Introduction to Networking and data communication

INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING AND DATA COMMUNICATION

DEFINITION OF TERMS
Computer network
“A group of computers linked together using a transmission media so
that they can communicate with each other, share resources (such as
hard disk and printer) and access remote hosts or other network.
Communication
This is the transmission and reception of information across a media
with a feed back loop between them
Data communication
Is the electronic transmission of data from one place to another.
Communication channel/ media
This is the path / rout connecting a sending and a receiving end to
allow information flow through

Workstation
A workstation is a client. More specifically, it is a standalone computer
equipped with its own processor and system and application software.
It can perform its functions independent of the network. To expand its
resources and knowledge, it may get connected to a network

Server
A server is a computer that shares its resources across the network,
and a client are one that accesses shared resources. Depending on the
size and requirements of the network, servers can be classified as
below:
 File Server
 Database Server
 Print Server
 Disk Server

Transmission Impairments:

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

Impairments are defects that occur during data transmission: They

can be
a) Attenuation

It’s the loss of signal strength during transmission i.e. when an

electromagnetic signal is transmitted along any medium, it
gradually become weaker at greater distances; this is referred to
as attenuation. To solve this problem amplifier is used. The
amplifier boosts the signals and extends the transmission
distance.
b) Noise
Random electrical signals that can be picked up by the
transmission medium and result in degradation of the data.

PURPOSE AND LIMITATIONS OF NETWORKING

Purpose of networking
i. Resource sharing
Different computers are connected to each other hence a user
at one site may be able to use the resource available at another
site e.g. printer, internet,
ii. Remote communication
This involves the transmission of data signals between two
communication devices loaded at different geographical
locations. Through remote communication people can be able to
share ideas and pass messages over the network
iii. Distributed processing
If a particular process can be subdivided into several sub-
processes then each sub-process can be processed at different
sites concurrently hence speeding up the entire process
iv. Cost effectiveness
Reduction of resources in a network leads to reduction of cost. In
stead of purchasing a printer for each computer you can share
one printer thus saving cost
v. Reliability
If one site fails in a computer network, the remaining sites can
potentially continue operating

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

Limitations of networking
i. Cost
It’s expensive to acquire networking equipments, train network
administrators, users and maintain the network
ii. Data security
Data and information held on a network is prone to more illegal
access, danger of data theft and also tapping of unauthorized
people during transmission
iii. Network failure
If the network fails there is the danger of paralyzing organization
operations besides damaging files and programs
iv. Moral and cultural effect
Large networks like internet have chart rooms and messaging
services that may enable underage children to meet peers and
adults on the net some of whom may have bad intensions.
Apparently the access to pornographic and other negative
materials is also a problem.

v. Over reliance on networks

Most organizations have done away with manual operations.
This means that all business process and society depend on
computer networks. The disadvantage of over reliance is that if
the network fails then many systems will stop operating

ELEMENTS / COMPONENTS OF NETWORKING

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

The most common components of a network are:

i. Data communication media
ii. Communication devices
iii. Network software

a. Data communication media

A data communication media is a channel through which data is transmitted
between computers and other devices. Data communication media can be
classified as follows

Communication media

Guided / bound media Unguided / unbounded media

Two wire open line cable Infrared transmission

Twisted pair cable Radio communication

Coaxial cable Microwave transmission

Fibre optic cable Satellite communication

Fig 1: Data communication media

Communication using bound / guided media

Guided /physical / non-wireless / bounded media have a physical link between
sender and receiver. Mainly there are three categories of guided media:
twisted-Pair, coaxial, and fiber-optic.

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

1. Open wire
They consist of pairs of bare copper wire conductors that are tired to
insulators attached to cross-arms in telephone poles. They are
currently being faced out due to limitation of the numbers of pairs that
can be carried in a single pole line, they are prone to damage,
vandalism and are affected by bad weather

2. Twisted-Pair Cable
Consist of two insulated copper wires twisted in a spiral pattern to
minimize electromagnetic interference (EMI). It’s the cheapest media
used for both the analogue and digital signals. They are mainly used in
telephone systems
They are of two types

Unshielded Twisted (UTP) cable

UTP do not have a shield that prevent electromagnetic
interference hence they are susceptible to noise and external
interference.

