Computer Networking

A Computer network consists of two or more computers that are connected together to
share information and resources. The resources may include printers, hard disks, scanners or
programs etc. The computers in the network are connected together through communication
media. The communication media can be a physical cable or a wireless connection. The
computer in the network can be in the same room, building or at different places.

Examples:
1. Computer network can be used in an office. Different people in the office can access
common information. If all users computers are connected through a network, they can
share their files and exchange mail. They can also send faxes and print documents from
any computer in the network.
2. Internet is also example of a computer network in which millions of computers are
connected through phone lines. People using this network can share information, files and
talk with one another. (DIAGRAM)

Benefits / Advantages of Computer Networks

Some important benefits of computer networks are as follows:

1 Easy Communication:
People can communicate easily and efficiently with one another using computer networks.
They can talk, chat and send emails etc.

2 Data and Information Sharing:

Data and information stored on the network can be shared among different users. The
internet is a good example of sharing information. The Information can be shared among the
people all over the world using the Internet.

3 Hardware Sharing:
Networks allow the users to share computer hardware. For example, all computers in a
network can access the same printer attached to the network. It helps in reducing the costs.

4 Software Sharing:
the individual licensed company of software can be costly. The software can be shared over
a network among many users to save a lot of money. In this case, the user does not need to
purchase separate copy of the software for each computer.

5 Internet Access Sharing:

A computer network also allows the sharing of an Internet connection. A high-speed
connection can be shared among many users over the network.
6 Data Security and Management:
A network can be used to manage the company's critical data effectively. Data can be stored
on shared servers instead of storing it on different computers. All users can use the data
easily. the administrator can apply security on important data. It becomes easier to take
backup of data regularly.

7 Entertainment:
The user can enjoy games and other entertainment facilities on the network. Many websites
on the Internet provide entertainment such as online games and movies etc. The multi-player
games can also be played over the Internet or local area network.

8 Remote Data Access:

the networks allow user to access data remotely. The user can access and update data by
connecting to the network from anywhere. For example, the user can access the data on a
computer located at Karachi while sitting in Faisalabad.

Disadvantages of Networks
Some disadvantages of networks are as follows:

1 Hardware, Software & Setup Costs:

Setting up a network requires an investment in hardware, software, planning, designing and
implementing the network.

2 Hardware & Software Management Costs:

Network management is not easy. The proper maintenance of a network requires time and
expertise. A network administrator is normally required to manage a network properly.

3 Undesirable sharing:
Networking allows the sharing of undesirable data. Viruses are easily spread over the
networks and the Internet.

4 Illegal or Undesirable Behavior:

Networks can be used for abuse of company resources, downloading of illegal materials and
software piracy. Larger organizations manage these issues through policies and monitoring.

5 Data Security Concerns:

A poorly-secured network puts critical data at risk. Th hacker may access the network and
get important data or may damage the data.

Client and Server

Client:
A client is a computer in the network that is connected with a server to access different
resources. The client computer sends request to the server for resources. The server
computer provides the requested resources to the client computer. The client computer is less
powerful than server computer. (DIAGRAM)

Server:
A server is a computer that provides services to the computers and other devices connected
to the network. Server computer is more powerful that other computers in the network.
Different services provided by the server are as follows:
• Control access to the hardware, software and data
• Centralized storage for software, data and information.
• Processing Data.
• Sharing Software
• Managing network traffic

Types of Computer Networks

Computer networks are categorized according to following reasons:
• How they are organized physically.
• The way they are used.
• The distance over which they operate.

Different types of computer networks are:

1. LAN - Local area Network
2. WAN - Wide Area Network.
3. MAN - Metropolitan Area Network.
4. PAN - Personal Area Network.

1. LAN (Local area Network):

LAN stands for Local Area Network. It is the most common type of network. It cover a
small area. It usually connects the computer and other devices within one office or a building
or group of buildings. LAN is often used to share resources such as printers. hard disks and
programs. each computer or devices in the network is called a node. The nodes are usually
connected through wires. A LAN that uses no physical wires is called wireless LAN.

