Computer Networking

Course Content
 Networks: Basic concepts
 Network topology
 Uses of networks in sharing of resources, Backups
 Common types of networks; LAN/WAN/Internet, Server
based networks, client server model, P2P
 Network media
 Wireless networks
 Network topology
The network topology is a structure or the physical arrangement of
the network devices, how the components of the network are
interconnected with each other.
Logical Topology
It tells about a network that should be configured for the transfer of
information. This is different from physical topology as it does not
explain the physical wiring of a network, but instead, it describes
the flow of data, information, and back, from one system to another
and the routes it takes.
Physical Topology
A Physical topology explains about how network devices are
physically connected or how devices are actually plugged into each
other, for example cables, wireless connectivity and more.
 Network topology
Physical Topology Logical Topology
Physical Topology means the physical Logical topology means how the
layout of the network. network device layout will be shown
and how the data will be transferred.
For example−Ring, Bus, Star, and Mesh For example − Ring and Bus.
In this topology, we are concerned with This topology is concerned with the
how data will be transferred from the high-level representation of the data
actual path. transfer.
As per the requirement, we can modify There is no change accepted.
the layout of the network.
It can affect cost, bandwidth, scalability It can affect data delivery.
etc.
Types of physical topologies are star, Types of logical topologies are logical
mesh, bus, and ring. bus, and logical ring.
Network topology
Logical Topology
It tells about a network that should be configured for the
transfer of information. This is different from physical
topology as it does not explain the physical wiring of a
network, but instead, it describes the flow of data, information,
and back, from one system to another and the routes it takes.
Some examples of Logical topology are as follows −
• Logical Star Topology − Uses logical bus topology to
transfer data among devices.
• Logical Ring Topology − One node is allowed to transfer
data in a network at a time. This is implemented by using a
token system so that only one is allowed at a time.
 The Computer Network
 A computer network is a group of computers/devices(Nodes)
that use a set of common communication protocols over digital
interconnections for the purpose of sharing resources located on
or provided by the network nodes.
 The nodes of a computer network may include personal
computers, servers, networking hardware, or other specialised or
general-purpose hosts.
 The interconnections between nodes are formed from a broad
spectrum of telecommunication network technologies, based on
physically wired, optical, and wireless technologies.
 A communication protocol is a set of rules for exchanging
information over a network. physically wired, optical, and
wireless
 The Network Diagram
Wired Network PC Firewall The Internet

Fiber Optic Network Cable

Router
Switch

Server Other LANS

Wireless Network
 The Advantages/Uses of Network
Simultaneous Access
 There are moments in any business when several workers
may need to use the same data at the same time.
Shared Peripheral Devices

Personal Communications
 Videoconferencing
 Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP):-VoIP transmits the sound
of voice over a computer network using the Internet Protocol
(IP ) rather than sending the signal over traditional phone
wires
Easier Data Backup
 The Networking Devices(Nodes)
1. NIC Card
2. Repeater
3. Hub
4. Switch
5. Bridge
6. Router
7. Gateway
8. Firewall
 1. Network Interface Card
 NIC is used to physically
connect host devices to the
network media.
 A NIC is a printed circuit board
that fits into the expansion slot
of a bus on a computer
motherboard.
 It can also be a peripheral
device. NICs are sometimes
called network adapters.
 Each NIC is identified by a
unique code called a Media
Access Control (MAC) address.
 This address is used to control
data communication for the host
on the network.
 2. Repeaters

 A repeater is a network device used to

regenerate a signal.
 Repeaters regenerate analog or digital
signals that are distorted by transmission
loss due to attenuation.
 A repeater does not make an intelligent
decision concerning forwarding packets
 3. Hubs

 Hubs concentrate on connections.

 In other words, they take a group
of hosts and allow the network to
see them as a single unit. This is
done passively, without any other
effect on the data transmission.
 Active hubs concentrate hosts and
also regenerate signals.
 4. Bridges

 Bridges convert network data

formats and perform basic data
transmission management.
 Bridges provide connections
between LANs.
 They also check data to
determine if it should cross the
bridge. This makes each part of
the network more efficient
 5. Switches

 Switches add more intelligence to data transfer management.