Shielded Twisted (STP)

STP includes shielding to reduce cross talk as well as to limit the
effects of external interference. For most STP cables, this means
that the wiring includes a wire braid inside the cladding or
sheath material as well as a foil wrap around each individual
wire. This shield improves the cable's transmission and
interference characteristics, which, in tern, support higher
bandwidth over longer distance than UTP.

Fig 2: Shielded twisted pair (STP) cable

Advantages of twisted pair cable

i. They are easy to install

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

ii. They are cheap since they are readily available for telephone
use

Disadvantages of twisted pair cable

i. Have low data transmission rate
ii. They have high electromagnetic interference
iii. Suffer high attenuation

3. Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable has two conductors that share the same axis. A solid
copper wire runs down the center of the cable, and this wire is
surrounded by plastic foam dielectric material / insulation. The foam is
surrounded by a second conductor, wire mesh tube, metallic foil, or
both. The wire mesh protects the wire from EMI. It is often called the
shield. A tough plastic jacket forms the cover of the cable, providing
protection and insulation.

Where Ethernet is concerned, there are two types of coaxial cable

i. Thin Ethernet (also known as thinnet or thinwire,)
ii. Thick Ethernet (also known as thinnet or thickwire)

Advantages of coaxial cable

i. They are immune to external electrical interference because of
insulation
ii. High data transmission rate
iii. They are stable even under high data load
iv. Has capability of carrying more signal

Disadvantages of coaxial cable

i. They are expensive to buy
ii. They are bulky thus difficult to work with
Assignment: Draw the diagram of coaxial cable from your textbook
Longhorn book 4

4. Fiber Optic Cable

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

Fiber optic cable transmits light signals rather than electrical signals. In
a fibre optic cable light only moves in one direction. For a two way
communication to take place, a second connection must be made
between the two devices. This is the reason for the cable to contain
two strands i.e. the core and the glass fibre

The electric signal from the source are converted to light signal, then
propagated along the fibre optic cable. To convert an electric signal to
light, you need a light emitting diode (LED) at the transmitter. At the
receiving end, a photosensitive device can be used to convert the light
signal back to electric signal that can be processed by the computer

Cladding

Core

Glass fibre

Plastic primary

Nylon coating
/ Jacket

Fig 3: Fiber Optic cable

Parts of the fibre optic cable

i. The Core
It is a glass strand: a strand is responsible for one direction
communication. The core is used to send data in one direction.
While the glass fibre sends data in the opposite direction. Light
from the laser travels through this glass to the other device on
the receiving end

ii. Cladding

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

It is a highly reflective material that redirects light back to the

core. It has some light bending characteristic that is why even if
the cable is bent into coils and a light signal is inserted at one
end it will still be seen coming out from the other end.
iii. Plastic primary
It’s used for insulating between the glass fibre and the nylon; It
protects the inner components from the outer components
iv. Nylon coating / jacket
Protect the cable from the actual physical damage

Fibre optic cables are of two types

i. Single mode
It has a very narrow core. The light in the cable therefore take
only one path through it making it to have a low attenuation
rate. It allows for faster transmission time and longer distances
but costs more
ii. Multimode
It has a thicker core and allows several light rays to be fed in the
cable. It has a high attenuation rate and it is used for nearby
connection especially within a building as it is relatively cheaper.