LAN are capable of transmitting data at very fast rate. LAN transmission speed is
typically 10 Mbps to 1000 Mbps. It is much faster than data transmission over a telephone
line. LAN can transmit data in a limited distances. There is also a limit on the number of
computers that can be attached to the network. (DIAGRAM)

Example:
• In a computer lab, there are 40 to 50 computers connected through LAN. The students
can share software, files and data in the lab.
• In Internet club, many computers can be connected through LAN. These computers
can share single connection of the Internet.
 2. WAN (Wide Area Network):
WAN stands for wide area network. This type of network covers a large area. It connects
computers and other devices in different cities and countries. WAN usually consists of
several LANs connected together. Computers in a WAN are often connected through
telephone lines. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. WAN can
reach the parts of the world that is not possible with LANs. WAN is expensive than LAN.
WAN is as fast as LAN. The transmission rate of WAN is typically 56 Kbps to 50 Mbps.
(DIAGRAM)

Example:
• The network connecting the ATMs of a bank located in different cities.
• The network connecting NADRA offices in different cities of Pakistan.
• Internet connects million of users all over the world to share information.

3. MAN (Metropolitan-Area Network):

MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network. This type of network covers an area of a
city. MAN is larger than LAN but smaller than WAN. It is usually used to connect two or
more LANs in city or town. (DIAGRAM)

Example:
• The network connecting different branches of a company in same city.
• The network connecting different campuses of a college in a city.
• Cable TV network in city.

4. PAN (Personal Area Network):

PAN stands for Personal Area Network. It is a network that connects personal devices
using wired and wireless technology. The devices are typically located within range of about
30 feet. The devices may include portable computer, smart-phones, digital cameras, portable
digital media player and printers etc. PAN enables devices to communicate and share data.
(DIAGRAM)

Example:
A PAN can be used to sync data from a handheld device to a desktop computer, move
data wirelessly to a printer, or transmit data from a Smartphone to a wireless handset.
Wireless PAN are more common than wired PANs and use BLUETOOTH OR Wi-Fi
technology to connect devices.

Difference between LAN and WAN

The difference between LAN and WAN is as follows:

LAN WAN
1. LAN is used to connect computer at one 1 WAN is used to connect computers
place. anywhere in the world.
2. LAN covers limited area. 2 WAN can cover more distance.
3. Data transfer speed is very fast in LAN 3. Data transfer speed is slow in WAN
i.e. from 10 to 1000 Mbps. i.e. from 56Kbps to 50Mbps.
4. LAN is less costly. 4. WAN is expensive.
5. LAN is usually connected through wires. 5. WAN is usually connected through
telephone lines.
6. The connection in a LAN is permanent 6. The connection in WAN is not permanent.
using wires.
7. LAN is used for sharing files and hardware 7. WAN issued to share only data and
like printers, modem etc. information like Email and file transfer
8. LAN has less possibility of data transmission 8. WAN has higher possibility of data
errors. transmission error.
9. In LAN, problems normally occur due to 9. In WAN, problem normally occurs due to
cable disturbance by the end user. communication problems in medium like
telephone line etc.
10. It is typically owned and controlled by one 10. It is typically not owned by one person or
person or organization. organization.

Network Architectures
Network architectures is the design of computers and other devices in a network and how
they communicate. The two most common network architectures are:
• Client-Server and
• Peer-to-Peer .

1. Peer-to-Peer Network:
Peer-to-peer is a simple and inexpensive network. It normally connects less than ten
computers. Each computer in this network can share hardware, data or information of any
computer in the network. Each computer stores files on its own storage devices.

The network operating system and application software are installed on all computers.
Any computer in the network can use the resources of any other computer in the network. Peer-
to-Peer networks are suitable for small business and home users. (DIAGRAM)

2. Client-Server Network:
Client-Server is a network in which one or more computers work as servers and other
computers work as client. a client is a computer that is connected with a server to access
different resources. The client computer sends request to the server for resources. The server
computer provides the requested resources to the client computer. The client computer is less
powerful than server computer.

