SECTION 2: COMPUTER NETWORKS AND WEB TECHNOLOGIES

Communication involves a sender, a receiver, a medium and a communication channel (cable). These

are the four basic elements of a communication act.

Data communication is the transfer of data from point A to point B using a communication link. When

data travel a long distance, the communication is referred to as telecommunication. The prefix ‘tele’

comes from an ancient Greek word that means a ‘far off’.

Data Communication

This is the transmission of data to and from computers via communication channels. The combination

of computing and telecommunication has given rise to new services and has opened up many new

fields of application. Data and information is transmitted over a communication medium such as a

telephone line from one computer to another.

Telecommunication

This is the transmission of data over far distance without changing it. A telecommunication system is

made of a sender, receiver and a medium.

Internet

This is the worlds’ largest network. It is a world wide collection of networks that links together millions

of other smaller network via different communication media. The internet is not owned by anyone

however, the rules and standards that govern the internet is set by the Network Information Center

(impose by the US national Science Foundation (NSF).

The Structure of the Internet

The basic components of the internet are:

1. host – this is a PC on IBM or mix platforms or mainframe computers

2. networks – when two or more host communicate it is called a network.

3. routers – these are used to connect network.

Services available on the internet

There are four main services that are available on the internet: communication; file access and

transfer services; terminal emulation services; and the world wide web (www).

Communication services

The electronic mail (e-mail) is the most popular and widely used service in the internet. It enables

users to send and receive electronic messages. A typical e-mail address begins with a user’s name,

followed by the @ symbol and the providers name.

Intranet

This is a type of network that belongs to an organization and is accessible only by members of that

organization. It has similar features to an internet, the main difference is in who can access the data

store on it.

Terminal Emulation Services

These services enable one to connect your computer to a remote host and uses the services

available as if your computer where a terminal of the remote host. For example, you can use a telnet

to access data and programs from a telnet server.

Modems

Telephone system and computer systems have become fused together with the convergence of the

telecommunications and computing technologies. Data or information may now appear in a variety of

formats – text, voice or sound, pictures, graphics and video. However, data is transmitted by two

types of signals; analogue (voice) and digital (computer). A modem is used to convert between the

two different signals. The process of converting digital to analogue is known as modulation while the

reverse is known as demodulation.

NETWORKS
A network is group of computers and associated devices connected by communications facilities

(both hardware and software) to share information and peripheral devices, such as printers and

modems.

There are a variety of networks available to facilitate the need of different organizations. However,

there are some factors that need to be considered when selecting a network. These factors are cost,

security, management, expandability and interconnectivity.

Assignment: research on the advantages and the disadvantages of networks.

Types of Networks

Internet

A worldwide network of computer networks. It is an interconnection of large and small networks

around the globe. The Internet began in 1962 as a computer network for the U.S. military and over

time has grown into a global communication tool of many thousands of computer networks that share

a common addressing scheme. Unlike online services, which are centrally controlled, the Internet is

decentralized by design. Each Internet computer, called a host, is independent. Its operators can

choose which Internet services to use and which local services to make available to the global

Internet community. Remarkably, this anarchy by design works exceedingly well. There are a variety

of ways to access the Internet. Most users gain access through an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

Extranet

An Extranet is a private network that uses the Internet protocols and the public telecommunication

system to share part of business information with suppliers, vendors, customers, or other businesses.

An extranet can be viewed as part of a company's Intranet that is extended to users outside the

company.

Intranet

A private network inside a company or organization, which uses software like that used on the

Internet, but is for internal use only, and is not accessible to the public. Companies use Intranets to

manage projects, provide employee information, distribute data and information, etc.
A private network inside a company or organization that uses the same kinds of software that you

would find on the public Internet, but that is for internal use only. Firewalls keep unauthorized Internet

traffic off an intranet. As the Internet has become more popular, many of the tools used on the Internet

are being used in private networks. For example, many companies have web servers that are

available only to employees. Note that an intranet may not actually be an internet; it may simply be a

network.

