Computer Network Overview
Definition: A computer network is a group of connected devices—such as
computers, printers, and mobile devices—that can communicate and share
resources like hardware and software.
Advantages:
● Resource Sharing: Share hardware (printers, scanners) and software
(ERP systems).
● Information Sharing: Share files and documents.
● Increased Storage Capacity: Centralized servers and distributed
storage enhance capacity.
● Cost Efficiency: Shared resources reduce costs.
● Multi-User Interaction: Enables collaborative work.
● Improved Communication: Instant access to information through
WANs.
Types of Computer Networks
1. Local Area Network (LAN):
○ Scope: Up to 1-5 km.
○ Characteristics: High speed, easy installation, maintained by a
single entity.
○ Example: Office or home network.
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):
○ Scope: 5 to 50 km.
○ Characteristics: High speed, managed by organizations or
consortia.
○ Example: City-wide networks like municipal offices.
3. Wide Area Network (WAN):
○ Scope: Across cities, states, or countries.
○ Characteristics: Lower speed compared to LANs, often public.
○ Example: Internet, national banks.
4. Personal Area Network (PAN):
○ Scope: 10-30 meters.
○ Characteristics: Operated by individuals, often private, uses
Wi-Fi.
○ Example: Connecting personal devices like phones and
laptops.
Network Topologies
1. Star Topology:
○ Layout: Nodes connected to a central hub/switch.
○ Advantages: Easy to add nodes, robust, easy troubleshooting.
○ Disadvantages: Central hub failure affects entire network.
2. Bus (Linear) Topology:
○ Layout: All nodes connected via a single backbone cable.
○ Advantages: Simple design, cost-effective, easy to expand.
○ Disadvantages: Backbone failure disrupts network, high data
loss.
3. Ring (Circular) Topology:
○ Layout: Nodes connected in a circular path.
○ Advantages: Low data collision, high speed, easy maintenance.
○ Disadvantages: Node failure can disrupt the network, less
secure.
4. Tree Topology:
○ Layout: Hierarchical structure with nodes connected in a
tree-like manner.
○ Advantages: Scalable, flexible, suitable for large networks.
○ Disadvantages: Backbone failure affects the network, more
complex and expensive.
5. Mesh Topology:
○ Layout: Each node connected to every other node.
○ Advantages: Highly reliable, high security, scalable.
○ Disadvantages: Complex, expensive, power-consuming.
Networking Devices
1. Hub:
○ Function: Connects multiple nodes, broadcasts data to all
ports.
○ Features: Simple, inexpensive, suitable for small networks.
2. Switch:
○ Function: Connects nodes, directs data to specific nodes.
○ Features: Intelligent, uses MAC addresses, efficient data
transfer.
3. Router:
○ Function: Connects different networks, directs data packets.
○ Features: Efficient pathfinding, used in WANs, handles link
failures.
4. Gateway:
○ Function: Connects networks with different protocols.
○ Features: Acts as a bridge, can include software and hardware
components.
5. Repeater:
○ Function: Boosts signal strength over long distances.
○ Features: Regenerates weak signals, cost-effective.
6. Ethernet Card:
○ Function: Provides a physical connection to a network.
○ Features: Converts signals between network and computer,
often built into the motherboard.
7. Modem:
○ Function: Converts between analog and digital signals for
internet access.
○ Types: Internal (pre-installed) and external (connects via
ports).
