Computer Network

A computer network is a set of nodes like computers and

networking devices that are connected through
communication for the purpose of communication and
sharing resources(hardware/software) among the users.
Networks are used to:
(Benefits of computer network)
• Facilitate communication through email / video
conferencing / instant messaging or any other mode.
• Share hardware devices like a printer or scanner
• Enable file sharing
• Share software or operating programs
• Share information
Disadvantages of computer network
Lack of robustness, security issue, cost of network
 Evolution of
networkin
g at various universities
ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency NETwork): In 1969, The US govt.
formed an agency named ARPANET to connect computers
and defense agencies. The main objective of ARPANET was to develop a network
that could continue to function efficiently even in the event of a nuclear attack.
The National Science Foundation Network (NSFNET) was a program of
coordinated, evolving projects sponsored by the National Science Foundation
(NSF) from 1985 to 1995 to promote advanced research and education networking
in the United States
Internet (INTERconnection NETwork): The Internet is a worldwide network of
computer networks. It is not owned by anybody. The internet has evolved from
ARPANET. The internet is a globally connected network system that utilizes
TCP/IP to transmit information. following services are instantly available through
internet : Email, Web-enabled audio/video conferencing services, Online movies
and gaming , Data transfer/file-sharing, Instant messaging , Internet forums ,
Social networking , Online shopping ,Financial services
Interspace: is a client/server software program that allows multiple users to
communicate online with real –time audio, video and text chat in dynamic 3D
environments.
 Data Communication
Terminologies
Communication means means of sending or
receiving information, such as phone lines or computers.
Components of communications sender, receiver,
message, communication media, protocols
 Switching techniques
Switching Techniques: Switching techniques are used for
transmitting data across networks. Different ways of sending
data across the network are:
Circuit Switching:
• First the complete end-to-end
transmission path is established
between the source and the
destination computers.
• Then the message is
transmitted through the path.
• The main advantage of
thistechnique is guaranteed
delivery of the
message. voice
• Mostly used
for
 Switching techniques
Packet Switching:
• Using the TCP protocol a single large message is
divided into a sequence of packets of size limits
from 128 to 4096 bytes.
• Each packet is independent and has the address
of sender and destination.
• The IP (Internet protocol) does the routing for
the packets. It keeps track of all the different
routes available to the destination. If one route is
not available it finds the alternate route to the
destination.
• At the destination, the TCP protocol re-
assembles the packets into the complete
message.
• If any packets are lost or damaged, a request is
sent to retransmit the same message.
 Data Communication
terminologies
Communication Channel (Transmission media): A communication channel is either
a physical transmission medium such as a wire, or to a logical connection over a
multiplexed medium such as a radio channel in telecommunications and computer
networking.
Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another.it is a
measure of the range of frequencies a transmitted signal occupies. In digital systems,
bandwidth is the data speed in bits per second. In analog systems, bandwidth is
measured in terms of the difference between the highest-frequency signal component
and the lowest-frequency signal component.Bandwidth is expressed in Hz, KHz, and
MHz. The hertz (symbol: Hz) is the derived unit of frequency in the International
System of Units (SI) and is defined as one cycle per second.It is named after Heinrich
Rudolf Hertz. Hertz are commonly expressed in multiples: kilohertz (103 Hz, kHz),
megahertz (106 Hz, MHz), gigahertz (109 Hz, GHz)
Data transfer rate: DTR is the amount of data in digital form that is moved from one
place to another in a given time on a network. Data rates are often measured in megabits
(million bits) or megabytes (millionbytes) per second.
bps bits per second Bps bytes per second
Kbps kilobits per second KBps kilo bytes per second
Mbps megabits per MBps megabytes per
second second
 Transmission media
Wired Networks - It is also known as Ethernet networks, that is most common type of LAN
technology. A wired network is simply a collection of two or more computers, printers, and other
devices linked by Ethernet cables/ any form of wired media. Ethernet is the fastest wired network
protocol, with connection speeds of 10 megabits per second (Mbps) to 100 Mbps or higher. Computer
must have an Ethernet adapter (sometimes called a network interface card, or NIC) to connect with
wire. Most of the network topology uses wired networks.
Cable Twisted pair Coaxial cable Fiber optic
Signal form electricity electricity Light
cost least moderate High
speed low moderate High
Ease of use Easy to install Professional installation Professional installation

reliability low moderate High

Real life application Telephone Tv cable Data transmission &
network telephone line
Data transmission rate 10Mbps – bps 100Mbps >100Gbps
Data transfer range 100m 185m - 500m -
image
 Transmission media
Wireless Networks – It uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to
communicate. Wireless allows for devices to be shared without networking
cable which increases mobility but decreases range.
Infrared Wave Transmission - Short Range Communication: Infrared waves
can travel from a few centimetres to several meters.(Approx. 5m ). Line of
Sight Propagation:Infrared uses point to point communication, both
transmitter and receiver should be placed in line of sight of each other and
there should not be any obstacle in between. Cannot Penetrate Solid object. It
is Inexpensive mode of Communication. Secure : At a time only two devices
can communicate therefore information passed to one device is not leaked to
another device.
Radio Wave Transmission:- Long Range Communication : Radio waves can
cover distances ranging from a few meters (in walkie-talkies) up to covering
an entire city. Omnidirectional: Radio waves are propagated in all directions.
Therefore sending and receiving antennas do not have to be aligned.
Penetrates Solid Objects. Inexpensive mode of communication. Radio wave
communication is insecure communication.
 Transmission media
Microwave radio, a form of radio transmission that use. Ultra-high frequencies. It is a
point-to-point, rather than a broadcast, transmission system. Additionally, each
antenna must be within line of sight of the next antenna. Frequency Bands Maximum
Antenna Separation Analog/Digital 4-6 GHz 32-48 km Analog 10-12 GHz 16-24 km
Digital 18-23 GHz 8-11 km Digital.
Satellite Communication It provide worldwide coverage independent to population
density.Satellite ommunication Systems offer telecommunication (Satellite Phones),
positioning and navigation (GPS), broadcasting, internet, Mobile, TV, etc.