LAN – Local Area Network

A non-public data communications network confined to a limited geographic area (usually within a few

miles), used to provide communication between computers and peripherals. The area served may

consist of a single building, a cluster of buildings, or a campus-type arrangement.

A geographically limited data communications system for a specific user group consisting of a group

of interconnected computers, sharing applications, data and peripheral devices such as printers and

CD-ROM drives intended for the local transport of data, video, and voice.

Local area networks are made up of several components.

 Workstations, or Personal Computers with network interface cards

 Cabling or connection system, which may be wired (wire or cable) ore wireless.

 Network operating system, the software to manage the activities of the network. Examples of

network operating systems are Novell’s Netware, SCO, UNIX, and IBM PC LAN. Windows 95

and Windows NT are examples of peer-to-peer networking software.

 Other shared devices, for example printers, scanners and storage devices.

 Bridges, routers, and gateways: to connect a LAN to other networks.

Assignment: Define Bridges, Routers and Gateways and state their function in a network.

Categories of LANs

· Peer- to – peer network –

· Client/server network
 · Enterprise network – consist mainly of many traditional file servers, interconnected to

provide a total network solution for a large company. This type of network involves connecting

across widely dispersed geographical locations.

Assignment: research on peer-to-peer network and client/server. Define them and state at

least 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages of each.

MAN - Metropolitan Area Network

A group of LANs with high-speed, seamless interconnection within a 'metropolitan' area. The latter is

not necessarily a city; it normally means any area which is spread out but in some sense a single

entity: for instance, two company buildings on opposite sides of the road or on a large site.

WAN – Wide Area Network

A network which covers a larger geographical area than a LAN or a MAN and where

telecommunications links are implemented, normally leased from the appropriate Private Telephone

Operator(s).

VAN – Value Added Network

A secure electronic repository for electronic commerce. A VAN provides you with an Interchange ID

that is unique and that ID is assigned to a mailbox. When you dial into your VAN, you send

transactions to your mailbox and the VAN in turn routes those transactions to the appropriate Trading

Partner. The VAN also receives transactions that are to be routed to you, they are sent to your

mailbox and your EDI Translator downloads them when you call in to receive mail. VAN's also provide

information about any transactions that may not have been sent or received properly, and reset your

document if there was an error in downloading.

A company that acts as a pipe or an electronic mailbox for the transmission of data and provides

communications services such as line speed conversion and protocol matching.

VPN – Virtual Private Network

Private network built atop a public network. Hosts within the private network use encryption to talk to

other hosts; the encryption excludes hosts from outside the private network even if they are on the

public network.
A private network within a public network, usually on the Internet. Privacy for the virtual network is

achieved through encryption and provides a less expensive option than using dedicated lines.

A private network that is configured within a public network. VPNs enjoy the security of a private

network via access control and encryption, while taking advantage of the economies of scale and

built-in management facilities of large public networks.

A virtual private network is what it says-a private network of computers that's partially connected over

public phone lines. Encryption and secure protocols permit VPN users to transmit data secure in the

knowledge that the data will be difficult, if not impossible, to intercept by unauthorized third parties.

This technology allows VPN users to communicate with the assurance of total privacy and safety of

data and information while cutting the cost of traditional leased telephones lines by 90-95%.

Campus-area networks (CANs):

The computers are within a limited geographic area, such as a campus or military base.

Home-area networks (HANs):

A network contained within a user's home that connects a person's digital devices.

Assignment: research on the advantages and the disadvantages of each type of networks

Network Topologies

The configuration or design of a network is called a topology (Layout). There are three designs star,

bus and ring topology.

Examples
The above diagrams are examples of the layout of each network topology.

Star Topologies

All the nodes are connected to a central hub. This means that each computer has its own connection

to the network and that a break in a cable will not affect the working of other computers. If the hub

breaks down, then all the computers on the hub will not work. However, star networks although more

expensive to install than other types, are the quickest.

Bus network

This is the simplest type of topology, where the network nodes (computers) are in a line. Bus network

are cheap and reliable, but if the cable breaks the network split in two unconnected parts. Bus

network are slower than star networks, with the speed of the network limited to 10 Mb per second.