Advantages of Fiber Optic

i. Noise resistance: it is immune to EMI
ii. Less signal attenuation: signal can run for miles without
requiring regeneration
iii. Higher bandwidth: fibre optic cable can support dramatically
higher bandwidths (and hence data rate) than all other cables.
iv. Smaller and lighter than copper cable hence space limited
situations
v. Can be used in hazardous (highly flammable) places because
they do not generate electrical signals

Disadvantages of Fiber Optic

i. Cost : most expensive among all the cables
ii. Installation / maintenance: is high
iii. Fragility : glass fibre is more easily broken than wire
iv. They are complex to configure

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

Table 1: Summary Table of the Characteristic of All Cable Type

Factor UTP STP Coaxial Fiber Optic

Cost Lowest Moderate Moderate Highest
Installation Easy Fairly easy Fairly easy Difficult
Bandwidth 10 Mbps 16 Mbps 10 Mbps 100 Mbps –
Capacity
1 Gbps
Node 2 2 30 2
Capacity (10Base2)
Per 100
Segment (10Base5)
Attenuatio High High Lower Lowest
n
EMI Most Less Less No effect by
vulnerable vulnerable vulnerable EMI
to EMI than UTP than UTP

Unguided Transmission Media

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Unguided/non-physical/wireless/unbounded media have no physical link

between sender and receiver.

1. Microwave transmission
In microwave transmission signals travel in a straight line and
therefore the transmitter and the receiver must be in a direct line of
sight to each other. Microwave transmission is suitable for point to
point transmission.

Microwave signals propagate in one direction at a time, which means

that two frequencies are necessary for two ways communication such
as telephone communication. One frequency is reserved for
transmission in one direction and other for transmission in other. Each
frequency requires its own transmitter and receiver. Today, both
pieces of equipment usually are combined in a single piece of
equipment called transceiver, which allows a single antenna to serve
both frequencies and functions.

Building A River Building B

Microwave Transmission

Fig 4: Microwave transmission

Terrestrial microwave systems are typically used when using cabling is

very costly and difficult to set.

Advantages of microwave transmission

i. They operate at a high speed
ii. It is less prone to transmission errors unlike twisted pair cable
iii. Are capable of operating in digital or analog data

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

Disadvantages of microwave transmission

i. Its signals are affected by atmospheric conductors like lightning
ii. Require additional number of repeaters after every few
kilometers
iii. If any object come in between the transmission line of sight it
affect signal transmission

2. Satellite Communication
A satellite is an electronic device placed in an orbit around the earth to
receive, amplify and then transmit the signal. Satellite stay in a
stationary orbit above the earth; Signals are beamed up to the satellite
from a station on the ground. This is called up link. These signals are
relayed down to the earth station. This down transmission is called
down link.

A satellite transmission system has three main components

i. Transmitter earthstation – set up the uplink
ii. A satellite –
iii. Receiving earth station – one receiving the sent signal on the
other end

The geographical area where satellite signals can be located or

accesses clearly is called a satellite footprint. The satellite transmits
the signal to many recipients’ earth stations to form a point to
multipoint transmission.

The new trend in microwave transmission have seen the use of very
small aperture terminals (VSAT) technology. This VSAT refers to a very
small satellite dish used both in data, radio and TV communication.
Many business are adopting this new technology because it enable
direct access to satellite communication instead of having to go
through state owned or licensed satellite gateways

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

Satellite in space

Fig 5: satellite communication

Advantages of satellite communication

Satellite
i. Satellite microwave can provide transmission capability to and
Uplink Downlink
from any location on earth, no mater how remote
ii. Has the second highest band width after fibre optic
iii. Earth station can be installed on the customer property than
layering extensive cables

Receiving
Transmitter Disadvantages ofdishsatellite communication
Satellite earthstation
earthstation Satellite dish
i. Its extremely expensive to install
ii. Any station can receive the signals
USA
iii. Heavy rains or bad weather will increase loss of signals
Singapore

3. Infrared Transmission
Infrared media uses infrared light to transmit signals. LEDs transmit
the signals, and photodiodes receive the signals. The remote control
we use for television, VCR and CD player use infrared technology to
send and receive signals.

