genius to know what kind of router you need. Simply understanding
the basics — such as a router definition and knowing what does a router do — will help you choose
the right equipment for your home network.

How does routers work?

A typical home has a range of internet-connected devices — personal computers, tablets,

smartphones, printers, thermostats, smart TVs, and more. Thanks to your router, these devices form a
network. Your home’s router directs incoming and outgoing internet traffic on that network in the
fastest and most efficient way.

The information traveling on your home network could be an email, a movie, or a live feed
from your baby cam, each of which takes up varying amounts of bandwidth. Making sure that
information is delivered quickly and correctly is a big task — and getting bigger. As you add more
and more devices — think Internet of Things — you are constantly asking your router to do more.

How modems differ from routers

What is a router vs. a modem? It’s easy to get a router confused with a modem. But these two
devices have very different jobs. In fact, without a modem, all you’d have is your local network with
no way to connect to the internet.

The modem’s job is to bring the internet service from your provider — often a cable or phone
company — into your home. This service then connects to your router, which delivers
internet connectivity to your home network.

When it comes to routers, there are only two types you’ll need to consider:

1. Wireless routers. A wireless router connects directly to a modem by a cable. This allows it to
receive information from — and transmit information to — the internet. The router then
creates and communicates with your home Wi-Fi network using built- in antennas.
This provides all the devices on your home network with internet access.
2. Wired routers. A wired router connects directly to computers through wired connections.
They usually have a port that connects to the modem to communicate with the internet.
Another port — or ports — allows the wired router to connect to computers and other
devices to distribute information.
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TWISTED PAIR CABLE

Twisted pair is the ordinary copper wire that connects home and business computers to the telephone
company. To reduce crosstalk or electromagnetic induction between pairs of wires, two insulated
copper wires are twisted around each other. Each connection on twisted pair requires both wires.
Since some telephones or desktop locations require multiple connections, twisted pair is sometimes
installed in two or more pairs, all within a single cable. For some business locations, twisted pair is
enclosed in a shield that functions as a ground. This is known as shielded twisted pair ( STP).
Ordinary wire to the home is unshielded twisted pair (UTP).

Coaxial Cable
Coax, short for coaxial, is a type of cable used to transmit data, the internet, video and voice
communications. A coax cable is made up of an aluminum and copper shield with an outer plastic
jacket (see below) with the dielectric insulator helping to minimize signal loss.

NETWORK CABLE TESTER

A network cable tester is a revolutionary device specifically made for testing the capability and
reliability of cable connections. Thus, this gadget is a must for network technicians, network testers,
cable verification testers, and other related work fields.

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RJ 45 CONNECTOR

The “RJ” in RJ45 stands for Registered Jack, a standard designation that originated with the
Universal Service Ordering Code (USOC) scheme of the Bell System back in the 1970s for
telephone interfaces. The old telephone RJ you’re probably familiar with is the RJ11. The RJ11 uses
a 6-position, 2-contact (6P2C) interface for one-line telephone services, and it’s what most of us grew
up with in our homes. “RJ45” to refer to the modular 8-position, 8-contact (8P8C) interface deployed
for Ethernet over copper twisted-pair network cabling despite it pretty much being a case of mistaken
identity.

CRIMPLING OF CABLE

A crimping tool is a device used to conjoin two pieces of metal by deforming one or both of them to
hold each other. The result of the tool's work is called a crimp. An example of crimping is affixing a
connector to the end of a cable. For instance, network cables and phone cables are created using a
crimping tool (shown below) to join RJ-45 and RJ-11 connectors to both ends of phone or Cat
5 cable.

HOW TO CRIMP STRAIGHT AND CROSS OVER CABLE

Arrange the wires based on the wiring specifications you are following. There are two methods set
(568A and 568B). Which one you use will depend on what is being connected.

A straight-through cable is used to connect two different-layer devices (e.g. a hub and a PC). Two

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like devices normally require a cross-over cable. The difference between the two is that a straight-
through cable has both ends wired identically with 568B, while a cross-over cable has one end wired
568A and the other end wired 568B.

568A 568B
Put the wires in the following order, from left to Put the wires in the following order, from left to
right: right:
1 White/orange 1 White/green
2 Orange 2 Green
3 White/green 3 White/orange
4 Blue 4 Blue
5 White/blue 5 White/blue
6 Green 6 Orange
7 White/brown 7 White/brown
8 Brown 8 Brown

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