Computer Networks 1

Computer Networks
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.
List of Advantages of Computer Networking:

1. It enhances communication and availability of information.
2. It allows for more convenient files and resource sharing.
3. It makes file sharing easier.
4. It increases cost efficiency.
List of Disadvantages of Computer Networking:
1. It lacks independence.
2. It poses security difficulties.
3. It allows for more presence of computer viruses and malware.
4. It requires an expensive set-up.
EVOLUTION OF NETWORKING
ARPANET
➢ Stands for Advanced Research Projects Agency Network.

➢ ARPANET was the network that became the basis for the Internet.
➢ It was the first network that came into existence in 1969, which was designed and named by the Advanced
Research Projects Agency (ARPA) and US Department of Defence (DoD).
➢ It was where a bunch of PCs were associated at various colleges and US DoD for sharing of information and
messages and playing long separation diversions and associating with individuals to share their perspectives.
INTERNET
➢ Internet is a network of networks ➢ In early 90’s , many privately owned businesses with their very own private
systems joined with ARPANET and NSFNET to make more capable and wide network, the Internet. ➢ ARPANET +
NSFNET + PRIVATE N/Ws = INTERNET
INTERSPACE :
➢ Interspace is a software that allows multiple users in a client server environment to communicate with each other
in order to send and receive data of various types such as data files, video, audio and textual data.
Switching Techniques
➢ Switching is the technique by which nodes control or switch data to transmit it between specific points on a
network.
Types of Switching Techniques: There are basically three types of switching methods are:
1) Circuit Switching
2) Message Switching (Not in Syllabus)
3) Packet Switching
Circuit Switching : In Circuit Switching a dedicated link/path is established across the sender and the receiver
which is maintained for the entire duration of conversation and then the data is transmitted from the source to the
destination computer.
Packet Switching : Packet Switching works almost like message switching technique but here messages are broken
up into packets having a tight upper limit on the packet size and each of the packet includes a header with source,
destination and intermediate node address information. Individual Packets in packet switching technique take
different routes to reach their respective destination.
Data Communication Terminology

Data Channel : This is the medium that carries data from one point to another point.
Bandwidth – The amount of data a communication system can transfer per unit time is referred to as Bandwidth
of the system. Bandwidth simply indicates the data transfer rate. Bandwidth is measured in baud. A rate of 100
Baud is equal to 100 bps( usually taken as KHz,MHz) . In digital context, the level of bandwidth falls into three
category:
1. Narrowband – Speed of narrowband varies between 45 to 300 Baud. Low speed devices use this narrowband
channels.
2. Voice-band- Speed of voice-band channels ranges up to 9600 Baud. They are generally used in the ordinary
telephone voice communication.
3. Broadband – The speed of broadband channels ranges up to 1 million Baud or more. High speed devices use
broadband for large volume of data transfer at high rate. Broadcast television, microwave and satellite uses
broadband channel.
Data Transfer Rates The amount of data transferred per second by a communication channel is known as data
transfer rate. It is measured in bits per second (bps)
Bits per Second: The speed at which data is transferred between two points is measured in terms of Bits per
Second or bps.
bps – bits per second
Bps – Bytes per second (Note capital B)
kbps – kilo bits per second
Kbps – kilo bytes per second (Note capital K)
mbps – mega bits per second
Mbps – Mega bytes per second (Note capital M)
Gbps – Giga bytes per second (Note capital G)
Tbps - Terra bytes per second (Note capital T)
Transmission Media
For any networking to be effective, raw stream of data is to be transported from one device to other over some
medium. Various transmission media can be used for transfer of data
These transmission media may be of two types –
• Guided − In guided media, transmitted data travels through cabling system that has a fixed path. For example,
copper wires, fibre optic wires, etc. •
Unguided − In unguided media, transmitted data travels through free space in form of electromagnetic signal. For
example, radio waves, lasers, etc.
Twisted Pair Cable

Copper wires are the most common wires used for transmitting signals because of good performance at low costs.
They are most commonly used in telephone lines. However, if two or more wires are lying together, they can
interfere with each other’s signals. To reduce this electromagnetic interference, pair of copper wires are twisted
together in helical shape like a DNA molecule. Such twisted copper wires are called twisted pair. To reduce
interference between nearby twisted pairs, the twist rates are different for each pair.
Types of twisted pair cables:
1. Unsheilded twisted pair cable (UTP)

2. Sheilded twisted pair cable (STP)
Advantages of twisted pair cable
It is simple, easy to install and maintain
• It is physically flexible and has a low weight
• Least expensive for short distances
Disadvantages of twisted pair cable
• Signal cannot travel long distances without repeaters
• High error rate for distances greater than 100m
• Very thin and hence breaks easily
• Not suitable for broadband connections
Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cables are copper cables with better shielding than twisted pair cables, so that transmitted signals may
travel longer distances at higher speeds. A coaxial cable consists of these layers, starting from the innermost − •
Stiff copper wire as core • Insulating material surrounding the core • Closely woven braided mesh of conducting
material surrounding the insulator • Protective plastic sheath encasing the wire Coaxial cables are widely used for
cable TV connections and LANs. Types of Co-axial cables : 1. Thicknet 2. Thinnet
Advantages of Coaxial Cables

• Excellent noise immunity
• Signals can travel longer distances at higher
speeds, e.g. 1 to 2 Gbps for 1 Km cable
• Can be used for both analog and digital signals
• Inexpensive as compared to fibre optic cables
• Easy to install and maintain
Disadvantages of Coaxial Cables
• Expensive as compared to twisted pair cables
• Not compatible with twisted pair cables
Optical Fibre
Thin glass or plastic threads used to transmit data using light waves are called optical fibre. Light Emitting Diodes
(LEDs) or Laser Diodes (LDs) emit light waves at the source, which is read by a detector at the other end.
Advantages of Optical Fibre:
Optical fibre is fast replacing copper wires because of these
advantages that it offers −
• High bandwidth • Immune to electromagnetic interference •
Suitable for industrial and noisy areas • Signals carrying data can
travel long distances without weakening
Disadvantages of Optical Fibre:
• Optical fibre cables are expensive
• Sophisticated technology required for manufacturing, installing
and maintaining optical fibre cables
• Light waves are unidirectional, so two frequencies are required for
full duplex transmission

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Computer Networks

List of Advantages of Computer Networking:

➢ Stands for Advanced Research Projects Agency Network.

Data Communication Terminology

These transmission media may be of two types –

Twisted Pair Cable

Types of twisted pair cables:

1. Unsheilded twisted pair cable (UTP)

Advantages of twisted pair cable

It is simple, easy to install and maintain

• It is physically flexible and has a low weight

• Least expensive for short distances

Disadvantages of twisted pair cable

• Signal cannot travel long distances without repeaters

• High error rate for distances greater than 100m

• Very thin and hence breaks easily

• Not suitable for broadband connections

Advantages of Coaxial Cables

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