What is a Computer Network?

Computer Network is a group of computers connected with each other through wires, optical fibres or
optical links so that various devices can interact with each other through a network.
The aim of the computer network is the sharing of resources among various devices. o In the case of
computer network technology, there are several types of networks that vary from simple to complex level.
Components of Computer Network:

Major components of a computer network are:

NIC(National interface card)
NIC is a device that helps the computer to communicate with another device. The network interface card
contains the hardware addresses, the data-link layer protocol use this address to identify the system on the
network so that it transfers the data to the correct destination.
There are two types of NIC: wireless NIC and wired NIC.
Wireless NIC: All the modern laptops use the wireless NIC. In Wireless NIC, a connection is made using
the antenna that employs the radio wave technology.
Wired NIC: Cables use the wired NIC to transfer the data over the medium.

Hub
Hub is a central device that splits the network connection into multiple devices. When computer requests
for information from a computer, it sends the request to the Hub. Hub distributes this request to all the
interconnected computers.

Switches
Switch is a networking device that groups all the devices over the network to transfer the data to another
device. A switch is better than Hub as it does not broadcast the message over the network, i.e., it sends
the message to the device for which it belongs to. Therefore, we can say that switch sends the message
directly from source to the destination.

Cables and connectors

Cable is a transmission media that transmits the communication signals. There are three types of cables:
Twisted pair cable: It is a high-speed cable that transmits the data over 1Gbps or more.
Coaxial cable: Coaxial cable resembles like a TV installation cable. Coaxial cable is more expensive than
twisted pair cable, but it provides the high data transmission speed.
Fibre optic cable: Fibre optic cable is a high-speed cable that transmits the data using light beams. It
provides high data transmission speed as compared to other cables. It is more expensive as compared to
other cables, so it is installed at the government level.
Router
Router is a device that connects the LAN to the internet. The router is mainly used to connect the distinct
networks or connect the internet to multiple computers.

Modem
Modem connects the computer to the internet over the existing telephone line. A modem is not integrated
with the computer motherboard. A modem is a separate part on the PC slot found on the motherboard.
What is a network topology?
A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network.
Nodes usually include devices such as switches, routers and software with switch and router features.
Network topologies are often represented as a graph.
Network topologies describe the arrangement of networks and the relative location of traffic flows.
Administrators can use network topology diagrams to determine the best placements for each node and
the optimal path for traffic flow. With a well-defined and planned-out network topology, an organization
can more easily locate faults and fix issues, improving its data transfer efficiency.
Network geometry can be defined as the physical topology and the logical topology. Network topology
diagrams are shown with devices depicted as network nodes and the connections between them as lines.
The type of network topology differs depending on how the network needs to be arranged.

Why is network topology important?

Network topology plays a major role in how a network functions. Namely, the topology has a direct effect
on network functionality. Choosing the right topology can help increase performance, as a properly
chosen and maintained network topology increases energy efficiency and data transfer rates.
A well-defined network topology makes it easier for network admins to locate faults, troubleshoot issues
and to allocate network resources. Diagrams are an important reference point in helping to diagnose
network issues, as they can represent physical and logical layouts. Types of network topology are as
given below.
1) Star Topology
All hosts in Star topology are connected to a central device, known as hub device, using a pointto-point
connection. That is, there exists a point to point connection between hosts and hub. The hub device can be
any of the following:
Layer-1 device such as hub or repeater
Layer-2 device such as switch or bridge
Layer-3 device such as router or gateway

As in Bus topology, hub acts as single point of failure. If hub fails, connectivity of all hosts to all other
hosts fails. Every communication between hosts, takes place through only the hub.Star topology is not
expensive as to connect one more host, only one cable is required and configuration is simple.
Advantages of Star Topology
If N devices are connected to each other in a star topology, then the number of cables required to connect
them is N. So, it is easy to set up.
Each device requires only 1 port i.e. to connect to the hub, therefore the total number of ports required is
N.
It is Robust. If one link fails only that link will affect and not other than that.
Easy to fault identification and fault isolation.
Star topology is cost-effective as it uses inexpensive coaxial cable.
Drawbacks of Star Topology
If the concentrator (hub) on which the whole topology relies fails, the whole system will crash down.
The cost of installation is high.
Performance is based on the single concentrator i.e. hub.
A common example of star topology is a local area network (LAN) in an office where all computers are
connected to a central hub. This topology is also used in wireless networks where all devices are
connected to a wireless access point.
2) Ring Topology
In ring topology, each host machine connects to exactly two other machines, creating a circular network
structure. When one host tries to communicate or send message to a host which is not adjacent to it, the
data travels through all intermediate hosts. To connect one more host in the existing structure, the
administrator may need only one more extra cable.

