Introduction to Computing

COS 101

Computer Network
Computer Network

Week 6
i. Networks,
ii. Types of Computer Networks
iii. Typed of Networks network cables
iv. Network Devices
v. Network topology
vi. Advantages of having University Network
vii. Disadvantages of Installing University Network
viii.Network Resources
Computer Network

A computer network comprises two or more

computers that are connected—either by cables
(wired) or WiFi (wireless)—to transmit, exchange,
or sharing data and resources.

You build a computer network using hardware

(e.g., routers, switches, access points, and
cables) and software (e.g., operating systems or
business applications).
Computer Network

Computer Network
It is the physical interconnection of computers that enables the
computers to communicate using a common and appropriate
protocol.

Basic Network Components

Hosts
Shared peripherals
Networking devices
Networking media
Computer Network

Some of the uses of computer networks are the following:

❑ Communicating using email, video, instant messaging, etc.

❑ Sharing devices such as printers, scanners, etc.
❑ Sharing files
❑ Sharing software and operating programs on remote systems
❑ Allowing network users to easily access and maintain
information.
Computer Network
Types of Network

You can further define a computer network by the protocols it

uses to communicate, the physical arrangement of its
components, how it controls traffic, and its purpose.
Types of Network

Geographic location often defines a computer network. For

example, a LAN (local area network) connects computers
in a defined physical space, like an office building, whereas
a WAN (wide area network) can connect computers across
continents.
Types of Network
Types of Computer Networks
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
4. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
5. Campus Area Network (CAN)
6. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
7. Storage Area Network (SAN)
8. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
PAN

This is the smallest and most basic network that you’ll find. It’s meant
to cover a very small area (typically a single room or building). A PAN
is most commonly used for one individual and to connect just a
handful of devices such as a computer, smart phone, and printer.

PAN network connections can either be wired or wireless. Wired connection methods
include USB and FireWire; wireless connection methods include Bluetooth (the most
common), WiFi, IrDA, and Zigbee
PAN

While devices within a PAN can exchange data with each other, PANs
typically do not include a router and thus do not connect to the Internet
directly. A device within a PAN, however, can be connected to a local
area network (LAN) that then connects to the Internet.

For instance, a desktop computer, a wireless mouse, and wireless

headphones can all be connected to each other, but only the computer
can connect directly to the Internet.
PAN

A wireless personal area network (WPAN) is a group of devices

connected without the use of wires or cables. Today, most PANs
for everyday use are wireless. WPANs use close-range wireless
connectivity protocols such as Bluetooth.
The range of a WPAN is usually very small, as short-range wireless
protocols like Bluetooth are not efficient over distances larger than
5-10 meters.
BAN

A body area network (BAN) typically refers to medical

sensors with wireless connectivity placed on, embedded in,
or carried near the human body. BANs are used for tracking
or supporting biomedical functions (for example, a
pacemaker with wireless capabilities). A BAN may connect to
a PAN or use WPAN technology, but most PANs do not
include biomedical sensors.
 LAN

LAN is a network contained within a small

geographic area, usually within the same building.
Home WiFi networks and small business networks
are common examples of LANs.

LANs can also be fairly large, although if they take up multiple

buildings, it is usually more accurate to classify them as wide
area networks (WAN) or metropolitan area networks (MAN).
LAN

Most LANs connect to the Internet at a central point: a router. Home

LANs often use a single router, while LANs in larger spaces may
additionally use network switches for more efficient packet delivery.

LANs almost always use Ethernet, WiFi, or both in order to connect

devices within the network. Ethernet is a protocol for physical network
connections that requires the use of Ethernet cables. WiFi is a
protocol for connecting to a network via radio waves.
LAN
What equipment is needed to set up a LAN?
The only requirement for setting up a LAN is that the connected devices
are able to communicate/exchange data.
This usually requires a piece of networking equipment for packet
switching, such as a network switch in a wired network or a wireless
access point in a wireless network.

Today, even non-Internet-connected LANs use the same networking protocols that are used
on the Internet (such as IP)
VLAN
What is a virtual LAN?
Virtual LANs, or VLANs, are a way of splitting up traffic on the same physical
network into two networks.
Imagine setting up two separate LANs, each with their own switch/router and
Internet connection, in the same room.
VLANs are like that, but they are divided virtually using software instead of
physically using hardware — only one router with one Internet connection is
necessary.
VLAN
VLANs are used to divide a physical LAN into
multiple LANs to isolate services with the aim
of improving the security and management of
the network.

