Quarter 4 Week 1-2

COMPUTER SYSTEM SERVICING

NCII

Computer Network

Computer Network
MODULE
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 Quarter 4
Week 1-2

What I Need to Know

1. Explain what is a computer network?

2. Discuss the different types of network.

What Is It:
TECHNICAL TERMS

Computer network - is a group of computers that use a set of common communication protocols
over digital inter connections for the purpose of sharing resources located on or provided by the
network nodes.

Computer data - is information processed or stored by a computer. This information maybe in the
form of text documents, images, audio clips, software programs, or other types of data.

Email - messages distributed by electronic means from one computer user to one or more recipients
via a network.

Printer - a machine for printing text or pictures onto paper, especially one linked to a computer.

Fax machine - an image of a document made by electronic scanning and transmitted as data by
telecommunication links.

Topology - is the arrangement of the elements of a communication network.

Network hub - is a device that allows multiple computers to communicate with each other over a
network.

Network cable - are networking hardware used to connect one network device to other network
devices or to connect two or more computers to share printers, scanners etc.

Network switch - is a networking hardware that connects devices on a computer network by using
packet switching to receive and forward data to the destination device.

Node - a point at which lines or pathways intersect or branch; a central or connecting point.

Server - is a piece of computer hardware or software that provides functionality for other programs
or devices, called “clients”.

Client computer - is a piece of computer hardware or software that accesses the service made
available by a server as part of the client- server model of computer networks.

Scanner - a device that scans documents and converts them into digital data.

Operating system -the software that supports a computer’s basic functions, such as scheduling
tasks, executing applications, and controlling peripherals.

Firewire - also called IEEE 1394 or I. LINK, high speed computer data -transfer interface used to
connect personal computers, audio and video devices, and other professional and consumer
electronics.

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USB - Universal Serial Bus, is an industry standard that establishes specifications for cables and
connectors and protocols for connection, communication and power supply (interfacing) between
computers, peripherals and other computers.

Bluetooth - is a short- range wireless technology standard used for exchanging data between fixed
and mobile devices over a short distance using UHF radio waves in the ISM bands, from 2.402 GHz
to 2.48 GHz, and building area networks.

Category 5 (Cat5) cable- is a twisted pair cable for computer networks.

A computer system -is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data and
information.

Computer hardware- includes the physical parts of a computer, such as the case,[1] central
processing unit (CPU), monitor, mouse, keyboard, computer data storage, graphics card, sound
card, speakers and motherboard.

Software- instructions that tell a computer what to do. Software comprises the entire set
of programs, procedures, and routines associated with the operation of a computer system.

A hard disk drive (HDD), hard disk, hard drive, or fixed disk is an electro-mechanical data storage
device that stores and retrieves digital data using magnetic storage and one or more rigid rapidly
rotating platters coated with magnetic material.

Network Cards/adapter - is a computer hardware component that connects a computer to a

computer network.

Network Drivers - is a software program that controls a device used to connect a computer to
a network.

Internet Service Provider -is an organization that provides a myriad of services for accessing, using,
or participating in the Internet.

Modem -a combined device for modulation and demodulation, for example, between the digital
data of a computer and the analog signal of a phone line.
Router - a piece of electronic equipment that connects computer networks to each other,
and sends information between networks.

Computer network - two or more computers that are connected with one another for the purpose
of communicating data electronically.
Internet - a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication
facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.
What is a Computer Network?
A computer network is an interconnected group of computers.

Computer Network

In general, the term network can refer to any interconnected group or system. More specifically, a
network is any method of sharing information between two systems (human or mechanical).

BENEFITS OF SHARING INFORMATION VIA NETWORK

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 In addition to reducing hardware costs by sharing expensive printers and other peripherals
among multiple users, networks provide additional benefits to the users.

Software and data files can be shared for access by multiple users
Electronic mail (email) can be sent and received
Collaboration features allow contributions by multiple users to a single document
Remote-control programs can be used to troubleshoot problems or show new users how to perform
a task

SHARED HARDWARE COMPONENTS

Virtually any storage or output device can be shared over a network, but the most common
devices to be used over a network include:

Printers
Disk drives
CD-ROM and optical drives
Modems
Fax
Tape backup units

Network Topology

Network Topology signifies the way in which intelligent devices in the network see their
logical relations to one another. The use of the term "logical" here is significant. That is, network
topology is independent of the "physical" layout of the network. Even if networked computers are
physically placed in a linear arrangement, if they are connected via a hub, the network has a Star
topology, rather than a Bus Topology. In this regard the visual and operational characteristics of a
network are distinct; the logical network topology is not necessarily the same as the physical layout.

