Introduction to Network Computing

Basic of Computer Networking:-

A computer network is a system of interconnected

devices that are linked together to share data, resources and
information. This system is comprised of multiple computers, servers,
storage devices, routers, switches, and other networking equipment.
Computer networks allow multiple users to access shared resources,
communicate with each other, and exchange data and information.

Goals Of Computer Networking:-

Sharing resources

Networking helps in sharing resources with more than one device. Like
a printer can be shared by 4 or more computers. This makes it more
economical. Below are a few examples of resources that can be shared
in a network –

1) File sharing
2) Internet sharing
3) Application sharing

Performance

The performance of a network is very important for an organization. A

properly designed network gives high performance and increases
productivity. Let’s discuss a few ways in which networking improves
performance.
Remote access

By networking, people can access and work remotely using the same
applications and information. Thus increasing the productivity of the
workforce by giving them flexibility in their work routine.

Backup of data

Networking helps in recovering the data lost due to system failure or

any other similar reasons. Technologies, software, and applications can
be used to automatically recover data loss.

Scalability

Computer networks must be designed to scale up or down as needed

to accommodate changes in the number of users, devices, and data
traffic. This requires careful planning and management to ensure the
network can meet current and future needs.

High Reliability

If there are alternate sources of supply, all files could be replicated on

two or more machines. If one of them is not available, due to
hardware failure, the other copies could be used.
Applications Of Computer Network:-

1. Internet and World Wide Web

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In computer networks, we have a global internet, also known as the

World Wide Web, that offers us various features like access to
websites, online services and retrieval of information. With the help of
the World Wide Web, we can browse, and we can do search, and
access web pages and multimedia content.

2. Communication

With the help of computer networks, communication is also easy

because we can do email, instant messaging, voice and video calls and
video conferencing, which helps us to communicate with each other
effectively. People can use these features in their businesses and
organizations to stay connected with each other.

3. File Sharing and Data Transfer

Data transfer and file sharing are made possible by networks that
connect different devices. This covers file sharing within a business
setting, file sharing between personal devices, and
downloading/uploading of content from the internet.

4. Online gaming

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Multiplayer online games use computer networks to link players from
all over the world, enabling online competitions and real-time gaming
experiences.

5. Remote Access and Control

Networks enable users to access and control systems and devices from
a distance. This is helpful when accessing home automation systems,
managing servers, and providing remote IT support.

6. Social media

With the help of a computer network, we can use social media sites like
Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to help people set up their profiles,
and we can connect with others and share content on social media.

7. Cloud Computing

The provision of on-demand access to computing resources and

services hosted in distant data centres relies on networks. Some
example of cloud computing is software as a service (SaaS), platform as
a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as service (IaaS).

8. Online Banking and E-Commerce

Online banking and e-commerce platforms, where customers conduct

financial transactions and make online purchases, require secure
computer networks.
Network Hardware:-

Defination:-

Network hardware is a set of physical or network devices that are

essential for interaction and communication between hardware units
operational on a computer network.

Broadcast:-
In computer network, there are various ways in which we can transmit
data from one node to another node, one node to multiple node, and
many node to many nodes. For each type of transmission, there’s a
term associated with it. Let’s see their examples in brief :
 For node to node: ‘Unicast’ also known as POINT-TO-POINT
communication. Example: cell phone conversation.
 When multiple POINT-TO-POINT communications are made its
called Multicast. The message is received by only those hosts who
choose to be a part of a multicast group. Example: Video
conferencing, sending a message targeting number of people at at a
time.
 One Node to ALL Nodes – Broadcasting. Today we’ll discuss
broadcasting in depth.

Components Of Data Communication :-

Data Communication is defined as exchange of data between two

devices via some form of transmission media such as a cable, wire or it
can be air or vacuum also. For occurrence of data communication,
communicating devices must be a part of communication system
made up of a combination of hardware or software devices and
programs.
Components of Data Communication :
There are mainly five components of a data communication system:
1. Message
2. Sender
3. Receiver
4. Transmission Medium
5. Set of rules (Protocol)

1. Message :
This is most useful asset of a data communication system. The
message simply refers to data or piece of information which is to be
communicated. A message could be in any form, it may be in form
of a text file, an audio file, a video file, etc.