Hosts within a VLAN can directly communicate

only with other hosts in the same VLAN and
must use a router to communicate with hosts
in other VLANs.
WAN
A wide area network (WAN) is a large computer network that
connects groups of computers over large distances.

WANs are often used by large businesses to connect their office

networks; each office typically has its own local area network, or
LAN, and these LANs connect via a WAN.

These long connections may be formed in several different ways,

including leased lines, VPNs, or IP tunnels
WAN

The definition of what constitutes a WAN

is fairly broad.

Technically, any large network that

spreads out over a wide geographic area
is a WAN. The Internet itself is considered
a WAN
WAN
WANs are designed to provide network connectivity over long
distances. They are usually made up of several connected LANs.

An organization that sets up its own WAN will almost always rely
on network infrastructure that is outside their control: for
example, a company with an office in Paris and an office in New
York will have to send data between these offices over undersea
cables that cross the Atlantic Ocean.
MAN
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that
connects computers within a metropolitan area, which could be
a single large city, multiple cities and towns, or any given large
area with multiple buildings.

A MAN is larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than
a wide area network (WAN). MANs do not have to be in urban
areas; the term "metropolitan" implies the size of the network,
not the demographics of the area that it serves.
Networking Terminologies - Protocol

Protocol: A network protocol is an established set of rules that

determine how data is transmitted between different devices in a
network.

Network protocols are like a common language for computers. The

computers within a network may use vastly different software and
hardware; however, the use of protocols enables them to
communicate with each other regardless.
Networking Terminologies

Ethernet: Ethernet is a protocol that allows computers (from servers

to laptops) to talk to each other over wired networks that use
devices like routers, switches and hubs to direct traffic. Ethernet
works seamlessly with wireless protocols, too.

Its ability to work within almost any environment has led to its
universal adoption around the world.
Networking Terminologies - Ethernet cable

Ethernet Cable: An Ethernet cable is a common type of network cable

used with wired networks. Ethernet cables connect devices such as
PCs, routers, and switches within a local area network.

These physical cables are limited by length and durability. If a network

cable is too long or of poor quality, it won't carry a good network
signal. These limits are one reason there are different types of
Ethernet cables that are optimized to perform certain tasks in specific
situations
Networking Terminologies: Wi-FI
Wi-Fi is a wireless networking technology, by which we can access
networks or connect with other computers or mobile using a wireless
medium. In Wi-Fi, data are transferred over radio frequencies in a circular
range.

The term WiFi is a contraction of "wireless fidelity" and commonly used to

refer to wireless networking technology.

Wi-Fi uses the IEEE 802.11 family of standards.

A letter is added to the end to indicate the version so we have -802.11a,

802.11b etc.
Networking Terminologies: Bandwidth

Bandwidth: network bandwidth, is the maximum rate at which data transfer occurs
across any particular path of the network. Bandwidth is basically a measure of the
amount of data that can be sent and received at any instance of time.

This simply means that the higher the bandwidth of a network is, the larger the
amount of data that can be sent to and from across its path.

Note: Bandwidth is something that deals with the measurement of capacity and not the speed of
data transfer.

Bandwidth is the data carrying capacity of the network/transmission medium.

Networking Terminologies: Bandwidth

The common units of bandwidth we come across are as follows.

● bps (Bits per second)
● Mbps (Megabits per second)
● Gbps (Gigabits per second)
A bandwidth of 10 bps for a channel, is just another way of saying that a maximum of 10 bits can be transferred using a
link for any given time. It has no relation with the transfer speed of the channel.

Data moves from A to B just as water flows through pipes from a supply point to our
faucets. The volume that's transported, the bandwidth, varies, impacting how effectively a
transmission medium, such as an Internet connection, operates.
Networking Terminologies: Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting: Network troubleshooting is the collective measures

and processes used to identify, diagnose and resolve problems and
issues within a computer network.

It is a systematic process that aims to resolve problems and restore

normal network operations within the network.

Network troubleshooting is primarily done by network engineers or

administrators to repair or optimize a network.
Networking Terminologies: Topology

Network Topology: Network topology refers to the geometric

arrangement of links and nodes in a computing network.
Alternately, network topology may describe how the data is
transferred between these nodes.

