SELF LEARNING MATERIAL

SUBJECT ADVANCE COMPUTER NETWORK

COURSE BCA

PREPARED BY MRIGA JAIN

UNIT I: Network Architecture, Performance, and High-Speed Networks

1. Introduction

This unit introduces the key concepts in network architecture, network performance metrics like
bandwidth and latency, and various types of network architectures.

2. Detailed Explanation of Topics

 Network Architecture:
Network architecture defines the structure of the network. It involves the design and
configuration of network components like routers, switches, and servers to support data
transmission. This includes both physical and logical components.
 Performance Metrics:
o Bandwidth: Refers to the maximum data transfer rate of a network, typically
measured in bits per second (bps).
o Latency: The time it takes for data to travel from the source to the destination.
o High-Speed Networks: These networks are designed to handle large volumes of
data at high speeds, such as fiber-optic and 5G networks.
 Network-Centric View:
This view focuses on optimizing the network's performance to deliver efficient and
scalable communication services.
 Error Detection and Reliable Transmission:
o Error Detection: Techniques like checksums, parity bits, and cyclic redundancy
checks (CRC) ensure that data transmitted across the network is not corrupted.
o Reliable Transmission: Protocols such as TCP are used to ensure data is
delivered accurately and in the correct order.
 Ethernet and Multiple Access Networks:
o Ethernet: A widely used LAN technology, based on the IEEE 802.3 standard,
which defines how devices communicate over a network.
o Multiple Access Networks: Protocols like CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense Multiple
Access with Collision Detection) allow multiple devices to share the same
communication medium.
 Overlay Networks:
Overlay networks are virtual networks built on top of physical networks. They allow
 efficient routing and management, such as in content distribution networks (CDNs) or
peer-to-peer (P2P) networks.
o Routing Overlays: Techniques that route data through virtual networks.
o Peer-to-Peer Networks: A decentralized communication model where nodes act
both as servers and clients.
o Client-Server Networks: A centralized network model where clients request
services from central servers.
o Delay-Tolerant Networks: Networks designed to function effectively in
environments where continuous connectivity is not always available.

3. Conclusion

This unit introduces foundational concepts in network architecture, performance, and advanced
networking protocols that are critical for building scalable and high-performance networks.

4. Glossary

 Bandwidth: The maximum rate of data transfer.

 Latency: The time delay in data transfer.
 Overlay Networks: Networks built on top of existing networks for improved
management and performance.

5. Practice Questions

1. Explain the difference between bandwidth and latency.

2. What are the key features of Ethernet and multiple access networks?
3. Describe the role of peer-to-peer and client-server networks.

UNIT II: Switching Techniques and Asynchronous Transfer Mode

1. Introduction

This unit focuses on various switching techniques such as circuit switching and packet switching,
and introduces concepts related to Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) and Broadband ISDN.

2. Detailed Explanation of Topics

 Switching Techniques:
Switching refers to the process of forwarding data across a network. There are different
types of switching:
o Circuit-Switched Networks: A dedicated communication path is established
between the sender and receiver for the duration of the transmission.
o Datagram Networks: Data is sent in packets, and each packet is routed
independently.
 o Virtual-Circuit Networks: A logical path is established between the sender and
receiver before transmission.
o Message-Switched Networks: Data is sent as a whole message and is routed
from one node to another.
 Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM):
ATM is a cell-based switching technique designed for high-speed networks. It supports
both voice and data traffic and offers high-speed broadband services.
o Evolution and Benefits: ATM evolved from traditional circuit-switched and
packet-switched systems to support more diverse applications.
o Broadband Integrated Services Digital Network (B-ISDN): A high-speed
network service that integrates voice, video, and data transmission.
o Layer and Adaptation Layer: ATM operates over different layers and includes
adaptation layers to map various services into the ATM network.

3. Conclusion

Switching techniques and ATM play a crucial role in the efficient and high-speed transmission of
data, especially in high-demand environments like multimedia and large-scale networks.

4. Glossary

 Circuit Switching: A type of switching where a dedicated communication path is set up.
 Virtual-Circuit Network: A network where a logical path is established for
communication.
 ATM: A technology designed for efficient, high-speed transmission of voice, data, and
video.

5. Practice Questions

1. Describe the differences between circuit-switched and packet-switched networks.

2. What are the advantages of Asynchronous Transfer Mode?
3. Explain the role of B-ISDN in modern telecommunications.

UNIT III: IPv4 and IPv6 Addressing, Routing, and Congestion Control

1. Introduction

This unit delves into the addressing schemes of IPv4 and IPv6, addressing various routing
protocols and congestion control techniques.