2. Sender :
To transfer message from source to destination, someone must be
there who will play role of a source. Sender plays part of a source in
data communication system. It is simple a device that sends data
 message. The device could be in form of a computer, mobile,
telephone, laptop, video camera, or a workstation, etc.
3. Receiver :
It is destination where finally message sent by source has arrived. It
is a device that receives message. Same as sender, receiver can also
be in form of a computer, telephone mobile, workstation, etc.
4. Transmission Medium:-
In entire process of data communication, there must be something
which could act as a bridge between sender and receiver,
Transmission medium plays that part. It is physical path by which data
or message travels from sender to receiver.
1. example, twisted pair cable, fiber optic cable, radio waves,
microwaves, etc.
5. Set of rules (Protocol) :-
In simple terms, the protocol is a set of rules that govern data
communication. If two different devices are connected but there is
no protocol among them, there would not be any kind of
communication between those two devices. Thus the protocol is
necessary for data communication to take place.
Example:- Simple Mail Transfer mechanism (SMTP) is a mechanism
for exchanging email messages between servers.
Network Topologies
Defination:- Network topology is the physical and logical structure of
a network, including how devices are connected and how data flows.
Here are some types of network topologies:-

1) Point to Point Topology :-

Point-to-point topology is a type of topology that works on the
functionality of the sender and receiver. It is the simplest
communication between two nodes, in which one is the sender and
the other one is the receiver.

2) Bus topology:-
1) All devices are connected to a single cable, called a bus, which
serves as a shared communication medium.

2) It is bi-directional.

3) Bus Topology is a network type in which every computer and

network device is connected to a single cable.

4)It is a multi-point connection and a non-robust topology because if

the backbone fails the topology crashes.
Advantages of Bus Topology

1)The cost of the cable is less compared to other topologies, but it is

used to build small networks.
2)Bus topology is familiar technology as installation and
troubleshooting techniques are well known.
3) Coaxial or twisted pair cables are mainly used in bus-based
networks that support up to 10 Mbps .
Disadvantages of Bus Topology

1) A bus topology is quite simpler, but still, it requires a lot of cabling.

2) If the common cable fails, then the whole system will crash down.
3) Adding new devices to the network would slow down networks .
4) Security is very low.

3)Ring Topology:-
1)Devices are connected in a circular manner, forming a closed
loop. Packets are passed from computer to computer in a ring.
2) In a Ring Topology, it forms a ring connecting devices each
connected to two other devices.
 Advantages of Ring Topology :-
 Token system: Only nodes that have tokens can transfer data.
 Less Cabling: As every node manages the cable to its closest
neighbour, it requires less cabling.
 Easier troubleshooting: It is less challenging to manage and install
because the nodes or cable flaws are easily discernible.
 It is less costly than a star topology.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology :-

 Difficult to upgrade: Adding or removing nodes is problematic
because it disrupts network activity.
 Failure of a network: When one system crashes, it disturbs the
overall network activity.

4)Mesh Topology :-
1)Each device connects directly to multiple other devices, forming a
mesh-like structure. This type of network is often used in large
organizations or companies.
2) In a mesh topology, every device is connected to another device via
a particular channel.
Advantages of Mesh Topology:-
1) Communication is very fast between the nodes.
2) Mesh Topology is robust.
3)Provides security and privacy.

5)Star Topology :-
1)Star Topology is a network setup in which each device is connected to
a central node called a hub. The hub manages the data flow between
the devices. If one device wants to send data to another device, it has
to first send the information to the hub, and then the hub transmits
that data to the required device.
2) A star may be a Local Area Network (LAN) topology where all nodes
are individually connected to a central connection point (hub).

Types of Star Topology

There are two types of star topology:

 Active Star Topology

 Passive Star topology

Active Star Topology: In active star topology, the central hub

regenerates the signal when it passes through it. This simply means
that the hub not only works as a connector but also boosts the signal
and makes sure the signals reach their destination properly.

Passive Star Topology: In passive star topology, the central hub simply
connects the devices, but does not regenerate the signals. Here, the
devices connected are responsible for the transmission of signals.
Passive star topology is recommended for smaller setups.

Advantages of Star Topology

1) It is very reliable as if one cable or device fails then all the
others will still work.

2)It is high performing as no data collisions can occur.

3)No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing
devices.
4) Each device requires just one port i.e. to attach to the hub.
5)No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing
devices.
Disadvantages of Star Topology
1)Requires more cable than bus topology.
2)More expensive than linear bus topology due to the value of the
connecting devices (network switches).
3) If the hub goes down everything goes down, none of the devices
can work without the hub.
4) Extra hardware is required (hubs or switches) which adds to the
cost.
5) Hub requires more resources and regular maintenance because it’s
the central system of Star.

