NETWORKING & COMMUNICATION

INTRODUCTION
Networking is the process of inter connecting two or more computers
so that the users can communicate with each other, share resources,
exchange of data and overcome other limitations of stand-alone systems.
Advantages of Networking
Networking has become an essential requirement for data
communications. It may be done through wired connections or wireless
connections. It is a critical information technology infrastructure for any
business firm. Once an organization connects the computers into a
network, it acquires a capability to communicate innovatively and
economically with employees, distributors, customers and suppliers. The
main advantages of networking are:
1. Resource sharing such as processor storage space and peripherals like
modem, fax, and laser printer.
2. Sharing of Data files by many users in the network.
3. Sharing of Software.
4. E-mail, voice mail, instant messaging, video conferencing etc. are
some of the communication facilities that can be used for
communication among users on a network.
5. the data processing can be decentralized by enabling local offices to
capture and store data, and generate information to meet most of
their requirements at local level itself.
6. It is possible to centralize all data processing activities through a
network.
7. With centralized control over a network, policies concerning data
security can be implemented uniformly.
8. With Internet connectivity between manufacturing and marketing
organizations, it is possible to do electronic commerce between them
and also with customers.
9. Implementation of enterprise application systems(ERP)

TYPES OF NETWORK
The networks can be classified into three: local area network (LAN),
metropolitan area network (MAN) and wide area network (WAN). They are
explained in the following sections.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
WANs were originally developed in the late 1960s to enable
communication between computer centers and sharing of hardware,
software and other communication facilities. WAN can be implemented
using private or public networks. In a private network, an organization
takes on lease telephone lines to connect such sites into a network. It is
also possible to connect computers in different locations using microwave
or satellite transmission. Public networks are installed by the Government
owned telecommunication agencies. WAN spans large geographic
distances. It is also called long-haul network. WAN is usually operated at
lower speeds than MAN and involves delay.
NICNET, SBINET and WELCOMENET are some of the private networks
in India. NICNET is a network of National Informatics Centre that
connects all the district headquarters in the country. SBINET is a private
network of State Bank of India and connects its branches across the
country. WELCOMNET connects the hotels of the Welcome Group.
Public Networks
Public networks came up first in the 1970s to facilitate data
communication and to provide value-added services to users. The
USAT&T's Advanced Communication Services, British Post Office's Prestel,
the US Telenet, DATAPAC of Bell Canada, TRANSPAC of France etc. are
some examples of Public Networks. They are run by both private
corporations and Telecommunication Departments of the state.
Metropolitan area network
Metropolitan area network covers a wider area than a local area
network. Usually MAN covers a large metropolitan city and is a scaled
down version of wide area network. It operates at high speeds over
distances sufficient for a metropolitan area.

LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)

A LAN is a system of interconnected microcomputers, sharing
common resources like disks, printers etc. It links a number of computers
together to allow many people to use the same software and data files.
Each user in such a multi-user environment accesses the resources
through his microcomputer workstation. The network operating system
integrates all the network components and makes operations smooth and
transparent. LAN works in restricted geographical area such as within a
large building or offices within a few kilometers.
In other words, LAN is an interconnection of computers that need to
communicate with each other in a limited geographical area.
LAN TOPOLOGY
The design of network requires selection of a particular topology and
architecture for the interconnection of network components. Topology
refers to the way the computers are physically connected into the
network. There are a number of network topologies. Of them ring, star,
bus and tree are popular network topologies.
Star Topology
In a star network, the nodes( workstations) are connected to a central
computer called the host computer. The nodes cannot communicate
directly. Each node can communicate with the host computer. The host
computer takes the message and routes it to the other node or nodes.

WORK WORK
STATION STATION

HOST

WORK WORK
STATION STATION

Star Network

In a star network, centralization of control over the network resources

is easy. If one of the workstations fails, it does not usually affect the
others in the network. If the host computer breaks down, the entire
network breaks down.
Ring Topology
In a ring network the computers can communicate directly with each
other and also with the central computer. The nodes are connected to a
line that is closed like a loop. The ring network is more reliable than star
network. Even if the central computer in the network fails, the other
computers can continue to communicate with each other.

WORK STATION WORK STATION

RING

WORK STATION WORK STATION

Ring Network
Bus Topology
A bus network configures computers to a single non-looping channel.
The computers connected to the network share the same bus or
communications channel. Bus wiring is easy and needs much less wiring
for small segments.

WORK STATION WORK STATION

WORK STATION WORK STATION

Bus Network

Old Ethernet bus wiring is prone to cable failure. If the bus wiring
connection is broken at any point, the entire network fails.
Tree Topology
This is a kind of complex bus topology. The branching cable, which
does not have closed loops, serves as the transmission medium in a tree.
The cable begins at a point called the head end and it branches to
connect the workstations or nodes to the network. Each branch can have
additional branches to connect more workstations.

Tree Network
 In most cases, instead of a single topology, a combination of
topologies may be used for greater flexibility and reliability.
Features of LAN
The features of LAN include the following.
1. Limited geographical area, say, within a few kilometers.
2. Common communication link for sharing information, software and
peripheral devices.
3. High transmission capability.
4. Low error rate as the network contains built in component for detecting
and compensating for system errors.
5. Private ownership by the user.
6. Not subject to regulation by the telecom services.