2. Detailed Explanation of Topics

 IPv4:
IPv4 provides a 32-bit address space, which allows for approximately 4.3 billion unique
 addresses. It uses both classful and classless addressing, with network address translation
(NAT) being used for address mapping.
o Address Notations: IPv4 addresses are written as four decimal numbers
separated by dots (e.g., 192.168.1.1).
o Datagram and Fragmentation: IPv4 datagrams consist of header and data fields,
and can be fragmented for transmission across different network sizes.
o Checksum: IPv4 uses checksums for error detection in the header.
 IPv6:
IPv6 expands the address space to 128 bits, allowing for a significantly larger number of
unique addresses. IPv6 addresses are written in hexadecimal notation (e.g.,
2001:0db8::1).
o Packet Format and Extension Headers: IPv6 uses a simplified packet format
with optional extension headers for additional functionality.
 Congestion Control:
o Congestion Control: TCP employs various algorithms like slow start and
congestion avoidance to minimize network congestion.
o Queuing: Queuing techniques manage how data packets are stored in buffers
when the network is congested.
 Resource Allocation:
This refers to the efficient distribution of network resources like bandwidth to avoid
congestion and ensure fair usage.

3. Conclusion

This unit covers the vital concepts of IP addressing, both IPv4 and IPv6, as well as the methods
for congestion control and resource management, ensuring efficient and reliable data
transmission.

4. Glossary

 NAT: Network Address Translation, a technique used to map private IP addresses to a

public IP address.
 Congestion Control: Mechanisms used to control traffic load on the network and avoid
congestion.

5. Practice Questions

1. Compare IPv4 and IPv6 address structures and explain the need for IPv6.
2. What is congestion control, and why is it important in TCP/IP networks?
3. How does NAT help in managing IP addresses?

UNIT IV: Congestion Control, Routing Protocols, and Spanning Tree Algorithm

1. Introduction
This unit focuses on network congestion control techniques, routing protocols, and the Spanning
Tree Algorithm.

2. Detailed Explanation of Topics

 Congestion Control and Avoidance:

Effective congestion control mechanisms like Random Early Detection (RED) and
Explicit Congestion Notification (ECN) are used to avoid congestion in the network.
 Routing Protocols:
Routing protocols determine how data is forwarded across networks.
o Unicast Routing: Protocols like RIP, OSPF, and BGP are used for routing data
between hosts.
o Multicast Routing: Protocols like DVMRP, PIM, and CBT help in routing data
to multiple receivers.
o Spanning Tree Algorithm: Prevents network loops by creating a loop-free
network topology.

3. Conclusion

Routing and congestion control are crucial for maintaining an efficient, scalable, and fault-
tolerant network. The Spanning Tree Algorithm plays a vital role in maintaining a stable network
topology.

4. Glossary

 RIP: Routing Information Protocol, a distance-vector routing protocol.

 BGP: Border Gateway Protocol, used to exchange routing information between
autonomous systems.

5. Practice Questions

1. Explain the concept of congestion control and its importance.

2. What are the differences between RIP and OSPF routing protocols?
3. Describe the Spanning Tree Algorithm and

its role in preventing network loops.

UNIT V: Optical Networking, Multimedia Over the Internet, and Security

1. Introduction

This unit covers the emerging technologies of optical networking, multimedia transmission over
the Internet, and network security.
2. Detailed Explanation of Topics

 Optical Networking:
o SONET/SDH Standards: These are standards used for high-speed data
transmission over fiber-optic networks.
o Traffic Engineering: Ensures that data flows optimally across the network,
minimizing delays and congestion.
 Multimedia Over Internet:
o Transmission: Involves the delivery of video, voice, and data over the Internet.
o IP Multicasting: Efficiently sends data to multiple destinations simultaneously.
o VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol enables voice communication over IP
networks.
 Network Security:
o IPSec, SSL/TLS, and PGP: Protocols that ensure the security of data transmitted
over networks.
o Firewalls: Devices that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network
traffic based on security rules.

3. Conclusion

This unit highlights the technologies that ensure high-speed, efficient, and secure
communication, essential for modern networks.

4. Glossary

 SONET/SDH: Standards for transmitting data over optical networks.

 VoIP: A technology that allows voice communication over the Internet.

5. Practice Questions

1. Explain the role of SONET/SDH in optical networking.

2. What are the main challenges in multimedia transmission over the Internet?
3. Describe how IPSec ensures data security.