5)Tree Topology :-
A tree topology is a sort of structure in which each node is related to
the others in a hierarchy. In a topological hierarchy, there are at least
three distinct levels. Sometimes it is also called hierarchical topology

Advantages of Tree Topology:-

1) A tree topology network can be managed and maintained easily.

2) It contains an easy process to detect an error.
3) If one or more nodes have failed in the network, they do not affect
the entire network. And, the network can still continue to operate,
even if a single Switch or Hub has been damaged.

Disadvantages of Tree Topology :-

1) The installation of tree topology might be challenging since it uses
star and bus configuration principles when designed with linear
characteristics; hence, this choice produces the most complex
installation procedure.

2) It is not suitable for huge enterprises.

3) One of the biggest disadvantages of a tree topology is a security
issue as all workstations connected in the network of tree
topology can see the sent data along with the network. When all
of the connections are up and running, they all have access to
each other, making the system less secure.
Types Of Networks
1)LAN:-
Definition:

 A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network of computers and other

devices that are connected within a limited geographical area,
such as a building, office, or campus.

Components of LAN:

 Devices: Computers, printers, switches, routers, and other

networked devices.
 Transmission Media: Ethernet cables (Cat 5e, Cat 6), fiber optics,
or Wi-Fi.

Data Transfer:

 Data is transmitted over high-speed connections, often using

Ethernet cables or Wi-Fi.
 Common transmission speeds range from 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps or
more, depending on the network.

Advantages of LAN:

 High-Speed Communication: Provides fast data transfer between

devices.
 Resource Sharing: Allows multiple devices to share resources like
printers, files, and internet connections.
 Cost-Effective: Compared to wide-area networks (WAN), LANs are
cheaper to set up and maintain.
 Centralized Data Management: Easy to manage, backup, and
store data centrally.
 Disadvantages of LAN:

 Limited Range: The network is limited to a small geographic area.

 Security Risks: If not properly secured, LANs can be vulnerable to
hacking and unauthorized access.
 Bandwidth Limitation: In highly congested networks, bandwidth
can become a bottleneck.

Types of LAN:

 Wired LAN: Uses cables (such as Ethernet) to connect devices.

 Wireless LAN (WLAN): Uses Wi-Fi to connect devices without
physical cables.
 Hybrid LAN: A combination of both wired and wireless
connections.

Network Devices in LAN:

 Hub: A simple device that connects multiple devices in a LAN,

broadcasting data to all connected devices.
 Switch: A more advanced device that only sends data to the
intended recipient device, reducing network congestion.
 Router: A device that routes data between different networks
(e.g., LAN to the internet).
 Access Point: A device that allows wireless devices to connect to a
wired LAN.
MAN:-
Definition:

 A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a type of computer

network that covers a larger geographical area than a Local Area
Network (LAN), typically spanning a city or a large campus.

Components of MAN:

 Switches and Routers: Used to direct traffic within the network

and between multiple LANs.
 Transmission Media: Can include fiber optics, coaxial cables,
copper cables, or wireless communication technologies.
 Access Points: Devices that enable wireless connectivity to the
MAN.

Data Transfer Speed:

 The typical data transfer speeds in a MAN range from 10 Mbps to

100 Gbps, depending on the technology used (fiber optics
typically offering faster speeds).
 Provides much faster speeds compared to a LAN or WAN in
specific areas.

Advantages of MAN:

 High-Speed Connectivity: Faster data transfer speeds compared

to LANs, suitable for organizations or cities needing a lot of
bandwidth.
 Cost-Effective for Large Areas: Easier to set up and maintain
compared to WANs while providing connectivity across a city.
 Supports Multiple LANs: A MAN can connect various LANs in a
city, allowing for centralized communication and resource sharing.
  Scalable: Easy to scale to add more LANs or users as the demand
for bandwidth increases.

Disadvantages of MAN:

 Limited Range: Although it covers a larger area than LANs, it is still

limited to a metropolitan area. A WAN would be needed for
connecting geographically distant areas.
 Maintenance Costs: While more cost-effective than a WAN, the
infrastructure setup and maintenance costs of a MAN can still be
significant.
 Vulnerable to Network Failures: A single point of failure in the
MAN's backbone can affect all connected networks.

Types of MAN:

 Fiber Optic MAN: Utilizes fiber optic cables for high-speed data
transmission.
 Wireless MAN (WMAN): Uses wireless communication
technologies, such as WiMAX or microwave links, to connect
different areas within the metropolitan region.
 Hybrid MAN: Combines both wired (fiber, copper) and wireless
technologies to provide flexible connectivity.