The server computer provides services for the clients. Server is also called host computer.
It controls access to the hardware and software on the network and provides centralized storage
area for programs, data and information. (DIAGRAM)
 Data Communication
Data communication is a process of transferring data electronically from one place to
another. Data can be transferred by using different media.

Basic Elements of Data Communication:

The following components are required for successful communication to take place:

• Sending Device
• Receiving Device
• Communication Devices
• Transmission Medium

Sending Device:
A device that sends the message is called sending device. It is also called source or
transmitter. The sending device can be a computer, fax machine or mobile phone etc. Computer
is usually used as sending device in communication system.

Receiving Device:
A device that receives the message is called receiving device. It is also called sink. The
receiving device can be a computer, printer, fax machine or mobile phone etc. A computer is
usually used as receiving device in communication system.

Communication Devices:
Communication devices are used to transmit messages between sending and receiving
device through communication medium. The sending and receiving devices must contain
communication devices for communication. Two most commonly used communication devices
are modem and network card.

Transmission Medium:
Transmission medium is used to carry messages from one place to another. It is also
called communication channel. The transmission medium can be a physical cable or wireless
connection.

Types of Data Transmission

The two forms of data transmission are as follows:
• Analog Transmission
• Digital Transmission

Digital Data Transmission:

The transfer of data in the form of digital signal is called digital data transmission. Digital
signal is a sequence of voltage represented in binary form. The digital signals are in the form of
electrical pulses of ON and OFF. These signals are in discrete form. Digital signals are faster
and efficient. They provide how error rates. They also provide high transmission speed and
high-quality voice transmission. (DIAGRAM)
All data communication between the computers is in digital form. Computers understand
and work only in digital form. The following figure represents a high voltage as a 1 and a low
voltage as a 0.

Analog Data Transmission:

Analog data transmission is the transmission of data in a continuous wave form. For
example sound waves are analog signals. When we talk we emit sound waves that consist of
waveforms of high and low pressure. Analog signal is measured in volts and its frequency is in
Hertz (DIAGRAM)
Telephone line is most commonly used media for analog transmission of data. Light,
Sound, radio and microwave can also be used as analog transmission media.

Communication Channels
The path through which data is transmitted from one place to another is called channel. It
is also known as communication media or transmission media. There are different types of
transmission media.

1. Bounded Media.
2. Unbounded Media

Bounded / Physical / Wired / Guided Transmission Media

In guided media, communication devices are directly connected with each other by using
some physical media like wires. It is also called bounded media.

Some examples of bounded media for communication are as follows:

• Twisted Pair
• Coaxial Cable
• Fiber Optics

Twisted Pair:
Twisted pair is the most commonly used physical transmission medium. It is used in local
area network to connect computers and other devices.

Twisted pair consists of pair of copper wires. The pair of wires is covered by a plastic
insulation and it is twisted together. Twisted of wires protects them from interference by
external electromagnetic waves.

Two types of twisted pair are as follows:

I. STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)
II. UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)

(DIAGRAM)
Coaxial Cable:
Coaxial cable consists of copper wire covered by an insulating material. The insulated
copper wire is covered by copper mesh. The mesh protects the data signals from interference by
external electromagnetic waves. Coaxial cables are used by cable TV network and telephone
companies. (DIAGRAM)

Fiber Optic:
Fiber optic cable consists of thin strands of glass or plastic called core. The strands are
thin like human hair. The core is the center of the fiber optic cable that uses light to transmit
data. Each strand is surrounded by layer of glass inside the fiber optic cable called cladding.
The cladding is further protected to a plastic coating called jacket. Most telephone companies,
ISPs and cable TV operators are using fiber optics in their networks. (DIAGRAM)

Unbounded / Wireless / Unguided Transmission Media

In Unguided media, communication devices communicate with each other though air or
space using broadcast radio signals, microwave signals and infrared signals. Unbounded media
is used where it is impossible to install cables. Data can be transferred all over the world using
this media. It is also call Wireless or Unbounded media.

