Computer Network

Objectives
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By the end of this lesson students should be able to:

o Distinguish among the different types of networks;

o Understand the concept of mobile network as radio-based common carrier.

o Describe briefly the overview of mobile networks from 2G to current

o Identify different types of wired & wireless technology

o Explain the level of privacy as it relates to (intranet, extranet, Internet).

 Definition of Terms
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Computer Network
A computer network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via
communication devices and transmission media.
 Advantages & Disadvantages of
Computer Network
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Advantages Disadvantages

o Foster communication o Expensive to installed

o Allows for the sharing of hardware and software o Required administrative time

o Facilitates the sharing of data and information o Cables may break

.
 Types of Networks
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Computer networks are usually defined based on sized and difficulty. The three main types include:

Local area network: LANs connect groups of computers

and low-voltage devices together across short distances
(within a building or between a group of two or three
buildings in close proximity to each other)
to share information and resources.
 Metropolitan Area Network :

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These types of networks are larger than LANs but
smaller than WANs – and incorporate elements from
both types of networks. MANs span an entire
geographic area (typically a town or city, but sometimes
a campus). Ownership and maintenance is handled by
either a single person or company (a local council, a
large company, etc.).
 Wide Area Network
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WAN connects computers together across longer physical
distances. This allows computers and low-voltage devices to be
remotely connected to each other over one large network to
communicate even when they’re miles apart. The Internet is the
most basic example of a WAN, connecting all computers
together around the world.
 Mobile Network
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o A cellular network is a radio network distributed over land

through cells where each cell includes a fix location

transceiver known as based station.

o A mobile communication system that uses a combination

of radio transmission and conventional telephone data

switch to permit communication to and from mobile users
within a specified area.
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 Explain the concept of mobile network as a
radio base common carrier
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Radio base or radio technology is the wireless signal that your phone uses. The wireless signal that
modern phones uses- broadband.

Carrier determines the radio technology used to transfer voice and data across the cellular network.

Common carriers include GSM (Global system for Mobile) and CDMA radio technology.

Service providers such as Verizon, Sprint and a rage of other smaller network uses CDMA networks,
while AT&T, and T-Mobile operates over the GSM network.
 Overview of mobile network from 2G to
current.
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2G first introduce in 1992, is the second generation of cellular telephone

technology and the first to use digital encryption of conversation. 2G
networks were the first to offer data services and SMS text messaging,

but their data transfer rates are lower than those of their successors.
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3G networks succeed 2G ones, offering faster data transfer rate and
are the first to enable video calls. This makes them especially suitable
for the use in modern smartphones, which require constant high
speed internet for many of their applications.

4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone communication

standards. It is a successor of 3G and provide broadband internet
access for mobile devices. The high data transfer rate make 4G
network suitable for use in USB wireless Modems for laptops and
even home internet access.
 🙢
5G- is the next step in the evolution of mobile communications. It was designed to provide greater rates of
data transfer, lower latency, and improved reliability compared to previous generations, enabling new use
cases, and transforming a wide range of industries.

5G networks can support a much larger number of devices than previous generations and can also handle
more data-intensive applications such as Virtual and Augmented Reality, autonomous vehicles, and the IoT
(Internet of Things). With 5G, we have seen new innovations and opportunities in a variety of market
verticals such as healthcare, manufacturing, transportation, and entertainment.
 Communication Channel
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The communication channel is the method or medium used for transmitting
data. Characteristics of communication channels include transmission mode,
direction of data flow, transmission medium and transmission speed.
 Data Exchange
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Data exchange includes the process of upload and download.

Upload is the process of transferring a file from a personal

computer to a server or mainframe

Download is the process of transferring a file from a server on

the internet to a local computer system.
 Data Configuration
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Computers can be linked in different ways, or configurations, to transmit data.

Two configurations are:

o point-to-point: a direct link between two computers in a network

o broadcast: using one computer to transmit data and

information to serve the needs of several terminals
or computers connected to it in a network.
 Transmission Modes
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Transmission modes or rates determine the number of characters
that can be transmitted in one second. Two modes are:
o Asynchronous: data is transmitted at irregular interval, and at a
low speed of one character at a time.
o Synchronous: data is transmitted at regular intervals, with
high-speed simultaneous transmission of large blocks of data.
 Modes of Transmitting Data/
Directions of Data Flow
Simplex
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⚫ In this case, data is transferred in one
direction only.

Eg.
? Radio broadcasting
? Television broadcasting
? Computer to printer
? Monitor output
Modes of Transmitting Data/
Directions of Data Flow

Half-Duplex
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This channel allows data to be transmitted in
both directions, but not at the same time.