Applications of MAN:

  Telecommunication Services: MANs can support public and

private telecommunication networks within cities, providing
internet, phone, and video services.
  Internet Service Providers (ISPs): ISPs use MANs to provide
high-speed internet connectivity to customers within
metropolitan areas.
WAN:-
Definition:

 A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a type of network that covers a

large geographic area, typically spanning cities, countries, or even
continents. It connects multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) and
MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks).

Components of WAN:

 Routers: These devices are responsible for forwarding data

between different networks, including between LANs and MANs
over the WAN.
 Transmission Media: WANs use a variety of transmission media
like leased lines, fiber optic cables, satellite links, wireless, and
public telephone lines (e.g., DSL, cable).
 Switches and Bridges: These help in managing traffic within the
network and between different network types.

Data Transfer Speed:

 WANs generally have slower data transfer speeds compared to

LANs and MANs due to the long distances involved and the variety
of transmission media.
 Speeds can range from a few Kbps to several Gbps, depending on
the technology and infrastructure in place.

Advantages of WAN:

 Global Connectivity: WANs allow organizations to connect

branches, offices, and data centers across vast distances, enabling
global communication and resource sharing.
  Scalability: WANs can scale to accommodate growth, allowing
organizations to expand their networks over large areas without
needing to create entirely new infrastructure.
 Centralized Data Management: Data, applications, and services
can be managed centrally, ensuring efficient access across
multiple locations.
 Redundancy and Reliability: WANs often incorporate redundant
links to ensure network reliability and availability.

Disadvantages of WAN:

 High Cost: Setting up and maintaining a WAN can be expensive

due to the required hardware, software, and leased line services.
 Complex Management: Managing a WAN requires skilled
personnel due to its complexity and the need for careful routing
and monitoring.
 Latency: WANs experience higher latency compared to LANs and
MANs due to the longer distances involved in data transmission.

Types of WAN:

 Private WAN: A private network that connects various remote

locations using dedicated leased lines or other private circuits.
 Public WAN: Uses public communication infrastructure like the
internet, leased lines, or cellular networks to connect different
locations.
 Virtual WAN (SD-WAN): A modern approach to WAN networking
that uses software-based control and management, optimizing
traffic over any available connection (such as broadband, MPLS, or
LTE).
Applications of WAN:

Business Connectivity: Companies with multiple branches or remote

offices use WANs to link these locations for resource sharing,
communication, and data management.

Cloud Access: WANs provide the infrastructure to connect users and

businesses to cloud services and data centers hosted in remote
locations.

Internet Backbone: The public internet itself is a massive WAN that

connects billions of devices and networks worldwide.

Telecommunications: WANs are crucial in supporting telephone, video

conferencing, and VoIP (Voice over IP) services across large distances.
 Internetwork
Definition:

 An internetwork refers to the connection of multiple networks

(such as LANs, MANs, and WANs) into a larger, cohesive network
that enables communication between different systems, devices,
and networks. It acts as a network of networks.

Types of Internetworks:

 The Internet: The most prominent example of an internetwork,

connecting billions of devices globally, using standardized
protocols like TCP/IP.
 Intranet: A private internetwork used within an organization,
connecting internal networks securely, often behind a firewall,
and may use internal IP addressing.
 Extranet: A controlled private network that connects an
organization's internal network to external networks or partners,
facilitating collaboration and secure data exchange.

Internetworking Devices:

 Routers: Responsible for forwarding data packets between

different networks by determining the optimal path.
 Switches: Typically used in LANs, switches forward data at the
data link layer within a network, but can also assist in
internetworking when linking different network segments.
 Gateways: Devices that bridge two networks with different
protocols, ensuring compatibility and communication between
them.
Wireless Network
Definition:

 A wireless network is a type of network that allows devices to

communicate and exchange data without the use of physical
cables, typically using radio waves or infrared signals.

Advantages of Wireless Networks:

 Mobility: Wireless networks allow users to move freely within the

coverage area while maintaining a network connection, enhancing
flexibility and productivity.
 Ease of Installation: Wireless networks are easier to set up
compared to wired networks, especially in environments where
running cables would be difficult or costly.
 Scalability: Wireless networks can be easily expanded by adding
new devices or access points without the need for significant
infrastructure changes.
 Cost-Effective: For large or temporary setups (e.g., events,
outdoor areas), wireless networks can be more cost-effective than
running extensive cabling.

Disadvantages of Wireless Networks:

 Limited Range: Wireless signals have limited range, and their

performance can degrade with distance from the access point or
router.