Some examples of unbounded media for communication are as follows:

• Microwave
• Communication Satellite
• Broadcast Radio
• Cellular Radio
• Infrared

Microwave System:
Microwaves are radio waves that are used to provide high-speed transmission. Both voice
and data can be transmitted through microwave. Data is transmitted through the air from one
microwave station to another similar to radio signals. (DIAGRAM)

Communication Satellite:
Satellite communication is a space station that receives microwave signals from earth-
based station. It amplifies the signals and retransmits them back to different earth-based station.
The satellite communication is placed about 22300 miles above the earth. The transmission
from earth-based station to satellite is called uplink. The transmission from satellite to earth-
based station is called downlink.
The data transmission of satellite communication is very high. However, bad weather can
affect the quality of satellite transmission. Satellite communication is used in different
applications such as television and radio broadcasts, weather forecasting, global positioning
system (GBS) and Internet connections etc. (DIAGRAM)
Broadcast Radio:
Broadcast radio is a wireless transmission medium. It distributes radio signals through the
air over long and short distances. Radio transmission requires a tranmitter to send broadcast
radio signals and a receiver to receive it. The receiver uses an antenna to receive the signals.
Some networks use transceiver that can both send and receive signals.
An example of short-range broadcast radio communications is Bluetooth. It uses short-
rang radio waves to transmit data at a rate of 1Mbps among Bluetooth-enabled devices.
Bluetooth is used in personal computers, Internet appliances cellular phones, Fax machines and
Printers etc..

Cellular Radio:
Cellular radio is a broadcast radio used for mobile communications. It is specifically used in
wireless modems and cellular telephones. Cellular telephone is a telephone device that uses
high-frequency radio waves to transmit voice and digital data. Some mobile users connect
notebooks or mobile computer to a cellular telephone to access the Web and send and receive
email etc.

Infrared:
Infrared (IR) is a wireless transmission medium. It sends signals using infrared light waves. It
requires a line-of-sight transmission. Mouse, Printer and digital camera have an IrDA post that
enables the transfer of data from one device to another using infrared light waves. It is an
alternative to short-range radio communications like Bluetooth.

Communication Devices
The hardware used to transmit data, instructions and information between a sending and
receiving device is called communication device. A Communication device at sending end
sends data to a communication channel. A communication device at receiving end receives data
from communication channel. Sometime communication device may also convert the data from
digital to analog and analog to digital signals.

Communication devices are as follows:

Modem:
Modem stands for modulator / demodulator device. It is a commonly used for
communication purposes. Modem sends and receives data from one computer to another on the
Internet through telephone lines. The sending and receiving computers both must have modems.
Typically modem speeds are 300 bps to 56 Kbps. (DIAGRAM)

Network Card:
Network card is a communication device. It is also called Network Interface Card (NIC)
or LAN adapter. It is used to connect a computer to a network. It is a circuit board installed on
the motherboard. Nowadays, most computer systems have a network card built into the
motherboard. Each computer on the network must have a network card. (DIAGRAM)
 Different types of network cards are available. Wireless network cards have an antenna
that sends and receives data.

Wireless Access Point:

A wireless access point is a central communication device. It allows computer and other
devices to transfer data wirelessly among them or to a wired network. Wireless access point
have high quality antennas for optimal signals. Some manufactures suggest to place the wireless
access point at the highest possible location for the best signal. (DIAGRAM)

HUB:
A HUB also called concentrator or multi-station access unit (MAU). It provides a central
point for cables in a network. Hubs also transmit signals and have multiple ports to which
devices are connected. Hub connects the computers to a network. (DIAGRAM)

Network Switch:
Network switch is more intelligent device than hub. The switch improves the efficiency
of the data transfer in the network. It receives a message from any device connected to the
network and then transmits the message only to that device for which the message was meant. It
can also handle multiple communications channels at same time. (DIAGRAM)

Routers:
A router is a communication device that connects multiple computers or other routers
together. It connects multiple networks using similar or different protocols. It manages the best
route between any two communication networks. Routers are used when several networks are
connected together. They can connect networks of different countries. They transfer fata in less
time. The router is an intelligent device. It uses algorithms to find out the best path to transfer
data to a network. (DIAGRAM)

Bridges:
A network bridge can be used in computer networks to interconnect two LANs and to
separate network segments. A segment is a section of a network. (DIAGRAM)
When a bridge receives a signal, it determines the segment where the signal should be
sent. It reads the addresses of sending and receiving computer. The bridge does not pass the
signal to the other segment if sending and receiving computers are both in the same segment. It
reduces network traffic and increases network performance.

NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
A network can be configured or arranged in different ways. The physical layout or
arrangement of connected devices in a network is called topology. It is the shape of a network.
Different network topologies are as follows:

• Bus Topology
• Ring Topology
 • Star Topology
• Tree Topology
• Mesh Topology

Bus Topology
Bus topology is the simplest topology and supports a small number of computers. In bus
topology, all computer or network nodes are connected to common communication medium.
This medium is often a central wire known as bus. The terminators are used at the end of bus to
absorb signals. (DIAGRAM)

Working of Bus Topology:

The sending computer sends the data and destination address through the bus. The data
and address moves from one computer to the other in the network. Each commputer checks the
address. If it matches with the address of a computer, the computer keeps the data, Otherwise
the data mvoes to the next computer.

Star Topology:
All computers in star topology are connected with the central device like a hub or switch.
Star topology is mostly used in client-server networks. Star Topology is the best LAN topology.
Scalability and reliability make it the best topology than others. It is easy to remove or add a
device in this topology. It is easier to troubleshoot than other topologies. (DIAGRAM)

Working of Star Network / Topology:

The sending computer sends the data to the central device that sends data to receiving
computer. Each computer in star network communicates with a central device.

Ring Topology:
In this topology, each computer is connected to the next computer with the last one
connected to the first. Thus a ring of computer is formed. (DIAGRAM)

Working of Ring Network:

Every computer is connected to the next computer in a ring. Each computer receives the
message from the previous computer and transits it to the next computer. The message flows in
one direction. Te message is passed around the ring until it reaches the correct destination
computer.

Tree Topology:
A tree topology combines that characteristics of bus and star topologies. It consists of different
groups of computers attached in star topology. The groups are than connected to a bus backbone
cable. Tree topology is used for the expansion of an existing network. (DIAGRAM)

Mesh Topology:
In a mesh topology, every device in the network is physically connected to every other
device in the network. A message can be sent on different possible paths from source to
destination. Mesh topology provides improved performance and reliability. Mesh networks are
not used much in local area networks. It is mostly used in wide area networks. (DIAGRAM)

Data Transmission Mode

The way in which data is transmitted from one place to another is called data
transmission modes.

Types of Transmission Modes:

There are three types of data transmission modes known as:
• Simplex mode,
• Half duplex mode and
• Full duplex mode.

Simplex Mode:
In simplex mode, data can flow only in one direction. It cannot be moved in both
directions. It operates in a manner simmilar to a one-way street / road. The direction of flow
never changes. A device with simplex mode can either send or receive data. It cannot perform
both actions. (DIAGRAM)

Example:
An example is a traditional television broadcast. The signal is sent from the tranmitter to
TV antenna. There is no return signal.

Half-Duplex Traffic:
In half-duplex mode, data can flow in both directions but not at the same time. It is
transmitted one-way at one time. A device with half-duplex mode can send or receive data but
not at the same time. That is why the speed of half-duplex mode is slow. (DIAGRAM)

Example:
Internet surfing is an example of half-duplex communication. The user issues a request
for a web page. The web page is downloaded and displayed before the user issues another
request.

Full-Duplex Mode:
In full-duplex mode, data can travel in both directions simultaneously. Full duplex mode
is a faster way of data transmission as compared to half duplex. Time is not wasted to changing
the direction of data flow. (DIAGRAM)

Example:
A telephone is a full-duplex device. Both persons can talk at the same time. Another
example of full-duplex communication is automobile traffic on a two-lane road. The traffic can
moves in both directions at the same time.