Failure of any host results in failure of the whole ring.Thus, every connection in the ring is a point of
failure. There are methods which employ one more backup ring.
Advantages of Ring Topology
The data transmission is high-speed.
The possibility of collision is minimum in this type of topology.
Cheap to install and expand.
It is less costly than a star topology.
Drawbacks of Ring Topology
The failure of a single node in the network can cause the entire network to fail.
Troubleshooting is difficult in this topology.
The addition of stations in between or the removal of stations can disturb the whole topology.
Less secure.
3) Mesh Topology
In this type of topology, a host is connected to one or multiple hosts.This topology has hosts in point-to-
point connection with every other host or may also have hosts which are in point-topoint connection to
few hosts only.

Hosts in Mesh topology also work as relay for other hosts which do not have direct point-topoint links.
Mesh technology comes into two types:
Full Mesh: All hosts have a point-to-point connection to every other host in the network. Thus for every
new host n(n-1)/2 connections are required. It provides the most reliable network structure among all
network topologies.
Partially Mesh: Not all hosts have point-to-point connection to every other host. Hosts connect to each
other in some arbitrarily fashion. This topology exists where we need to provide reliability to some hosts
out of all.

Advantages of Mesh Topology

Communication is very fast between the nodes.
Mesh Topology is robust.
The fault is diagnosed easily. Data is reliable because data is transferred among the devices through
dedicated channels or links.
Provides security and privacy.

Drawbacks of Mesh Topology

Installation and configuration are difficult.
The cost of cables is high as bulk wiring is required, hence suitable for less number of devices.
The cost of maintenance is high.

A common example of mesh topology is the internet backbone, where various internet service providers
are connected to each other via dedicated channels. This topology is also used in military communication
systems and aircraft navigation systems.
4) Bus Topology
In case of Bus topology, all devices share single communication line or cable.Bus topology may have
problem while multiple hosts sending data at the same time. Therefore, Bus topology either uses
CSMA/CD technology or recognizes one host as Bus Master to solve the issue. It is one of the simple
forms of networking where a failure of a device does not affect the other devices. But failure of the shared
communication line can make all other devices stop functioning.

Both ends of the shared channel have line terminator. The data is sent in only one direction and as soon as
it reaches the extreme end, the terminator removes the data from the line.
Advantages of Bus Topology
If N devices are connected to each other in a bus topology, then the number of cables required to connect
them is 1, known as backbone cable, and N drop lines are required.
Coaxial or twisted pair cables are mainly used in bus-based networks that support up to 10 Mbps.
The cost of the cable is less compared to other topologies, but it is used to build small networks.
Bus topology is familiar technology as installation and troubleshooting techniques are well known.
CSMA is the most common method for this type of topology.

Drawbacks of Bus Topology

A bus topology is quite simpler, but still, it requires a lot of cabling.
If the common cable fails, then the whole system will crash down.
If the network traffic is heavy, it increases collisions in the network. To avoid this, various protocols are
used in the MAC layer known as Pure Aloha, Slotted Aloha, CSMA/CD, etc.
Adding new devices to the network would slow down networks.
Security is very low.
A common example of bus topology is the Ethernet LAN, where all devices are connected to a single
coaxial cable or twisted pair cable. This topology is also used in cable television networks.
5) Tree Topology
This topology is the variation of the Star topology. This topology has a hierarchical flow of data. In Tree
Topology, protocols like DHCP and SAC (Standard Automatic Configuration ) are used.

Tree Topology
Figure In this, the various secondary hubs are connected to the central hub which contains the repeater.
This data flow from top to bottom i.e. from the central hub to the secondary and then to the devices or
from bottom to top i.e. devices to the secondary hub and then to the central hub. It is a multi-point
connection and a non-robust topology because if the backbone fails the topology crashes.