The transmitter and the receiver of the infrared signals must be within
the line of sight in the same room. Infrared signals do have a
downside; the signals cannot penetrate walls or other objects, and they
are diluted by strong light sources.

4. Radio transmission
Radio waves are omnidirectional meaning that the waves start at a
central point and spread outwards to all directions. The waves are
radiated into the atmosphere by radio frequency antennae at a
constant velocity (Draw the diagram in Longhorn Fig 1.13 page 20)
The radio wave can be HIGH (HF) high frequency, very high frequency
(VHF) or ultra high frequency (UHF). The high frequency radio wave
signal is transmitted by directing it to ionosphere of the earth. The
ionosphere will reflect it back to the earth surface and the receiver will

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

pick the signal. It was the only way to communicate before the
invention of satellite

VHF radio waves are transmitted along the earth surface. UHF radio
waves use the line of sight principal thus there should be no barrier
between the sending and the receiving devices.
Used in : Radio and television broadcast, walkie-talkies

Disadvantages
i. Signals can be intercepted by a unauthorized parties
ii. VHF require repeaters at strategic points to overcome
attenuation
iii. The sender and the receiver must be in line of sight as with UHF

Used Assignment
Read on Blue tooth

B. COMMUNICATION DEVICES

Introduction
Networking means connecting two or more devices for the purpose of sharing
data and resources. When two or more separate networks are connected for
exchanging data or resources, they become an internetwork (or internet).
The devices required to link number of LANs into an Internet are known as
internetworking devices.
There are many devices available to accomplish these tasks. The following
diagram will help to understand different types of connective devices.
Can also be referred to as
Communication devices
Connecting Devices

Networking Devices Internetworking Devices

Switches
Hub Bridge Router Gateway
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Brouters
Repeater
 Introduction to Networking and data communication

Figure 6: Networking & Internetworking Devices

Networking Devices
Expansion within a single network, called network connectivity. And to
expand a single network the following networking devices can be used.
i. Hub
ii. Network interface card
iii. Repeaters
iv. Bridges

Internetworking Devices
Expansion that involves and joins two separate networks called
internetworking connectivity. Following devices can be used for
internetworking.
i. Routers
ii. Brouters
iii. Gateways
iv. Switches

Hub
It’s a component that connects computers with the same network
architecture / communication protocol to enable rely of signals from
one computer to another. A hub organizes the cables and relays
signals to the other media segments. Hubs usually broadcast the data
signals to all the computers in the network but only the one whose
address is on the message will receive.
Intelligent hubs are able to monitors the way computers are
communicating on a network and keep this information in their small
database called management information database (MIB).
Intelligent hubs can isolate non-functioning computers in a network
Broadcast storm is a condition where a network is overwhelmed with
messages broadcasted due to malfunctioning of the NIC or the hub

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

related problem especially when several hubs are joined together to

expand the network

Network Interface Card (NIC)

It is a circuit board that can be inbuilt with the motherboard or fitted in
the expansion slot of the workstation and creates a physical interface /
link between computer and the networking media.

Repeater

It receives a signal from one segment of the network, cleans it to

remove any distortion, boots it and then sends it to another segment
A repeater installed on a link receive the signal before it becomes too
week or corrupted, regenerates the original bit pattern, and puts the
refreshed signals back onto the link.

Repeater
In comi ng wea k si gn al s Regen era ted sign a ls

Fig
7: Repeater

Bridge
It’s a functional unit that interconnect two LANs that use the same logical link
control protocol but may use different medium access control protocol
It’s a network device that selectively determines the appropriate
network segment for which a message is meant for delivery through
address filtering
Purpose
i. Extend the number of stations a segment can support
ii. Reduce the overall traffic flow by allowing broadcasting only in
the destination segment of the network

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

A C D F
C to K

LAN 1
C to K

B E

Bridge
G L
C to K C to K

LAN 2

Fig 8: H I J K
Bridge
In above figure, the packet generated by computer C is intended for
computer K. The bridge allows the packet to cross and relay it to
the entire lower segment where it is received by computer K. IF a
packet is destined on a same segment (for example from computer
A to computer F) the bridge will block the packet from crossing into
lower segment to reduce the traffic.