There are two ways of representing network topologies: physical

and logical. Physical topology emphasizes the physical layout of
the connected devices and nodes, while the logical topology
focuses on the pattern of data transfer between network nodes.
Networking Terminologies: Topology

Network Topology: This is simply the way in which computers (nodes) are
geometrically arranged and connected in a network. It can also be called
the layout or structure of the network.
Types
❑ P2P Topology
❑ Bus Topology
❑ Ring Topology
❑ Star Topology
❑ Tree Topology
❑ Mesh Topology
❑ Hybrid Topology
Networking Terminologies: Topology

The physical and logical network topologies of a network do not

necessarily have to be identical. However, both physical and network
topologies can be categorized into five (5) basic models:
1. Bus Topology: All the devices/nodes are connected sequentially to the same
backbone or transmission line. This is a simple, low-cost topology, but its single
point of failure presents a risk.
Networking Terminologies: Topology

BUS TOPOLOGY
Networking Terminologies: Topology

2. Star Topology: All the nodes in the

network are connected to a central device
like a hub or switch via cables. Failure of
individual nodes or cables does not
necessarily create downtime in the network
but the failure of a central device can. This
topology is the most preferred and popular
model.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
Networking Terminologies: Topology

3.Ring Topology: All network devices are connected

sequentially to a backbone as in bus topology except
that the backbone ends at the starting node, forming
a ring.
Ring topology shares many of bus topology's
disadvantages so its use is limited to networks that
demand high throughput.

In a ring network, packets of data travel from one device to the next until they reach
their destination. Most ring topologies allow packets to travel only in one direction,
called a unidirectional ring network. Others permit data to move in either direction,
called bidirectional.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
Networking Terminologies: Topology

4.Tree Topology: A root node is connected to two or 2

3
more sub-level nodes, which themselves are connected
hierarchically to sub-level nodes.
2
1
The tree topology is also known as a star bus topology;
the network backbone may have a bus topology, while 1 2
the low-level nodes connect using star topology.
In a tree topology, there can be only one connection between any two connected 1
nodes. Because any two nodes can have only one mutual connection, tree topologies
create a natural parent and child hierarchy.
Networking Terminologies: Topology

5. Mesh Topology: The topology in which each

computer and network device is interconnected with one
another in the network.

This redundancy makes the network highly fault-

tolerant but the escalated costs may limit this topology
to highly critical networks.
There are two forms of this topology: full mesh and a partially-connected mesh.
Networking Terminologies: Topology

6. A peer-to-peer (P2P) service is a decentralized

platform whereby two individuals interact directly with
each other, without intermediation by a third party

In peer-to-peer (P2P) networking, a group of computers

are linked together with equal permissions and
responsibilities for processing data
Networking Topology summary
Networking Topology summary
Networking Terminologies: Topology
POINT-TO-POINT NETWORK TOPOLOGY
Advantages
1. This is faster and highly reliable than other types of connections since
there is a direct connection.
2. No need for a network operating system
3. Does not need an expensive server as individual workstations are used
to access the files
4. No need for any dedicated network technicians because each user sets
their permissions
Networking Terminologies: Topology
POINT-TO-POINT NETWORK TOPOLOGY
Disadvantages
1. The biggest drawback is that it only be used for small areas where
computers are in close proximity.
2. You can’t back up files and folders centrally
3. There is no security besides the permissions.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
BUS TOPOLOGY
Advantages
Here are pros/benefits of using a bus topology:
1. Cost of the cable is very less as compared to other topology, so it is
widely used to build small networks.
2. Famous for LAN network because they are inexpensive and easy to
install.
3. It is widely used when a network installation is small, simple, or
temporary.
4. It is one of the passive topologies. So computers on the bus only listen
for data being sent, that are not responsible for moving the data from
one computer to others.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
BUS TOPOLOGY
Disadvantages
1. Here are the cons/drawbacks of bus topology:
2. In case if the common cable fails, then the entire system will crash
down.
3. When network traffic is heavy, it develops collisions in the network.
4. Whenever network traffic is heavy, or nodes are too many, the
performance time of the network significantly decreases.
5. Cables are always of a limited length.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
RING TOPOLOGY
Advantages
Here are pros/benefits of ring topology:
1. Easy to install and reconfigure.
2. Adding or deleting a device in-ring topology needs you to move only two
connections.
3. Offers equal access to all the computers of the networks Faster error
checking and acknowledgment.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
RING TOPOLOGY
Disadvantages
Here are drawbacks/cons of ring topology:
1. Unidirectional traffic.
2. Break in a single ring can risk the breaking of the entire network .Modern
days high-speed LANs made this topology less popular.
3. In the ring, topology signals are circulating at all times, which develops
unwanted power consumption.
4. It is very difficult to troubleshoot the ring network.
5. Adding or removing the computers can disturb the network activity.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
STAR TOPOLOGY
Advantages
Here are pros/benefits of start topology:
1. Easy to troubleshoot, set up, and modify.
2. Only those nodes are affected, that has failed. Other nodes still work.
3. Fast performance with few nodes and very low network traffic.
4. In Star topology, addition, deletion, and moving of the devices are easy.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
STAR TOPOLOGY
Disadvantages
Here are cons/drawbacks of using Star:
1. If the hub or concentrator fails, attached nodes are disabled.
2. Cost of installation of star topology is costly.
3. Heavy network traffic can sometimes slow the network considerably.
Performance depends on the hub’s capacity
Networking Terminologies: Topology
MESH TOPOLOGY
Advantages
Here, are pros/benefits of Mesh topology
1. The network can be expanded without disrupting current users.
2. No traffic problem as nodes has dedicated links.
3. Dedicated links help you to eliminate the traffic problem.
4. A mesh topology is robust.
5. It has multiple links, so if any single route is blocked, then other routes
should be used for data communication.
6. P2P links make the fault identification isolation process easy.
7. It helps you to avoid the chances of network failure by connecting all the
systems to a central node.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
MESH TOPOLOGY
Disadvantages
1. Installation is complex because every node is connected to every node.
2. It is expensive due to the use of more cables. No proper utilization of
systems.
3. Complicated implementation.
4. It requires more space for dedicated links.
5. Because of the amount of cabling and the number of input-outputs, it is
expensive to implement.
6. It requires a large space to run the cables.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
TREE TOPOLOEEGY
Advantages
Here are pros/benefits of tree topology:
1. Failure of one node never affects the rest of the network.
2. Node expansion is fast and easy.
3. Detection of error is an easy process
4. It is easy to manage and maintain
Networking Terminologies: Topology
TREE TOPOLOEEGY
Disadvantages
Here are cons/drawback of tree topology:
1. It is heavily cabled topology
2. If more nodes are added, then its maintenance is difficult
3. If the hub or concentrator fails, attached nodes are also disabled.
Networking Terminologies: Topology
HYBRID TOPOLOGY
Advantages
1. Here, are advantages/pros using Hybrid topology:
2. Offers the easiest method for error detecting and troubleshooting
3. Highly effective and flexible networking topology
4. It is scalable so you can increase your network size