Ring network

This type of network has no end to the line. The last node (computer) is connected to the first node,

forming a ring loop. If the cable breaks it will affect all the computers on the network. Ring networks

are slower than star.

Communication Channel
This is the path through which information passes between two devices. It can also be defined as the

method or medium used for transmitting data. Characteristics of communication channel include

transmission mode, direction of data flow, communication channel (media) and transmission speed.

Transmission Mode (rates)

This determines the number of characters that can be transmitted in one second. Types of

transmission modes include:

· Asynchronous

· Synchronous

Research on Asynchronous, Synchronous

Direction of data flow

These include simplex, half duplex and full duplex.

Research on simplex, half duplex and full duplex.

Transmission speed (rate)

This is the amount of information that a channel can comfortably ‘handle’ at any one time. It is usually

measured in bps (bits per second) and is referred to as baud rate.

Bandwidth

This is the width of the communication channel. The higher the bandwidth the more data and

information the channel can transmit. Different types of bandwidth include: base band, narrow band,

broadband and voice band.

Research on base band, narrow band, broadband and voice band.

Transmission Media

In communication there are two main types of transmission media. These are wireless and physical

transmission media.
Physical transmission media

Use wire, cables and other tangible materials to send communication signals. These include twisted

cable, coaxial cable and fiber optic.

·Twisted pair cable – these cables consists of one or more twisted-pair wires bundled together.

Each twisted pair wires consist of two separate insulated copper wires that are twisted together. The

wires are twisted together to reduce noise. Noise is an electrical disturbance that can degrade

communication. Often used for telephone system.

Research on shielded and unshielded twisted pair cables

·Coaxial cables – often refer to as coax; consist of a single copper wire surrounded by at least

three layers: (1) an insulating material, (2) a woven or braided metal, and (3) a plastic outer coating.

Cable television wiring often use coaxial cable.

·Fiber- optic cable - this consist of dozens or hundreds of strands of glass or plastic that use light

to transmit signal. Each strand is called an optical fiber (this is as thin as the human hair). Inside the

fiber optic cable, an insulating glass cladding and a protective coating surround each optical fiber.

Assignment: find at least 3 advantages and 3 disadvantages of the different types of

transmission media. Find pictures of each.

Wireless Transmission Media

Sends communication signals though air or space using radio, microwave and infrared.

Research on broadcast radio, Bluetooth, cellular radio, microwaves, communication satellites

and infrared.

Uses of Communication Technologies

Communication technologies use is all around you. In the course of the day, for example, you might

use, or use information generated by, one or more of the following communication technologies: voice

mail, fax, e-mail, instant messaging, chat rooms, newsgroups (threaded discussion), telephony,

videoconferencing, collaboration, groupware and global positioning system (GPS).

Assignment: research on the following terms: voice mail, fax, e-mail, instant messaging, chat

rooms, newsgroups, telephony, videoconferencing, collaboration, groupware and global

positioning system (GPS).

Network communication Technologies

Today’s networks connect terminals, devices and computers from many different manufacturers

across many types of networks, such as WAN, LAN and wireless. For the different devices on several

types of networks to be able to communicate, the network must use a specific combination of

hardware and software. A variety of communication technologies exist for this purpose. These include

Ethernet, token ring, TCP/IP (transaction control protocol/ internet protocol, wireless application

protocol (WAP), intranets and firewalls

Assignment: Ethernet, token ring, TCP/IP (transaction control protocol/ internet protocol,

wireless application protocol (WAP), intranets and firewalls

The telephone network

The public switched telephone network (PSTN) is the worldwide telephone system that handles voice

oriented telephone calls. Nearly the entire telephone network today uses digital technology, with the

final link from the telephone company to the home, which is often analog.

The telephone network plays an essential role in computer communication. data, instruction

and information can be sent over the telephone network using dial-up lines, dedicated lines,
Integrated Services Provider network (ISBN), digital subscriber line (DSL), cable TV lines and T-

carrier lines.