Internetworking

Router
Routers are used to connect separate networks. It makes the use of an
internet protocol and assumes that all the attached devices on the
network use the same communication architecture and protocol.
Modern router can be used like bridges to connect multiple network
segments and filter traffic. Also, unlike bridges, routers can be used to
connect two or more independent networks.
For example a network X and Y with different internet protocol address
(IP Address) can interconnected so that users on each network can
share resources on the other network and still both network continue
to function separately.
Brouters
Brouters combines the best of both bridges and routers. When brouters
receive packets that are routable, they will operate as a router by
choosing the best path for the packet and forwarding it to its
destination. However, when a non-routable packet is received, the
brouter functions as a bridge, forwarding the packet based on
hardware address. To do this brouters maintain both bridging table,

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

which contains hardware address, and a routing table, which contains

network address.

Gateway
It’s a device that can be configured to provide access to wide area
network or Internet. Gateways operate in all seven layers of OSI model.
A gateway is a protocol converter. A gateway can accept a packet
formatted for one protocol (e.g. AppleTalk) and convert it to a packet
formatted for another protocol (e.g. TCP/IP) before forwarding it. It may
be a computer configured to access the Internet

Switches
Switches unlike the hub, they forward a packet of data directly on
the address node without broadcasting. It transmits the packet using
the point to point transmission as if they were linked by a direct
cable between them. They are more expensive than the hubs.
Switching hubs are those hubs that incorporate the switching
mechanism.

Wireless communication devices

Access point (AP)

Used for wireless devices such as personal digital assistants, laptops
and computers with wireless links. This devices need to have an
antennae in order to detect signals in the surrounding. The signals may
be radio waves, microwaves or infrared waves in nature.

Personal computer memory card international association card

(PCMCIA)
The PCMCIA is an add-on card inserted into a device such as a personal
digital assistant or a laptop in order to allow wireless communication
between the device and a wired network server.

Read more on Wireless communication devices

C. Network software

They can be classified into two main groups namely

i. Network operating system
ii. Network protocol

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

Network Operating system

This refers to a suit of programs that generally manage a network by
optimizing the networked computers ability to respond to service requests

Functions of a network operating system

i. Making sharing of resources possible
ii. Transmitting data across the network
iii. Respond to request from application programs running on the
network
iv. Enable nodes on the network to communicate with each other
more efficiently
v. Implement network security features
vi. Supporting services

Network operating system provides network management tools to the

network administrator. These tools can be used for the following
i. Secure the network against unauthorized access
ii. Track network usage and keep a log of all the people who have used
the network
iii. Ensure interoperability between various systems on the network
iv. Performance maintenance to ensure maximum throughput on the
network

Examples of network operating system

i. Windows NT /2000 / 2003
ii. Unix
iii. Linux
iv. Novell netware

Protocols
Are set of rules and technical procedures that govern communication
between two different devices. Data transmission procedure is broken down
into discrete systematic steps. At each step , a certain action takes place and
it has its own rules and procedures

Network protocols are designed after the open systems interconnections

(OSI) model. Which has seven layers each performing a distinct function as
shown below?

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Table 3: The 7 layers of OSI model