Disadvantages
1. The design of hybrid topology is complex
2. It is one of the costliest processes
Networking Terminologies: IP Address
IP Address: An IP address is a long string of numbers assigned to every
device connected to a network that uses Internet Protocol as the
medium for communication; it’s the digital world’s equivalent of the
mailing address associated with your home or workplace.

Each address is a string of numbers separated by periods. There are four

numbers in total and each number can range between 0 and 255.
An example of an IP address would be: 106.127.14.512

We need billions of IP addresses to identify every computer, router and website on the internet.
One day we’ll run out of unique addresses and a new IPv6 protocol has been designed to meet
this need.
Networking Terminologies: IP Address

Public IP Address:
A public IP address is one that is used to access the Internet. In contrast
to private IP addresses, public IP addresses can be routed over the
Internet. Having a public IP address on your router enables you to set up
your own server, access your computer remotely, and monitor your
surveillance cameras from anywhere within the global network.

Every public IP address on the Internet is unique to its host or server and
cannot be duplicated. An ISP can provide home users with one or more
public IP addresses (usually a paid service).
Networking Terminologies: IP Address

Your internet service provider assigns your router a public IP address that
is visible to the public. Your router connects to the Internet using its public
IP address. Computers on the Internet can communicate with your
network devices using your public IP address.

You can't go online without a public IP address that identifies your device
on the Internet. In a typical home network, the router acts as a gateway
between your computer and the Internet, managing all connections on
behalf of your network's devices.
Networking Terminologies: IP Address

When a user connects to the Internet, his computer is typically issued an

address from a pool reserved by the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for its
customers.

When he enters a website address, such as google.com, the website name is

converted into the IP address of the website's hosting server. The server
utilizes the computer's public IP address to determine where to send the
requested web page.
Networking Terminologies: IP Address
Private IP Address:
Private IP Addresses are those addresses that work within the local network.
These addresses are non-routable on the Internet.
The address is basically assigned by the network router to your particular
device.

The unique private IP address is provided to every device which is on the

same network.

In this way, devices communicate with one another on the same network
without connecting to the entire Internet.
Networking Terminologies: MAC Address

MAC Address: MAC Addresses are unique 48-bits hardware number of a

computer, which is embedded into a network card (known as a Network
Interface Card) during the time of manufacturing. MAC Address is also
known as the Physical Address of a network device.

