Chapter 1

Introduction

1.1
 A computer network is a collection of interconnected
devices. These devices communicate with each other to:
• Share resources
• Exchange data
• Provide services

1.2
 Data Communication is the
process of transferring data
between two or more devices.

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Five components of data communication

1. Message. The message is the information (data) to be communicated. Popular forms of information include
text, numbers, pictures, audio, and video.

2. Sender. The sender is the device that sends the data message. It can be a computer, workstation, telephone
handset, video camera, and so on.

3. Receiver. The receiver is the device that receives the message. It can be a computer, workstation,
telephone handset, television, and so on.

4. . Transmission medium. The transmission medium is the physical path by which a message travels from
sender to receiver. Some examples of transmission media include twisted-pair wire, coaxial cable, fiber-optic
cable, and radio waves.

5. Protocol. A protocol is a set of rules that govern data communications. It represents an agreement between
the communicating devices. Without a protocol, two devices may be connected but not communicating, just
as a person speaking French cannot be understood by a person who speaks only Japanese.

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Network Models
• Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer (P2P) are two common types of
network models used for communication and data sharing among
devices.

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Client-Server Network

• A client-server network is a centralized model where one or more

servers provide resources or services, and clients request and
consume those resources or services.

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Key Characteristics:
1.Centralized Control: The server controls access to resources and manages client
requests.
2.Dedicated Servers: Servers are specialized devices or computers designed to
manage network resources, like files, applications, printers, or databases.
3.Clients: Clients are devices, such as computers or smartphones, that request
resources or services from the server.
4.Resource Management: Servers manage resources and services, ensuring
security, access control, and data integrity.
5.Scalability: Client-server networks are scalable, allowing the addition of more
servers or clients as needed.
6.Security: Enhanced security through centralized management and control of data
and resources.
7.Examples: Email servers, web servers, file servers, and database servers in
corporate networks.
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Advantages:

• Centralized Resources: Easy to manage and maintain resources and

data.
• High Security: Enhanced security through centralized controls and
management.
• Scalability: Easily add more clients or servers to the network.

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• Disadvantages:
• Single Point of Failure: If the server fails, clients may lose access to
resources.
• Cost: Setting up and maintaining servers can be expensive.
• Requires Maintenance: Regular updates and maintenance are
necessary to ensure server stability and security.

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Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Network

A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is a decentralized model where each

device (peer) can act both as a client and a server, sharing resources
directly with other peers without needing a central server.

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Key Characteristics:
1.Decentralized Control: There is no central authority or server managing the
network. Each peer is equal in terms of authority and functionality.
2.Direct Sharing: Peers directly share resources like files, applications, or
bandwidth with each other.
3.No Dedicated Servers: There is no need for dedicated servers; any device can
provide services or resources to other devices.
4.Distributed Resources: Resources and data are distributed across all peers,
reducing reliance on any single node.
5.Scalability: Adding more peers to the network is straightforward, potentially
increasing the network’s capacity.
6.Flexibility: Any device can join or leave the network at any time without affecting
overall network functionality.
7.Examples: File-sharing networks (like BitTorrent), cryptocurrency networks, and
some collaborative platforms.

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• Advantages:
• Cost-Effective: No need for expensive server hardware or
infrastructure.
• Redundancy and Resilience: Data is distributed, reducing the impact
of a single device failure.
• Scalability: Easy to scale as new peers can join the network without
centralized coordination.
• No Central Point of Failure: The network does not rely on a single
server, making it more resilient to failures.

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• Disadvantages:
• Security Risks: Lack of central control can lead to security
vulnerabilities, such as unauthorized access and data breaches.
• Management Challenges: Difficult to manage and secure due to its
decentralized nature.
• Performance Issues: As each peer shares its resources, performance
can vary based on the number of connected peers and their available
bandwidth.
• Reliability: Can be less reliable if peers leave the network
unexpectedly, potentially disrupting access to shared resources.

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Types of connections: point-to-point and multipoint

Point-to-Point

A point-to-point connection provides a dedicated link between two devices. The entire capacity of the link is
reserved for transmission between those two devices. Most point-to-point connections use an actual length of
wire or cable to connect the two ends
Multipoint

A multipoint (also called multidrop) connection is one in which more than two specific devices share a single
link.
In a multipoint environment, the capacity of the channel is shared, either spatially or temporally. If several
devices can use the link simultaneously

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Types of Networks
• PAN
• LAN
• CAN
• MAN
• WAN

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• PAN (Personal Area Network):
• Coverage Area: Very small, typically within a few meters.
• Key Features:
• Connects devices within a personal space.
• Used for communication between personal devices.
• Typically wireless, using Bluetooth or infrared.
• Examples: Connecting a smartphone to a laptop, Bluetooth
headphones.

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LAN (Local Area Network):
• Coverage Area: Small, such as within a single building or campus.
• Key Features:
• Connects computers within a limited area.
• High data transfer rates.
• Typically uses Ethernet or Wi-Fi.
• Owned and managed by a single organization.
• Examples: Office networks, home Wi-Fi networks.

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• CAN (Campus Area Network):
• Coverage Area: Medium, covering a campus or group of buildings.
• Key Features:
• Covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a MAN.
• Connects multiple LANs within a limited area, such as a university or business
campus.
• High-speed and secure connections.
• Examples: University campus networks, corporate campus networks.

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• WAN (Wide Area Network):
• Coverage Area: Large, spanning cities, countries, or worldwide.
• Key Features:
• Connects multiple LANs over long distances.
• Lower data transfer rates compared to LAN.
• Uses leased telecommunication lines or satellites.
• Can be public (like the internet) or private.
• Examples: The Internet, global corporate networks.

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• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):
• Coverage Area: Medium to large, typically covering a city or
metropolitan area.
• Key Features:
• Covers larger areas than a LAN but smaller than a WAN.
• Often used to connect multiple LANs within a city.
• Can use fiber-optic cables for high-speed connections.
• Examples: City-wide networks, university campuses.

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