Bus Topology

It is often used when network installation is small, simple or temporary. On a typical bus
network the cable is just 1 or more wires with no active electronics to amplify the signal or pass it
along from computer to computer. This makes the bus a passive topology. When 1 computer send
a signal up the wire all the computers receive the information but only one with the address that
matches accepts the information, the rest disregard the message.

Bus Topology

Advantages:
1) Easy to use and to understand.
2) Requires least amount of cable to connect the computers together. It is therefore less expensive
than other cabling arrangements.
3) It is easy to extend a bus; two cables can be joined into 1 longer cable with a BNC, Barrel
connector making a longer cable and allowing more computers to join the network.

Disadvantages:
1) Heavy network traffic can slow a bus considerably as only 1 computer can send a message at a
time.

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2) It is difficult to troubleshoot the bus. A cable break or loose connector causes reflection and
stops all the activity.

STAR TOPOLOGY

In this kind of topology all the cables run from the computers to the central location where they
are all connected by a device called hub or switch. Each computer on a star network communicates
with a central device that resends the message either to each computer or only to the destination
computer, example if it is a hub then it will send to all and if it is a switch then it will send to only
destination computer. When network expansion is expected and when the greater reliability is
needed, star topology is the best.

Star Topology

Advantages:
1) It is easy to modify and add new computers without disturbing the rest of the network.
2) The center of the star network is a good place to diagnose the faults.
3) Single computer failure does not necessarily bring down the whole star network.

Disadvantages:
1) If the central device fails the whole network fails to operate.
2) Star networking is expensive because all network cables must be pulled to one central point,
requires more cable than other network topologies.

RING TOPOLOGY

In this type, each computer is connected to the next computer with the last one connected
to the first. Each re-transmits what it receives from the previous computer. The message flows
around the ring in one direction. The ring network does not subject to signal loss problem as a bus
network experiences. There is no termination because there is no end to the ring.

Ring Topology

Advantages:
1) Each node has equal access.
2) Capable of high-speed data transfer.

Disadvantages:

1) Failure of one computer on the ring can affect the whole network.
2) Difficult to troubleshoot the network.

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Types of networks

Below is a list of the most common types of computer networks in order of scale.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used for communication among
computer devices close to one person. Some examples of devices that may be used in a PAN are
printers, fax machines, telephones, PDA’s or scanners. The reach of a PAN is typically within about
20-30 feet (approximately 6-9 meters).
Personal area networks may be wired with computer buses such as USB] and FireWire. A
wireless personal area network (WPAN) can also be made possible with network technologies such
as Bluetooth.

Personal Area Network

Local Area Network (LAN)

A network covering a small geographic area, like a home, office, or building. Current LANs
are most likely to be based on Ethernet technology. For example, a library will have a wired or
wireless LAN for users to interconnect local devices (e.g., printers and servers) and to connect to
the internet. All of the PCs in the library are connected by category 5 (Cat5) cable, running the IEEE
802.3 protocol through a system of interconnection devices and eventually connect to the internet.
The cables to the servers are on Cat 5e enhanced cable, which will support IEEE 802.3 at 1 GB/s.

The staff computers (bright green) can get to the color printer, checkout records, and the
academic network and the Internet. All user computers can get to the Internet and the card catalog.
Each work group can get to its local printer. Note that the printers are not accessible from outside
their work group.
Workgroup of
Computers
Hub

Server

Local Area Network

Client/Server Vs Peer-to-Peer Networks

Although every computer on a LAN is connected to every other, they do not necessarily mean
all communicate with each other. There are two basic types of LAN, based on communication
patterns between the machines, called client/server networks and peer-to-peer networks.

Client/Server Networks

Every computer has a distinct role, that of either a client or a server. A server is designed to
share its resources among client computers on the network. The Client/Server is composed of:

Servers
These are located in secured areas, such as locked closets and data centers, because they hold the
organization's most valuable data and do not have the accessed by operators on a continuous basis.

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The server runs a special network operating system such as: Windows NT Server, Windows 2000
or Novell Netware.
Clients
- The rest of the computers on the network function as client. A client standard PC that is
running an operating system such as DOS or Windows.

Client
Workstations
Hub

Server
Example of Client/Server

Peer-to-Peer Network

In a peer-to-peer network, every computer is equal and can communicate with other
computer on a network to which it has been granted access rights. Essentially, every computer in
this network functions as both server and client. Peer-to-peer network can be as small as two
computers as many as hundreds of units.

There is no theoretical limit to the size of a peer-to-peer network, performance drops

significantly and security becomes a major headache on peer -based network with more than 10
computers. Also, Microsoft imposes a 10-station limit on computers running Windows 2000
Professional who are sharing resources with other system. For this reason, it is better you switch
to a client/server network when your network climbs to 10 stations.