Assignment: research on the following terms: dial-up lines, dedicated lines, Integrated

Services Provider network (ISBN), digital subscriber line (DSL), cable TV lines, leased lines

and T-carrier lines.

Communication devices

This is any type of hardware capable of transmitting data, instruction and information between a

sending device and a receiving device, via a communication channel. Sometimes the communication

device also must convert the data, instructions, and information from analog to digital or vice versa

depending on the services involves. Some of the more common types off communication devices are

dial-up modem, ISBN and DSL modems, cable modems and NIC (network interface card).

 Hypertext Markup Language (HTML): HTML is the standard markup language

used to create web pages. It defines the structure and layout of content on the

World Wide Web, including text, images, and hyperlinks.

 File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP is a protocol used to transfer files over a

network, typically the internet. It allows users to upload and download files to

and from remote servers.

 Telnet: Telnet is a network protocol that provides terminal access to remote

computers. It allows users to log in and control a remote server or device as if

they were physically present.

 Teleconferencing: Teleconferencing is a technology that enables individuals

or groups in different locations to conduct meetings or conferences using

audio, video, and data communication.

 Telecommuting: Telecommuting, also known as remote work, allows

employees to work from locations outside the traditional office, often using the

internet to connect to their work systems.

 World Wide Web (WWW): The World Wide Web is a system of interconnected

web pages and content accessible via the internet. It allows users to navigate

and retrieve information using web browsers.

 Videoconferencing: Videoconferencing is a technology that enables real-time

video and audio communication between people in different locations, often

for meetings and collaboration.

 Internet: The internet is a global network of interconnected computers and

devices that allows the exchange of data and information across the world.

 Internet Relay Chat (IRC): IRC is an application layer protocol used for real-

time text communication in chat rooms or channels on the internet.

 Extensible Markup Language (XML): XML is a markup language that defines

a set of rules for encoding documents in a format that is both human-readable

and machine-readable.

 Newsgroup: A newsgroup is an online discussion forum or community where

users can post and read messages on various topics.

 Electronic Mail: Electronic mail, or email, is a method of exchanging digital

messages over the internet. It allows users to send and receive messages,

files, and other data.

 Intranet: An intranet is a private network within an organization that uses

internet technologies to share information and resources among its

employees.
 Telemarketing: Telemarketing is a marketing strategy that involves promoting

products or services over the phone to potential customers.

 Internet Service Provider (ISP): An ISP is a company that provides internet

access and related services to individuals and organizations.

 Website: A website is a collection of web pages and content accessible

through a common domain or URL.

 Online Service Provider (OSP): An OSP offers various online services,

including email, web hosting, and other internet-based services.

 Web Page: A web page is a single document within a website that displays

content, including text, images, and multimedia elements.

 Search Engine: A search engine is a web-based tool that allows users to

search for and retrieve information from the internet based on keywords or

queries.

 Web Browser: A web browser is a software application that enables users to

access and navigate websites on the World Wide Web.

 Hyperlink: A hyperlink, or link, is a reference in a web page or document that

connects to another web page or resource, allowing users to jump between

content.

 Home Page: A home page is the initial web page of a website, often serving

as an entry point and providing links to other parts of the site.

 Uniform Resource Locator (URL): A URL is the web address used to locate

resources on the internet, specifying the protocol, domain, and path.

 Download: Downloading is the process of transferring files or data from a

remote server to a local device or computer.

 Upload: Uploading is the process of sending files or data from a local device

or computer to a remote server.

 Domain Name: A domain name is a user-friendly address that maps to the IP

address of a server or website on the internet.

 Internet Protocol (IP) Address: An IP address is a unique numerical label

assigned to each device connected to a computer network, facilitating data

routing.

 Logon Name: A logon name, or username, is a unique identifier used for

accessing computer systems, online services, or networks.

 Inbox: An inbox is a designated location within an email client or system

where received messages and emails are stored.

 Attachment: An attachment is a file or document added to an email message,

allowing users to send and receive additional data.

 Modem: A modem (modulation/demodulation) is a device that converts digital

data from a computer into analog signals for transmission over telephone or

cable lines and vice versa.

