LAN
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What Is a Computer Network?
Figure 1 A simple computer network
Why Use a Computer Network?
Sharing information (or data)
Sharing hardware and software
Centralizing administration and support
The Two Major Types of Networks:
LANs and WANs
Local Area Network (LAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
Is the basic building block of any computer network.
A LAN can range from simple (two computers
connected by a cable) to complex (hundreds of
connected computers and peripherals throughout a
major corporation).
The distinguishing feature of a LAN is that it is
confined to a limited geographic area.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Has no geographical limit.
It can connect computers and other devices on
opposite sides of the world.
A WAN is made up of a number of
interconnected LANs.
The ultimate WAN is the Internet.
Wide Area Networks
Relation between hosts on LANs and the subnet.
Network Configuration
LAN
All networks have certain components, functions, and features
in common:
Servers—Computers that provide shared resources to
network users.
Clients—Computers that access shared network resources
provided by a server.
Media—The wires that make the physical connections.
Shared data—Files provided to clients by servers across the
network.
Shared printers and other peripherals—Additional resources
provided by servers.
Network Configuration (2)
Networks are divided into two broad
categories:
Peer-to-peer networks
Server-based networks
Figure 2 Typical peer-to-peer and server-based networks
Peer-to-Peer Networks
No dedicated servers
All the computers are equal and therefore are known
as peers.
Each computer functions as both a client and a server
There is no administrator responsible for the entire
network.
Size ("workgroup" ), typically 10 or fewer computers.
Cost, no need for a powerful central server
Server-Based Networks
• More than 10 users
• A dedicated (one/more) server
A network with two clients and one server.
Server-Based Networks(3)
Specialized Servers
File and Print Servers
Application Servers
Mail Servers
Fax Servers
Communications Servers
Directory Services Servers
The Role of Software in a Server-Based
Environment
A network server and its operating system work
together as a unit.
Server-Based Networks(4)
Server-Based Network Advantages
Although it is more complex to install, configure, and
manage, a server-based network has many advantages
over a simple peer-to-peer network.
Sharing Resources
Security
Backup
Redundancy
Number of Users
Hardware Considerations
LAN Topology
The term topology, refers to the arrangement or
physical layout of computers, cables, and other
components on the network.
The network's topology affects its capabilities and
have an impact on the:
Type of equipment the network needs.
Capabilities of the equipment.
Growth of the network.
Way the network is managed
All network designs stem from four standard
topologies:
Bus - Star - Ring - Mesh
Bus
Sending the signal
Network data in the form of electronic signals is sent to
all the computers on the network.
Only the computer whose address matches the address
encoded in the original signal accepts the information.
All other computers
reject the data.
Signal Bounce
If the signal is allowed to continue uninterrupted, it
will keep bouncing back and forth along the cable and
prevent other computers from sending signals.
Therefore, the signal must be stopped after it has had
a chance to reach the proper destination address.
Terminator: is placed at each end of the cable to
absorb free signals.
Star
Cable segments from each
computer are connected to a
centralized component called a hub
or switch
The advantage of centralized
resources and management.
only the failed computer will not
be able to send or receive network
data.
Requires a great deal of cable in a
large network installation.
If the central point fails, the entire
network goes down.
Ring
connects computers on a
single circle of cable.
The signals travel around the
loop in one direction and pass
through each computer
The failure of one computer
can have an impact on the
entire network.
Token Passing
A token is a special series of bits that travels
around a token-ring network.
The sending computer modifies the token, puts
an electronic address on the data, and sends it
around the ring.
The receiving computer returns a message to the
sending computer indicating that the data has
been received.
After verification, the sending computer creates
a new token and releases it on the network.
A token can circle a ring 200 meters (656 feet) in
diameter about 477,376 times per second.
Mesh
offers superior redundancy and reliability.
if one cable fails, another will take over the traffic.
expensive to install because they use a lot of cabling.
Hybrid Topologies:
Star Bus
Star Ring