Example of Peer-to-Peer Network

CAMPUS AREA NETWORK (CAN)

A network that connects two or more LANs but that is limited to a specific and contiguous
geographical area such as a college campus, industrial complex, or a military base. A CAN may be
considered a type of MAN (metropolitan area network), but is generally limited to an area that is
smaller than a typical MAN. This term is most often used to discuss the implementation of networks
for a contiguous area. This should not be confused with a Controller Area Network.

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 Campus Area Network

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A Metropolitan Area Network is a network that connects two or more Local Area Networks or
Campus Area Networks together but does not extend beyond the boundaries of the immediate town,
city, or metropolitan area. Multiple routers, switches & hubs are connected to create a MAN.

Metropolitan Network

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A WAN is a data communications network that covers a relatively broad geographic area (i.e.
one city to another and one country to another country) and that often uses transmission facilities
provided by common carriers, such as telephone companies. WAN technologies generally function
at the lower three layers of the OSI reference model: the physical layer, the data link layer, and the
network layer.

Wide Area Network

What I Can Do:

Activity 1
Use a separate sheet of paper in answering.

1. What is a network topology?

Activity 2
2. Enumerate the different topology used in a network and give their advantages and dis-
advantages.

Assessment:
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MULTIPLE CHOICE:

Directions: Write the letter of the correct answer. Use a separate sheet of paper in answering.

1. It is the arrangement of the elements of a communication network.

A. Bluetooth B. Computer network C. Topology D. Wi-Fi
2. What do you call this group of computers that use a set of common communication protocols
over digital inter connections for the purpose of sharing resources located on or provided by the
network nodes?
A. Computer hardware B. Computer network C. CPU D. Desktop computers
3. What do you call this networking hardware that connects devices on a computer network by
using packet switching to receive and forward data to the destination device?
A. Flash drive B. Network switch C. Modem D. Router
4. It is the piece of computer hardware or software that provides functionality for other programs
or devices, called “clients”.
A. Client B. Host computer C. Modem D. Server
5. What do you call these instructions that tell a computer what to do?
A. Firmware B. Hardware C. Peopleware D. Software
6. It is a piece of electronic equipment that connects computer networks to each other,
and sends information between networks.
A. Fax machine B. Network hub C. Modem D. Router
7. What do you call this a global computer network providing a variety of information and
communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized
communication protocols?
A. Bluetooth B. Email C. Internet D. Local Area Network

8. It is a piece of computer hardware or software that accesses the service made available by a
server as part of the client- server model of computer networks.
A. Client computer B. Computer network C. Peer-to-peer D. Server
9. What do you call this device that allows multiple computers to communicate with each other
over a network?
Computer network B. Client C. Network hub D. Server
10. It is an image of a document made by electronic scanning and transmitted as data by
telecommunication links.
A. Fax machine B. Desktop computer C. Modem D. Router
11. What do you call this point at which lines or pathways intersect or branch; a central or
connecting point?
A. Computer code B. Computer network C. Data D. Node
12. It is an information processed or stored by a computer.
A. Computer data B. Computer files C. Documents D. Code
13. What do you call these messages distributed by electronic means from one computer user to
one or more recipients via a network?
A. Bluetooth B. Email C. Messenger D. Wi-Fi
14. What do you call this kind of topology that all the cables run from the computers to the central
location are all connected by a device called hub or switch?
A. Bus topology B. Mesh topology C. Star topology D. Ring topology
15. What do you call this computer network used for communication among computer devices close
to one person?
A. CAN B. LAN C. PAN D. WAN
16. A type of network topology that the cable is just 1 or more wires with no active electronics to
amplify the signal or pass it along from computer to computer.
A. Bus topology B. Mesh topology C. Star topology D. Ring topology
17. What do you call this network that every computer is equal and can communicate with other
computer on a network to which it has been granted access rights?
A. CAN B. LAN C. PAN D. Peer-to-peer
18. It is a type of topology that each computer is connected to the next computer with the last one
connected to the first.
A. Bus topology B. Mesh topology C. Star topology D. Ring topology
19. It is a network covering a small geographic area, like a home, office, or building.
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 A. CAN B. LAN C. PAN D. WAN
20. It is a device used for modulation and demodulation, for example, between the digital data of
a computer and the analog signal of a phone line.
A. Internet B. Modem C. Network interface card D. Router

References:
McLaughlin,Robert, Sasser,Susan, Ralston,Mary.Fix Your Own PC.Philippine Graphic Arts, Inc Tandang
Sora St.Caloocan City
Meralco Faoundation. Microcomputer Servicing Plus. Pasig City, Philippines.
Legaspi,Carlos, Caiña, Mark Anthony. Operate A Personal Computer. Dasmariñas Computer Learning
Center.Dasmariñas,Cavite, Philippines
Bigelow,Stephen J. PC Technician’s Troubleshooting ,McGaw Hill
www.helpwithpcs.com
http://en.wikipedia.org
www.techsoup.org

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