 They can determine if data should remain on a LAN and
transfer data only to the connection that needs it.
 Another difference between a bridge and switch is that a
switch does not convert data transmission formats
 6. Routers

 Routers have all the capabilities listed

above.
 Routers can regenerate signals,
concentrate multiple connections,
convert data transmission formats, and
manage data transfers.
 They can also connect to a WAN, which
allows them to connect LANs that are
separated by great distances.
 7. Gateway

 A gateway is a piece of
networking hardware used in
telecommunications for
telecommunications networks that
allows data to flow from one discrete
network to another.
 Gateways are distinct from routers
or switches in that they communicate
using more than one protocol to
connect a bunch of networks
 8. Firewall
 A firewall is a network device or
software for controlling network
security and access rules.
 Firewalls are inserted in connections
between secure internal networks
and potentially insecure external
networks such as the Internet.
 Firewalls are typically configured to
reject access requests from
unrecognized sources while allowing
actions from recognized ones.
 The vital role firewalls play in network
security grows in parallel with the
constant increase in cyber attacks.
 Types of Networks
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
3. Campus Area Network (CAN)
4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
5. Wide Area Network (WAN)
6. Storage-Area Network (SAN)
7. Client Server Network
8. Peer to Peer Network (P2P)
 1. Personal Area Network
1. Personal Area Network (PAN) is a
computer network used for data
transmission amongst devices
such as computers, telephones,
tablets and personal digital
assistants.
2. Also Known as HAN (Home Area
Network)
3. PANs can be used for
communication amongst the
personal devices themselves
(interpersonal communication), or
for connecting to a higher level
network and the Internet (an uplink)
where one "master" device takes
up the role as internet router.
 2. Local Area Network
 Xerox Corporation worked in
collaboration with DEC and
Intel to create Ethernet, which
is the most pervasive LAN
architecture used today.
 Ethernet has evolved and has
seen significant improvements
in regard to speed and
efficiency.

 An upside of a LAN is fast data transfer with data speed that can reach
up to 10Gbps.
 Other significant LAN technologies are Fiber Distributed Data Interface
(FDDI) and token ring.
 3. Campus Area Network
 Larger than LANs, but smaller
than metropolitan area networks
these types of networks are
typically seen in universities,
large K-12 school districts or
small businesses.
 They can be spread across
several buildings that are fairly
close to each other so users can
share resources
 4. Metropolitan Area Network

1. A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller than or equal in size to a WAN.
2. The size range anywhere from 5 to 50km in diameter.
3. MANs are typically owned and managed by a single entity.
4. This could be an ISP or telecommunications company that sells its services
to end-users in that metropolitan area.
5. For all intents and purposes, a MAN has the same characteristics as a WAN
with distance constraints.
 5. Wide Area Network

• A Wide Area Network exist over a large area

• Data travels through telephone or cable lines
• Usually requires a Modem
• The world’s largest Wide Area Network in the Internet
 6. Storage Area Network
 SAN may be referred to as a Sub network or special purpose network.
 Its special purpose is to allow users on a larger network to connect
various data storage devices with clusters of data servers.
 SANs can be accessed in the same fashion as a drive attached to a
server.
 7. Client/Server Network
 In a client/server arrangement,
network services are located on a
dedicated computer called a server.
 The server responds to the requests
of clients.
 The server is a central computer that
is continuously available to respond
to requests from clients for file, print,
application, and other services.

 Most network operating systems adopt the form of a client/server

relationship.
 Typically, desktop computers function as clients, and one or more
computers with additional processing power, memory, and specialized
software function as servers.
 8. Peer to Peer Network

 Usually very small networks

 Each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities
 Does not require a switch or a hub.
 These types of networks do not perform well under heavy data
loads.
Network Models

• OSI Model
• TCP/IP Model
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LAYERED TASKS

 A network model is a layered architecture

 Task broken into subtasks
 Implemented separately in layers in stack
 Functions need in both systems
 Peer layers communicate

 Protocol:
 A set of rules that governs data communication
 It represents an agreement between the communicating devices

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Tasks involved in sending a letter

Topics discussed in this section:

Sender, Receiver, and Carrier
Hierarchy (services)
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THE OSI MODEL

Established in 1947, the International Standards

Organization (ISO) is a multinational body dedicated
to worldwide agreement on international standards.

An ISO is the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI)

model is the standard that covers all aspects of
network communications from ISO. It was first
introduced in the late 1970s.

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 ISO is the organization.
OSI is the model.

Topics discussed in this section:

Layered Architecture
Peer-to-Peer Processes
Encapsulation

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Layered Architecture
Layers
Seven layers of the OSI model
Layer 7. Application

Layer 6. Presentation
Layer 5. Session

Receiver
Layer 4. Transport
Sender

Layer 3. Network

Layer 2. Data Link

Layer 1. Physical

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TCP/IP PROTOCOL SUITE

The layers in the TCP/IP protocol suite do not exactly

match those in the OSI model.
The original TCP/IP protocol suite was defined as having
four layers:
host-to-network,
internet,
transport, and
application.

Some Authors say there are four layers of the TCP/IP model: 
network access,
internet,
transport, and
application. 
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 TCP/IP and OSI model

TCP/IP Model
OSI Model

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