Advantages of Tree Topology

It allows more devices to be attached to a single central hub thus it decreases the distance that is traveled
by the signal to come to the devices.
It allows the network to get isolated and also prioritize from different computers.
We can add new devices to the existing network.
Error detection and error correction are very easy in a tree topology.

Drawbacks of Tree Topology

If the central hub gets fails the entire system fails.
The cost is high because of the cabling.
If new devices are added, it becomes difficult to reconfigure.
A common example of a tree topology is the hierarchy in a large organization. At the top of the tree is the
CEO, who is connected to the different departments or divisions (child nodes) of the company. Each
department has its own hierarchy, with managers overseeing different teams (grandchild nodes). The
team members (leaf nodes) are at the bottom of the hierarchy, connected to their respective managers and
departments.
Networking commands
Networking commands are essential tools for managing and troubleshooting computer networks. From
assessing connectivity with "ping" to configuring interfaces using "ifconfig" or "ipconfig," these
commands provide crucial insights. Whether diagnosing issues, resolving DNS with "nslookup," or
securing connections with "ssh," mastering these tools is fundamental for effective network
administration
What Are Networking Commands?
Networking commands are tools used in command line interfaces to execute various network tasks. They
allow users to diagnose network problems, modify network settings, transfer files, and establish distant
connections. These commands provide essential functionality for network administrators and
troubleshooters, allowing for efficient network control and troubleshooting.
Top 8 Commands of Networking
Many system commands can be used to know about the network connection parameters. You can use
these networking commands on the network. Here we will be learning about a few of these commands.
We will discuss what the commands do and what information they can give you about the system. So let's
hop on as we learn about the various basic networking commands. Ping
It is one of the basic networking commands to test the connection between the local machine and the host
server. This command sends a small amount of data to the host server, and in return, the host server sends
a reply to the computer. Information like the IP address of the host server, the amount of data sent, time to
live, and time needed for sending and receiving the data are recorded and displayed to the user. Ipconfig
As the command name suggests, it gives information about the IP address. It not only gives the IP address
of the computer it is executed on but also much more information as DNS addresses are stored in the
cache. It has options to show even the computer's MAC address, renew the IP address, release the current
IP address, flush the DNS cache, and help.
Arp
The arp command is a short form for Address Resolution Protocol. This command is used to display and
modify the IP to the physical address translation table used by the address resolution protocol. It has
many options, of which a few are to display current ARP entries, specify an internet address, delete a host
in the ARP table, specify a physical address, and many more. Netstat
This command displays the connections active on the computer and the ports the computer is listening to.
The command displays the four parameters: proto, local address, foreign address, and state. The proto
column shows the type of connection, and the local address shows the IP address and the port number of
the connection local machine. The proto column also indicates the foreign address, specifies the IP
address and port number of the connection in the host server, and the state shows whether the connection
is established or not.
Tracert
The tracert command traces the route from a computer to a host server. It traces the connection for a fixed
maximum number of hops. It is one of the basic networking commands. It is used to diagnose path-
related problems. The information it displays about the connection route includes the IP addresses for
each intermediate server and 3 round trips for each server. You can set various options for this command,
like whether to resolve names of intermediate server IP addresses, the maximum number of hops in the
path, and the maximum amount of time to wait for a reply.
NsLookup
The NsLookup command is a command-line utility. It is used in networking to query the Domain Name
System (DNS). Then it obtains information about domain names, IP addresses, and other DNS-related
data. When you run the NsLookup command followed by a domain name or IP address, it will display the
corresponding DNS records associated with that domain or IP. This command is commonly used to
troubleshoot DNS-related issues, check DNS resolution, and gather information about domain
configurations.
HostName
The HostName command is used to display the host name of the computer or device in a network. When
you run the HostName command in a command prompt or terminal, it will return the name assigned to
the device on the local network. The host name is a unique identifier used to distinguish devices in a
network and is used in various networking protocols and configurations.
SystemInfo
The SystemInfo command is used to retrieve detailed information about the hardware and software
configuration of a Windows-based computer. When you run the SystemInfo command in a command
prompt, it will display a comprehensive report containing information. It will display the operating
system version, system manufacturer, processor details, memory size, network adapter details, and more.
This command is helpful for system administrators and users to gather system-related information and
diagnose issues.