MAC Address is globally unique since millions of network devices exist and
we need to uniquely identify each
Networking Terminologies: MAC Address

MAC Address is a 12-digit hexadecimal number (6-Byte binary number), which is

mostly represented by Colon-Hexadecimal notation. The First 6-digits (say
00:40:96) of MAC Address identifies the manufacturer, called OUI
(Organizational Unique Identifier) and the rightmost six digits represent Network
Interface Controller, which is assigned by the manufacture.

IEEE Registration Authority Committee assigns these MAC OUI (Organizational

Unique Identifier) to its registered vendors.
Networking Terminologies: Server
Server: In computing, a server is a computer program or a device
that provides functionality for clients which are other programs or
devices.
Servers can provide various functionalities called services. These
services include sharing data or resources among multiple clients, or
performing computation for a client.
Multiple clients can be served by a single server, and a single client
can use multiple servers.
Networking Terminologies: Firewall
Firewall: A firewall is a network security device that monitors incoming
and outgoing network traffic and decides whether to allow or block
specific traffic based on a defined set of security rules.

Firewalls have been a first line of defense in network security for over
25 years. They establish a barrier between secured and controlled
internal networks that can be trusted and untrusted outside networks,
such as the Internet.

A firewall can be hardware, software, software-as-a service (SaaS),

public cloud, or private cloud (virtual).
OSI Model
The open systems interconnection (OSI) model is a conceptual model
created by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) which
enables diverse communication systems to communicate using standard
protocols.

In plain English, the OSI provides a standard for different computer

systems to be able to communicate with each other.

The OSI Model can be seen as a universal language for computer

networking. It’s based on the concept of splitting up a communication
system into seven abstract layers, each one stacked upon the last.
What Is Network Resource?

A network resource is any kind of device, information, or service

available across a network. A network resource could be a set of
files, an application or service of some kind, or a network-
accessible peripheral device.

Network resources are the fundamental building blocks of any

computer network. They encompass everything that enables data
to flow seamlessly between devices and systems.
Network Resources Function

Network resources function by establishing connections between

devices and users. They rely on protocols and standards to ensure
data is transmitted efficiently and securely. These resources
operate seamlessly behind the scenes, allowing users to access
and utilize them effortlessly.
Network Resources Function (2)

Network resources serve several critical functions:

Data Storage and Retrieval: File servers and Network Attached
Storage (NAS) devices store and retrieve data.
Data Communication: They facilitate data transmission and
determine the available bandwidth.
Scalability: Networks can grow horizontally (adding more devices)
or vertically (upgrading existing components) to accommodate
increased demand.
Types of Network Resources (1)

Hardware Resources

❑ Think of hardware resources as the tangible building blocks of a network.

These are the physical devices that connect to the network and make it all
possible. Computers, whether desktops or laptops, are prime examples.

Additionally, you have routers and switches that help direct data traffic
efficiently. Even everyday gadgets like printers, scanners, and smart
appliances can be part of this category.

❑ Hardware resources are like the vital organs of a network, ensuring that
data flows smoothly from one point to another.
Types of Network Resources (2)

Software Resources

Software resources are the intangible assets that power network-connected

devices. These resources encompass applications, programs, and operating
systems that run on computers and other gadgets.

They transform hardware into functional tools. For instance, web browsers
allow us to explore the vast online world, while collaborative document
editing software enables real-time teamwork.
Types of Network Resources (3)

Information Resources

If hardware and software are the body and soul of a network, information
resources are undoubtedly the heart. They are the content that we seek, share,
and interact with online.

❑ This category includes websites, databases, documents, and multimedia

content. Think about the countless websites you visit daily or the vast
databases that store invaluable information.

❑ All of these are part of information resources. They are what give meaning to
our online activities and form the foundation of the internet as we know it.
Types of Network Resources (3)

Service Resources

❑ These are the online services and platforms that enhance our digital
experiences. Services like email keep us connected across the globe, while
cloud storage solutions simplify data management.

❑ Video conferencing and social media platforms enable communication and

networking on a grand scale. Service resources are like the friendly helpers
that make our online lives more convenient and enjoyable.
Reference

● https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/networking-a-complete-
guide#toc-computer-n-H96vzaB9
● https://support.huawei.com/enterprise/en/doc/EDOC1100086556
● https://www.cloudflare.com/learning/network-layer/what-is-a-lan/
● https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/what-is-wi-fiwireless-fidelity/
● https://www.tutorialspoint.com/what-are-routers-in-computer-
network