layer Function Protocol (Read more Pg 33) Services

7 Application The application layer enables the user, whether human or software, to access Simple mail transfer
Layer the network. It provides user interface and support for services such as protocol(SMTP)File transfer
electronic mail, remote file access and transfer. protocol (FTP)
6 Presentation Is concerned with now the information to be exchanged. The presentation layer
Layer ensures interoperability among communicating devices. It is responsible for
code conversion (e.g. from ASCII to EBCDIC and vice versa), if required. The
The
presentation layer is also responsible for the encryption and decryption of data
Internetworking
for security purposes. It also handles the compression and expansion of data
Layers
when necessary for transmission efficiency.
5 Session Layer The session layer is the network dialog controller. It establishes, maintains, and
synchronizes the link between communicating devices. It also ensures that each
session close appropriately rather than shutting down abruptly and leaving the
user hanging. It provides organization, synchronization and timing of the
exchange of the data between end systems.
4 Transport Layer The transport layer is responsible for source to destination (end to end) delivery Transmission control protocol
of the entire message to ensure reliability (Manages data transfer over a (TCP), Sequential packet
network to ensure reliability) exchange (SPX), NetBEUI, Apple
transaction protocol (ATP)
3 Network Layer The network layer provides addressing, routing and multiplexing services. It Internet protocol (IP) The
ensures that each packet gets from its point of origin to its destination Interconnection
Internet-work packets exchange
successfully and efficiently Layers
2 Data Link Layer Data link layer adds error-checking information and formats data for physical
transmission.
1 Physical Layer The physical layer co-ordinates the functions required to transmit a bit streams
over a physical medium. It deals with the mechanical and electrical
specifications of the primary connections, such as cables and connectors.

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

TYPES OF NETWORKS
Networks may be categorized into three distinct groups depending
upon the physical of geographical area that they cover.
These groups are: -
i. Metropolitan local area network(LAN)
ii. Are network (MAN) and
iii. Wide area network (WAN).

Local Area Network

A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers in a
limited geographical area, such as a school computer laboratory,
office, or group of buildings. Two popular types of LANs are peer-to-
peer networks and client/server networks.

Metropolitan Area Network

A metropolitan area network is designed to extend over an entire city.
It may be a single network such as a cable television network, or it
may be a means of connecting a number of LANs into a larger network
so that resources may be shared LAN-to-LAN as well as device-to-
device.

A MAN may be wholly owned and operated by a private company, or it

may be a service provided by a public company, such as a local
telephone company. Many telephone companies provide a popular
MAN service called Switched Multi-megabit Data Services (SMDS).

Wide Area Network

A wide are network provides long-distance transmission of data, voice,
image, and video information over a large geographical area that may
comprises a country, a continent or even the whole world.

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
What is a Topology?
Network topology specifically refers to the physical arrangement of the
network, specially the location of the computers, other devices and how the
cables are run between them.

Network topologies can be viewed in two ways namely

i. Logical /signal topology
Deals with the way data passes from one device to the next on the
network. Examples of Logical topologies are Ethernet and token ring
Ethernet topology
All the computers listen to the network media and can only send
data when none of the others is sending
Token ring topology
A special package for data called token goes around the network
and only the computer whose address is on the data held in the
token will take up the token to read the data then releases the
token. The token can then be captured by another computer
which needs to transmit data
ii. Physical topology
Refers to the physical layout arrangement of components on the
network. The most common physical topologies are the bus, the star,
the ring and the mesh.

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

1. Bus Topology

How a Bus topology Works

All the devices are connected to a single central cable. Only one computer
can send a message at a time. All the computers on the network receive the
information, but only the one with the address that matches the one encoded
in the message accepts the information.

Without termination, when the signal reaches the end of the wire, it bounces
back and travels back up the wire. When a signal echoes back and forth
along the un-terminated bus, it is called ringing. To stop the signals from
ringing, terminators are attached at either end of the cable. The terminator
absorbs the signals and stops the ringing

Terminator

Computer Computer Computer

Computer Bus Computer Computer

Fig 9: Bus topology

Advantages of Bus
i. The bus is simple, reliable in very small network, and easy to
use.
ii. The bus requires the least amount of cable to connect the
computers together and is therefore less expensive than
other cabling arrangements.
iii. It is easy to extend a bus. Two cables can be joined into one
longer cable with a BNC barrel connector, making a longer
cable and allowing more computers to jinn the network.