Eg.
? A walkie-talkie
? A two-way radio that has a push-to-talk button
? Browsing the internet (requests and responses)
? Universal Serial Bus (USB)
 Modes of Transmitting Data/
Directions of Data Flow
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Full-Duplex
⚫ This channel allows data to be transmitted
in both directions simultaneously (at the
same time). Eg. Telephone call, video calls
 Transmission Media
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This is the physical material between the sender
and the receiver that is along the path which the
data travels. Data can be transmitted by cabled
(wired) or wireless.
 Types of Cable Transmission
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Media

Cable Transmission Media is also known was wired or short

distance transmission it includes:

1. Twisted Pairs
2. Coaxial Cable
3. Fiber Optic Cable
 Twisted Pair Cable
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These are pairs of copper wires that have been
twisted together to transmit data, for example,
telephone wire

⚫ Advantages
⚫ Available in most households
⚫ Very cheap

⚫ Disadvantages
⚫ Subject to magnetic interference
 Coaxial Cable (kow·ak·see·uhl)
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They are found on televisions, videos and cable TV. Its Capable of
high-speed transmission but difficult to install since the cable is
somewhat rigid. It consists of a single copper wire surrounded by at
least three layers:
1. an insulating material
2. a woven or braided metal/ Copper Mesh
3. a plastic outer coating
 🙢
Coaxial Cable
⚫ Advantages
⚫ Transmits faster than twisted pairs
⚫ Not subjected to magnetic interference
⚫ Can be used for analog and digital signals

⚫ Disadvantages
⚫ It is heavy and bulky
⚫ Needs booster over long distance
 Fiber Optic Cable
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This is a cable made up of dozens or hundreds of
thin strands of glass or plastic that use light to
transmit signals. Since a fiber-optic cable is
light-based, data can be sent through it at the speed
of light.
Fiber Optic Cable
Advantages
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⚫ Smaller and lighter
⚫ Faster
⚫ No interference
⚫ Raw material used to manufacture the
medium is in abundant supply.
⚫ Able to bend light around corners
Fiber Optic Cable
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Disadvantages
⚫ Expensive
⚫ Difficult to install and modify
 Ethernet Cable
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An Ethernet cable is a common
type of network cable used with
wired networks. Ethernet cables
connect devices such as PCs,
routers, and switches within a local
area network.
 Activity
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Fill in the blanks with the correct
transmission medium beside each statement

1. Transmits signals at the speed of light

_______________
2. Can be used to send signals to televisions
____________
3. It is made up of many copper wires twisted
together and is inexpensive
_____________________________
Signal
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A signal is an electrical or electromagnetic
current that is used for carrying data from one
device or network to another.
Data is transferred using either of two modes:
Digital and Analog.
 Analog Signal
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? It is a never-ending wave that
changes over time.
? Continuously with time.
? The wave flows through it and
includes an endless number of
values along its route as it
travels from value “X” to value
“Y.”
 Digital Signal
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? Digital signal = refers to
discrete. There are a certain
number of defined values that it
can take, frequently just 1s and
0s.
? A digital signal instantly
switches from one value to
another, much like turning on
and off a light.
 Wireless/Long Distance
Transmission Media
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Wireless networking – connects multiple computers, systems
and devices together without requiring wires or cables: a wireless
local area network or WLAN comes under Wi-Fi.

Types of these media include:

1. Microwave
2. Satellite
3. Infrared
4. Bluetooth
5. Wi-Fi
 Satellite Communication
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This is a wireless technology, which is spread all over the

world allowing users to stay connected virtually anywhere on

earth. The satellite use this mode of communication,

communicate directly with the orbiting satellites via radio

signals.
 Wi-Fi
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– is a form of low power wireless communication used by many electronic devices such as laptops,
systems, smartphones, etc. in Wi-Fi setup, a wireless router serves as a the communication hub.

Advantages:

Mobility – public wireless

Expandability – can serve a wide range of clients with existing equipment.

Ease of integration and convenience – access to network at nearly any convenient location
 Bluetooth
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is a short-range wireless communication technology that allows devices such as

mobile phones, computers, and peripherals to transmit data or voice wirelessly
over a short distance. The purpose of Bluetooth is to replace the cables that
normally connect devices, while still keeping the communications between them
secure.
 Hotspot
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A hotspot is a specific location that provides Internet access via a wireless local
area network (WLAN). The term is generally synonymous with a Wi-Fi
connection. A network that creates a hotspot primarily includes a modem and
wireless router.

The radio frequency (RF) waves sent by the wireless network extend in different
directions from its centralized location. These signals become weaker as they
travel, either further from the central location or due to interference.
 Networking Environments
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Intranet – serves an organization’s digital communication needs. They also
provide a secure space for storing, accessing and developing electronic materials.
Business and organizations use intranets to:

• Distribute documents
• Share information
• Distribute software
• Access databases
• Facilitate group work
 Networking Environments
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Extranet – connects multiple intranets together, so their major use in the business world is to facilitate
cooperation between different companies on joint projects, initiatives and information sharing. They
also allow companies to connect with customers in a more controlled setting than the internet.