 Virtual Private Network (VPN): A VPN is a secure network that allows users to

access the internet or other networks while encrypting their data and

maintaining privacy.

 Bandwidth: Bandwidth refers to the data transfer capacity of a network or

internet connection, typically measured in bits per second (bps).

 Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): HTTP is the protocol used for

transferring and displaying web pages on the World Wide Web.

  Transfer Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP): TCP/IP is a set of

communication protocols used for internet communication and data

exchange.

 Protocols: Protocols are established rules and standards that govern

communication and data exchange in computer networks.

 Hotspots: Hotspots are locations with Wi-Fi access

Distinguishing Types of Networks:

1. Local Area Network (LAN):

 Scope: LANs cover a small geographical area, typically within a
single building or campus.
 Purpose: LANs are designed for local data sharing, resource
sharing, and communication within an organization.
 Examples: Office LAN, home network.
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):
 Scope: MANs cover a larger geographical area, such as a city or
metropolitan region.
 Purpose: MANs connect multiple LANs or buildings within a city to
share resources and data.
 Examples: Citywide broadband networks.
3. Wide Area Network (WAN):
 Scope: WANs cover a broad geographical area, often spanning
across cities, countries, or even continents.
 Purpose: WANs interconnect LANs and MANs over long distances
and enable global data exchange.
 Examples: The internet, global corporate networks.
4. Mobile Network:
 Concept of Mobile Network as Radio-Based Common Carrier:
Mobile networks provide wireless communication services to mobile
devices through radio waves. They serve as common carriers that
enable voice and data communication on the go.
 Overview of Mobile Networks: Mobile networks have evolved
from 2G (second generation) to current generations (e.g., 4G, 5G)
 with advancements in wireless technology, data speeds, and
connectivity. Knowledge of their inner workings is not necessary.

Wireless Network Technologies:

 Bluetooth: A short-range wireless technology used for connecting nearby

devices, such as headphones, smartphones, and peripherals.
 Wi-Fi: A wireless local area network (WLAN) technology that provides
internet access to devices within a specific area, such as homes, offices,
or public places. It offers higher data speeds than mobile networks.
 Hotspot: A physical location where Wi-Fi access to the internet is
available, typically in public areas like cafes, airports, and hotels.

Levels of Privacy:

1. Intranet: An intranet is a private network that is accessible only to

authorized users within an organization. It is used for internal
communication, file sharing, and collaboration.
2. Extranet: An extranet is a network that extends the capabilities of an
intranet to external users, such as partners, suppliers, or customers. It
allows limited access to specific information.
3. Internet: The internet is a global public network that connects millions of
networks worldwide. It provides open access to a vast range of
information and services but offers the least privacy, as data can be
accessible to anyone with internet access.

Functions of Basic Components of a Network:

(a) Transmission Media:

Transmission media are the physical pathways that enable data

to be transmitted from one device to another. They can be
categorized into wired and wireless types.

(i) Wired Transmission Media:

 Twisted Pair: Twisted pair cables consist of pairs of insulated

copper wires twisted together. They are commonly used for
Ethernet connections in LANs.
 Coaxial Cable: Coaxial cables have a central conductor
surrounded by insulation, a metallic shield, and an outer
insulating layer. They are used for cable television and broadband
internet.
 Fiber Optic Cable: Fiber optic cables use light signals to
transmit data over long distances at high speeds. They are used
 in high-speed internet connections and long-distance
communication.

(ii) Wireless Transmission Media:

 Infrared: Infrared transmission uses infrared light to transfer

data between devices, typically in short-range applications like
remote controls or wireless keyboards.
 Microwave: Microwave communication uses high-frequency
radio waves for data transmission. It is used for point-to-point
communication over long distances.
 Satellite: Satellite communication relies on communication
satellites in orbit to relay data between ground-based
transceivers. It's used for global communication and
broadcasting.

(b) Switch, Router, Modem:

(b) Switch:

 Function: A network switch is used to connect multiple devices

within a LAN. It operates at the data link layer (Layer 2) and
forwards data frames based on MAC addresses. Switches improve
network performance by reducing network collisions and
segmenting traffic.