LAN interconnects computers and components within a limited

geographical area. Examples are a university campus, a business
complex, a hospital, an office-building etc. The site can have one or
more buildings but they should not be too far away, say less than 5
kilometers.
A large personal computer or minicomputer serves as LAN's hub. A
high capacity hard disk is attached to the hub as data files and software
are stored on the network file server. Users can load the software on the
file server and retrieve data files for processing. The output can be
directed to the printer attached to the LAN.
LAN Components
The components of LAN are file server, workstation, network
operating system, LAN cable, active and passive hubs etc.
Workstation
It is a single-user microcomputer with high power communication
facilities. It can exchange message with other workstations or fileserver.
Workstations can be of two types: User workstation and server
workstation. User workstation is a microcomputer on the network, which
is used to access the network. Service workstation performs service to
other workstations on the network.
File Server
File server is actually a process running on a computer that provides the
clients access to files on that computer. The files, which may be program
files or data files, are simultaneously shared by a number of workstations.
Gateway
The gateway assists in communicating between LANs. A workstation
may be dedicated to serve as gateway. This is required particularly when
 two networks with different technologies have to communicate with
each other. Gateway may also be used to connect LAN with a mainframe
computer.
Network Interface Unit
The network interface is a printed circuit board installed in the
microcomputer. It connects the workstations functionally and physically
with the network.
Active Hub
Hub is an electronic device to which multiple computers are
attached usually using twisted pair cables. It has active devices that
drive distant nodes up to one kilometer away. It can connect up to eight
nodes on the network. The maximum distance carried by an active hub
is about 2000 ft.
Passive Hub
This hub is a distribution point that does not use power or active
devices in a network to connect up to four nodes within a short
distance. The maximum distance covered by a passive hub is nearly
300 ft.
LAN Cable
LAN requires superior cable capable of transferring data at high
speed. Coaxial cables or fiber optic cables may be used for networking
computers.
Network Operating System (NOS)
The NOS integrates all the network components. The NOS facilitates
file and print serving along with other functions like communications and
e-mail between workstations. In most LANs the NOS exists along with the
computer's operating system. NOS are responsible for controlling access to
data, storage space and sharing of other peripheral resources.
Application Software
Another component of LAN is application software. It has to be
ensured that the application software works in the multi- user
environment.
Protocols
Protocols are sets of rules and procedures to control the data
transmission between computers and other devices. They specify the order
in which signals will be transferred, the signal for completion of transfer
etc. Both the sending and receiving devices must use the same protocol
for effective communication. For communication between devices using
different protocols requires intermediate interpretation device or software.
 The protocol performs the following functions.
1. Set up a link with the other device involved in the communication.
2. Identify the component to other components in the communication
(sending device's channel ID).
3. Send and interpret the data.
4. Provide a continuous feedback on data transmission.
5. Request for retransmission of garbled data.
6. Engage recovery procedure when error occurs.
7. Provide an acceptable way of terminating transmission so that all
devices have completed the process.
The protocol is embedded in communications software. The user need
not bother about the protocol as the components involved in the
communication perform the protocol matching. The data communication
protocols are of two main types: asynchronous and synchronous. The
synchronous protocol permits continuous data transmission. The devices in
communication must be synchronized with the other. The transmission is
governed by a time interval and not by start-stop bits. For example, clock,
in the modem, sets the time interval.

INTEGRATED SERVICES DIGITAL NETWORK (ISDN)

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)is a generic name for any
form of network that connects users with service firms such as banks,
investment companies, airlines, cinema theatres etc. using a digital
network. The users can be homes, educational institutions, business firms
etc. One important feature of this network is its ability to connect a wide
variety of users and services to the network using the X.25 interface
protocol. Telephone companies offer digital network service.

DISTRIBUTED SYSTEM
A distributed system interconnects computer locations to other
computer locations called nodes. Large organizations interconnect their
computer systems at different offices and plants into network. With
Internet technology, connecting offices across the globe into a single
network is possible at very low costs.
The data processing in such a network can be distributed. This allows
offices, plants etc. to collect, store and process data as they occur and use
the information locally. The computer facility at the head office can be
easily accessed from multiple nodes on the network. Thus the local offices
are able to capture and process operating data in their own way and at the
same time head office receives all information it needs from such local
offices.
Client/Server Computing
A client/server system is a distributed system with a server and one or
more clients. The server is a powerful computer, usually a mainframe or a
minicomputer. The clients are usually small computers: PCs or
workstations. The server stores common programs and data used by
several user systems. The clients request the server for data and
programs. The server processes the requests' and makes available the
requested data and programs.
The client/server (C/S) computing requires special software at front-
end (client side) and back-end (server side). The front-end software
provides user interface, facilitates data manipulation and handles
communication with server. The back-end software takes care of data
acquisition and integrity, transaction management and data recovery in the
event of system failure.
In a LAN environment the host transfers the entire program file or data
file to the workstation for processing. This requires lot of data traffic
between the server and the workstations. In C/S environment the server
processes the request and transfers the result requested by the client. This
reduces the data traffic on the network.

QUESTIONS
1. What is LAN? What are the components of LAN?
2. What is network topology? Explain the popular network topologies.
3. Explain the meaning and purpose of communication protocols.
4. What is distributed system?
5. What is client/server computing?