Internet – serves business by providing the opportunity for networking, information retrieval,
communications, marketing and sales. Companies can use the internet to sell their products to distance
customers.
 Activity
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1. Explain what is a mobile network without use of textbook.

2. Differentiate between the generations of cell phones without using textbook.

3. Explain what a service provider is without the use of textbook.

Network Layout
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 Network Topology
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A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of
nodes and connections in a network. Nodes usually include
devices such as switches, routers and software with switch
and router features. Network topologies are often represented
as a graph. The basic ones are as follows:
1. Star
2. Ring
3. Bus
4. Mesh
Star Topology
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This is a topology where all the devices must connect
to a central concentrator, hub or switch. Star
topologies are relatively easy to install and manage,
but can have bottlenecks occur as all the information
must pass through the hub..
Star Topology
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This is a topology where all the devices must connect
to a central concentrator, hub or switch. Star
topologies are relatively easy to install and manage,
but can have bottlenecks occur as all the information
must pass through the hub..
 Star Topology
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Key points to note about the star topology:
⚫ If the host computer fails, then the entire network fails.

(disadv.)
⚫ It allows for the easy control of data.

⚫ If any computer other than the host computer fails, no

other computer is affected.

 Ring
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Topology

In this case, each computer is connected to its two

adjacent computers (the one to its right and the other
to its left), forming a ring.
Ring Topology
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Key points to note about the ring topology:

⚫ If any node stops working then the entire network fails.

(disadv)
⚫ This topology uses less cabling.

⚫ Communication is not routed through a central

computer or server.
Bus Topology

In this case, there is one communication line

which allows communication in both directions,
to which each node is connected.
Bus Topology

Key points to note about the bus topology:

⚫ The network is not affected by the failing of any one

node.
⚫ It is not suitable for connecting a large number of

computers.
Mesh Topology
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The mesh topology is a type of topology in which every device

or computer is connected to every other device. Each device not
only sends its signals but also receives signals from other
devices. The nodes in a mesh topology are connected using a
dedicated link and the information is passed from nodes to
nodes. This topology requires the most cabling
 TEST YOURSELF
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1. Name three types of network arrangements

2. State the type of transmission for each of the following

i. data can only flow in one direction
ii. Data can flow in both direction but not at the same time
iii. Data can be sent and received at the same time

3. State the type of transmission media that describes each of the following
i. uses wires to transmit data
ii. Transmit data through air
 Network Hardware & Software
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Learning Outcome:
You will learn about the hardware and software needed to make a network operate.
 Network Hardware
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Before you learned about the devices in a computer network that can be
linked together with cables or by using wireless connections. Linking devices
together is not enough to make a network . Special network hardware and
software is also needed.

A computer network needs special hardware to connect devices together. The

main network hardware devices are: Hub, Switch, Bridge, Router, Modem,
Network Interface Card
 Network Hardware
Hub - a hub is placed at the center of a network . It is used to connect devices
together. When a hub receives data, it sends it out to all the devices connected
to it. Each device checks network messages and accepts data addressed to it.

Switch - a switch is a special kind of hub. A switch works out which device
data is for and only sends it to that device. A switch is more expensive to buy
and operate but it is faster and more secure.
 Network Hardware
Bridge - a bridge is a special type of switch designed to connect one Local Area
Network LAN to another so that they act as a single LAN.

Router - a router is used to connect a LAN to the internet . A router allows an

organisation to send email across the internet and to link sites in different cities and
countries together. Most home internet connections use a router.
 Network Hardware
Modem - modem is a modulator/demodulator that sends data across the internet using
public networks such as telephone systems by converting analogue and digital signal
between landline and the internet. Public networks use different data formats to those
used by a LAN. A modem is used to convert the data between the two formats so that it
can be understood and used in the LAN. The modem is provided by your ISP internet
service provider.
 Network Hardware
Network Interface Card (NIC)- is the wired or wireless adapter that allows

the device to communicate with a network. It is a circuit board installed in a

computer that provides a dedicated network connection to the computer. An

NIC is sometimes called a network adapter, network interface controller or

LAN adapter.
 Network Software
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A network is not just about hardware such as hubs and
routers. It also needs software to operate successfully.
The main software's required in a LAN are:
• Network Operating System
• Network Management Software
• Network Servers
 Network Software
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Network Operating System - the operating system installed on network computers
must support operations such as network printing and sharing files. Networks are now
so common that these functions are built into most standard operating systems such as
Microsoft Windows.

Network Management Software - this is utility software that allows a network

administrator to:
• Set up and manage users and devices on the network
• Monitor use of the network
• Fix problems
• Distribute software
 Network Servers
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? Network server - manages all the data being sent
across the network to ensure it reaches the right
users.

? File server - manages how files are saved and

retrieved to and from networked disk drives.

? Print server - provides printing services across

the network