Scribd
Upload
2 views5 pages

Computer Networks Notes

A network is a system of interconnected devices that share information and resources, with various types including LAN, MAN, WAN, CAN, PAN, and hybrid networks. Network topologies, such as bus, star, ring, mesh, tree, and hybrid, define the arrangement of these devices and their connections, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these concepts is essential for designing efficient and secure communication systems tailored to organizational needs.

Uploaded by

syedabdulbasit.contact
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views5 pages

Computer Networks Notes

A network is a system of interconnected devices that share information and resources, with various types including LAN, MAN, WAN, CAN, PAN, and hybrid networks. Network topologies, such as bus, star, ring, mesh, tree, and hybrid, define the arrangement of these devices and their connections, each with unique advantages and disadvantages. Understanding these concepts is essential for designing efficient and secure communication systems tailored to organizational needs.

Uploaded by

syedabdulbasit.contact
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 5

📘 Computer Networks – Informative Notes

1. What is a Network?
A network is a system of interconnected computers, devices, and digital resources that are linked together to
share information, applications, and services.

✅ Purpose of a Network:

 To share data and information


 To share hardware resources (e.g., printers, scanners)
 To enable communication (email, messaging)
 To allow remote access to data and applications
 To enhance efficiency and collaboration in organizations

✅ Components of a Network:

 Nodes: Devices like computers, printers, routers


 Links: Communication paths (wired or wireless)
 Protocols: Set of rules for data exchange (e.g., TCP/IP)
 NIC (Network Interface Card): Connects a computer to the network

2. Types of Networks (Based on Area Coverage)


🔹 a. LAN (Local Area Network)

A LAN connects computers and devices in a small geographical area, such as a single building or campus.

📌 Features:

 High speed (up to 1 Gbps or more)


 Low latency
 Private ownership
 Uses Ethernet or Wi-Fi

📌 Example:

 Office network
 School computer lab

🔹 b. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A MAN covers a larger area than LAN, usually spanning a city or a large campus.

📌 Features:

 Covers 5 to 50 km
 Interconnects multiple LANs
 Moderate speed
 May be public or private
📌 Example:

 University campus network


 City-wide cable network

🔹 c. WAN (Wide Area Network)

A WAN covers a large geographical area, often national or global.

📌 Features:

 Connects multiple LANs and MANs


 Uses public communication links (e.g., leased lines, satellite)
 Slower than LAN due to distance
 High installation and maintenance cost

📌 Example:

 The Internet
 Bank branch networks across cities

🔹 d. CAN (Campus Area Network)

A CAN connects multiple LANs in a campus environment, such as a university or business complex.

📌 Features:

 Larger than LAN but smaller than MAN


 Controlled and maintained by one organization
 High-speed backbone

📌 Example:

 College or hospital campuses

🔹 e. PAN (Personal Area Network)

A PAN is used for personal devices within a range of a few meters.

📌 Features:

 Covers 1–10 meters


 Connects mobile phones, tablets, laptops via Bluetooth or USB

📌 Example:

 Connection between smartphone and Bluetooth headset

🔹 f. Hybrid Network

A hybrid network combines two or more network types, such as LAN + WAN, to suit different needs.

📌 Features:
 Flexible and scalable
 Used in modern organizations

📌 Example:

 A company using LAN in each branch, all connected via WAN

3. Network Topology
Network topology refers to the arrangement of different elements (nodes, links) in a computer network.

✅ Two Types:

 Physical topology – actual layout of devices and cables


 Logical topology – path followed by data within the network

Types of Network Topologies:

🔹 1. Bus Topology

 All devices are connected to a single central cable (bus).


 Data travels in both directions until it reaches the target device.

✅ Advantages:

 Easy and inexpensive to set up


 Requires less cable than other topologies

❌ Disadvantages:

 Difficult to troubleshoot
 Failure in the central cable stops the entire network
 Limited cable length and number of devices

🔹 2. Star Topology

 All devices are connected to a central hub or switch.


 The hub manages and controls all data traffic.

✅ Advantages:

 Easy to install and manage


 One device failure does not affect the network

❌ Disadvantages:

 If the hub fails, the whole network goes down


 Uses more cable than bus topology

🔹 3. Ring Topology

 Each device is connected to two other devices, forming a circular path for data.
✅ Advantages:

 Data transmission is orderly and predictable

❌ Disadvantages:

 Failure of one node can disrupt the entire network


 Troubleshooting is difficult

🔹 4. Mesh Topology

 Every device is connected to every other device in the network.

✅ Advantages:

 Very reliable – if one path fails, data can take another path
 Ideal for critical systems

❌ Disadvantages:

 Expensive and complex wiring


 Difficult to install and maintain

🔹 5. Tree Topology

 A hierarchical structure combining multiple star topologies on a bus backbone.

✅ Advantages:

 Scalable and easy to manage


 Useful for large organizations

❌ Disadvantages:

 If the backbone fails, the whole network may crash

🔹 6. Hybrid Topology

 A combination of two or more topologies to take advantage of their benefits.

✅ Advantages:

 Flexible and customizable


 Can support large and complex networks

❌ Disadvantages:

 Complex design and maintenance


 Higher cost

✅ Comparison Table – Network Types


Type Full Form Coverage Area Speed Example
LAN Local Area Network Building/Room High Office, Home
MAN Metropolitan Area Network City Moderate University network
WAN Wide Area Network Country/World Variable Internet
CAN Campus Area Network Campus High University or hospital
PAN Personal Area Network Few meters Varies Bluetooth connection

✅ Comparison Table – Topologies


Topology Structure Pros Cons
Difficult to troubleshoot, single point of
Bus Single backbone cable Cost-effective, simple
failure
Easy to manage, isolate
Star All devices to hub Hub failure breaks network
issues
Ring Circular connection Predictable data flow One fault affects entire network
Devices fully Reliable, no single failure
Mesh Complex and costly
connected point
Hierarchical (star +
Tree Scalable, structured Backbone failure affects network
bus)
Hybrid Mix of two or more Flexible and robust Complex design

🎓 Conclusion
Understanding networks and their topologies is fundamental in designing efficient, scalable, and secure
communication systems. Each type of network and topology has its own strengths and limitations, and the
choice depends on:

 The organization’s needs


 Budget
 Security requirements
 Geographical area

You might also like