Disadvantages of Bus
i. Heavy network traffic can slow a bus considerably.
ii. A break in the cable or lake of proper termination can bring the
network down.
iii. It is difficult to troubleshoot a bus.
Bus topology is appropriate in following situation:

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i) The network is small

ii) The network will not be frequently reconfigured.
iii) The least expensive solution is required.
iv) The network is not expected to grow much

2. Star Topology
In a star topology, all the devices are connected to a central hub.

How a Star Network Works

Each computer on a star network communicates with a central hub
that resends the message either to all the computers (in a broadcast
star network) or only to the destination computer (in a switched star
network).

Computer

Server
Hub
HUB

Computer

Computer

Computer Computer

Fig 10: Star topology

Advantages of the Star

i. It is easy to modify and add new computers to a star network
without disturbing the
ii. Single computer failure does not necessarily bring down the
whole star network.

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iii. Several types of cable can be used in the same network with a
hybrid hub.
iv. When the capacity of the central hub is exceeded, it can be
replaced with one that has a larger number of ports to plug lines
into (or multiple hubs can be connected together to extend the
number of ports)
v. The centre of a star network is a good place to diagnose network
faults. Intelligent hubs (hubs with microprocessors that
implement features in addition to repeating network signals)
also provide for centralised monitoring and management of the
network.

Disadvantages of Star
1. If the central hub fails, the whole network fails to operate.
2. It cost more to cable a star network.

Star topology is appropriate in following situation:

1. It must be easy to add or remove client computer.
2. It must be easy to troubleshoot.
3. The network is large.
4. The network is expected to grow in the future.

3. Ring Topology
In a ring topology, each computer is connected directly to the next
computer in line, forming a circle of cable. It uses token to pass the
information from one computer to another.

How a Ring Network Works

Every computer is connected to the next compute in the ring, and each
retransmit what it receives from the previous computer. The message
flow around the ring in one direction

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

If a computer has information to send, it modifies the token, adds

address information and the data and sends it down the ring. The
information travels around the ring until it either reaches its

Computer

Computer
Computer

Computer Computer

destination or returns to the sender.

Fig 11: Ring topology

When the intended destination computer receives the packet, it

returns a message to the sender including its arrival. A new token is
then created by the sender and sent down the ring, allowing another
station to capture the token and begin transmission.

Advantages of Ring
1. All the computers have equal access to the network.
2. Even with many users, network performance is even
3. Allows error checking, and acknowledgement.

Disadvantages of Ring
1. Failure of one computer can affect the whole network.
2. It is difficult to troubleshoot the ring network.
3. Adding or removing computers disturbs the network.
Ring Topology is Appropriate in Following Situation:
i. The network must operate reasonably under a heavy load
ii. A higher-speed network is required.
iii. The network will not be frequently reconfigured.

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

4. Mesh Topology
In a mesh topology, every device has a dedicated point to point
link to every other device. The term dedicated means that the link
carries traffic only between the two devices it connects.

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

Fig 12: Mesh topology

Advantages of Mesh
i. Because of the dedicated link, no traffic between computers.
ii. Failures of one node computer not affect rest of the network.
iii. Because of the dedicated link privacy and security are
guaranteed
iv. Point to point links make fault identification and fault isolation
easy.

Disadvantages of Mesh
i. Due to the amount of cabling and number of input output ports,
it is expensive.
ii. Large space is required to run the cables.
iii. Installation and reconfiguration are difficult.
When a Mesh Appropriates to Use
i. Direct transmission is required for privacy reason
ii. Need to have dedicated lint for fast transmission.

5. Tree / hierarchical topology

All the nodes are connected in form of a tree with nodes as leaves and
link as branches. The transmission media is a branching cable with no

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 Introduction to Networking and data communication

closed loop. The branches in turn can have more sub branches.
Branches are connected to each other by a hub

Advantages
i. If the workstations below the main workstation fails the entire
network does not fail

Disadvantages
i. If the top node fails the entire network fails because it controls
all the other nodes
ii. Installation is expensive and complex

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