(b) Router:

 Function: A router connects different networks, such as LANs

and WANs, and directs data between them. It operates at the
network layer (Layer 3) and uses IP addresses to make routing
decisions. Routers enable data to traverse multiple networks,
ensuring data reaches its destination efficiently.

(b) Modem (Modulator-Demodulator):

 Function: A modem converts digital data from a computer into

analog signals for transmission over analog communication lines
(like telephone lines). On the receiving end, it converts analog
signals back into digital data. Modems are used for internet
connections and dial-up services.

(c) Network Interface Card/Network Adapter:

 (c) Network Interface Card (NIC)/Network Adapter:

 Function: A NIC, also known as a network adapter, is a hardware

component that allows a computer or device to connect to a
network. It interfaces between the computer's internal bus and
the network medium, enabling data transmission. NICs provide a
unique MAC address for network identification and are crucial for
connecting devices to LANs or the internet. They operate at the
data link layer and play a key role in data packet transmission.

In summary, these basic components play vital roles in network

communication, enabling data to be transmitted efficiently and
accurately over various types of transmission media. Switches
and routers manage the flow of data within and between
networks, modems facilitate internet connectivity, and NICs serve
as the interface between devices and the network. The choice of
transmission media depends on the specific requirements of a
network, including data speed, distance, and interference
considerations.
1.
 enhancing the efficiency of commercial activities.
 Journalism: Journalists use mobile devices to report news, capture
multimedia content, and livestream events, enhancing the
immediacy and reach of news coverage.
2. Emergency Communication: Mobile networks play a crucial role in
emergency situations, enabling authorities to disseminate alerts,
warnings, and critical information to the public swiftly.

Suitability of Mobile Networks to Various Applications:

 Education: Mobile networks facilitate remote learning, allowing students

to participate in virtual classrooms, access educational apps, and
collaborate on projects.
 Commerce: Mobile networks enable mobile commerce (m-commerce),
allowing businesses to reach customers through mobile apps, process
mobile payments, and offer personalized shopping experiences.
 Journalism: Mobile networks enable journalists to report news in real
time, share multimedia content instantly, and engage with audiences
through social media platforms, enhancing the speed and reach of
journalism.

Interrelationship Among Key Web Technology Concepts:

1. World Wide Web (WWW): The WWW is an information system on the

internet that allows users to access documents linked by hyperlinks,
forming a vast network of interconnected web pages.
2. Hypertext Markup Language (HTML): HTML is the standard markup
language used to create web pages. It defines the structure and content
of a webpage, incorporating elements like text, images, links, and
multimedia.
3. Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP): HTTP is the protocol used for
transferring hypertext requests and information on the internet. It enables
the communication between web clients (browsers) and servers,
facilitating the retrieval of web pages.
4. Hyperlinks: Hyperlinks are clickable elements in web pages that redirect
users to other web pages, documents, or resources, creating a connected
web of information.
5. Web Server: A web server stores and serves web pages to users upon
request. It responds to HTTP requests from web browsers, delivering the
requested content to the user's device.
6. Web Page: A web page is a document displayed on the internet. It can
include text, images, multimedia, and hyperlinks, providing information or
interactive content to users.
7. File Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP is a protocol used for transferring files
between a client and a server on a network. It allows users to upload and
download files, supporting web development and content management.
8. Web Browser: A web browser is a software application that allows users
to access and navigate the internet. It interprets HTML, displays web
content, and enables users to interact with web pages.
9. Uniform Resource Locator (URL): A URL is the address used to access
resources on the internet. It specifies the protocol (HTTP/HTTPS), the
domain name, and the path to the specific resource.
10. Upload and Download: Upload refers to transferring files from a
local device to a remote server, while download refers to transferring files
from a remote server to a local device. These actions are essential for
sharing and accessing files on the web.
11. Email: Email, although not directly related to the WWW, is a
fundamental communication tool on the internet. It allows users to send
and receive electronic messages, attachments, and multimedia content
over the internet.