It support Very Long Range Communication with Line of Sight Propagation . It Cannot
Penetrate Solid Objects.It is Very Expensive communication mode.
 Computer Network
(Not part of syllabus)
Microwave link vs Optical fiber
Microwave which is also known as Radio links have been used by many
companies for decades. Most of the Mobile (Cellular) networks use microwave
to connect their cell towers to their backhaul networks.For mobile operators, a
reason using microwave is not the speed which microwave provides. It is used
to connect their remote sites (Rural areas) , because microwave is a faster and
cheaper deployment option compare to fiber.
When more capacity (bandwidth) is required, fiber becomes more economical.
Actual cost of fiber deployments is laboring cost. Digging a trench and laying
the fiber , getting the required permissions from the land owners and from the
municipalities.we have to dig a trench that’s hundreds (or thousands) of
kilometers long, or lease access to ducts that have already been laid by
infrastructure companies.Geography of the land is very important for the fiber
deployments. For example, when faced with a mountain or river, do we go
straight across at great expense, or do you make a diversion to the nearest
bridge or tunnel? Combine all of these factors and you’ll understand why most
of the world’s terrestrial fibre networks are deployed alongside existing roads
and railways.
 Network
devices
Computer hardware devices which are used to
connect computers, printers, or any other electronic
device to a computer network are called network
devices. These devices transfer data in a fast, secure
and correct way with some specific functionality over
same or different networks.

Some devices are installed on the device,

Internal modem, NIC like or
card
whereas RJ45like
some are part of the network,
router, switch, etc. connector,
 Network
devices
NIC – This is at top among other networking devices and mostly used networking
device. This is also known as network adapter card, Ethernet Card and LAN card. It
allows our PC to communicate with other PCs. A PC uses parallel data transmission to
transmit data between its internal parts where as the media that connects this PC with
other device/PCs uses serial data transmission. A NIC converts parallel data stream
into serial data stream and vice
versa.

RJ-45 (Registered Jack – 45) is an eight wired connector that is used to

connect
computers on a local area network (LAN), especially Ethernet.
 Network
HUB – HUB is used to connect multiple computers devices
in a single LAN network of one
workgroup. Generally HUBs are available with 4,8,12,24,48 ports.
When a hub receives signal on its port, it repeats the signal and forwards that signal
from all ports except the port on which the signal arrived. In below diagram leftmost
node try to send signal to node ,but signals are distributed to
rightmost ports(nodes). all
There are two types of HUB
Passive HUB:- It only forwards the signal
on all ports without amplifying the
signal.
Active HUB:- it forwards the signal with
improvement in the quality of data signal
by amplifying it. That why such hubs
need additional power supply.
Based on port type, there are two types
of HUB:-
Ethernet HUB :- All ports have RJ-
45 connectors.
Combo HUB :- Several different types of
connectors such RJ-45, BNC, and
AUI
 Network
devices
SWITCH –Switch is also used to connect multiple computers together in a LAN
workgroup,just like hub. Switches are available with 4,8,12,24,48,64 ports. Switch
makes their switching decisions by using application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs).Due to switching decision capability, switch sends signal to recipient only and
that’s why switches are called as intelligent hub. In below diagram leftmost node
sending signal to rightmost node.
 Network
devices
Modem – Modem is short for Modulator Demodulator. It’s an
electronic device used to access the Internet that modulates
carrier waves to encode information to be transmitted and also
demodulates incoming carrier waves to decode the information
they carry.Modulation means digital to analog signal conversion
and its vice versa is known as demodulation.
 Network
devices
Repeater – In a network signal travels a long distance in
transmission media. Due to resistance of media signal becomes
weak. Repeater is a networking device which regenerates the
signal and forwards these signal with more power.
 Network
Router – Routers operate in the devices
physical, data link and
network layers. Router is a networking device which
chooses the best optimal path from available pats to
send the signals. It interconnects different networks.
The simplest function of a router is to received packets
from one connected network and pass them to second
connected network.

Gateway – A networking device capable to convert

protocols so that two different network architecture
based system can communicate with each other.It
works as protocol convertor.
 Network
Hub Vs.
A hub works on the physical layer (Layerdevices
Switch 1) of OSI model while Switch
works on the data link layer (Layer 2). Switch is more efficient than the
hub. A switch can join multiple computers within one LAN, and a hub
just connects multiple Ethernet devices together as a single segment.
Switch is smarter than hub to determine the target of the forwarding
data. Since switch has a higher performance, its cost will also become
more expensive.
Switch Vs. Router
In the OSI model, router is working on a higher level of network layer
(Layer 3) than switch. Router is very different from the switch because it
is for routing packet to other networks. It is also more intelligent and
sophisticated to serve as an intermediate destination to connect multiple
area networks together. A switch is only used for wired network, yet a
router can also link with the wireless network. With much more
functions, a router definitely costs higher than a
switch.
 Network
Router vs Gateway
devices
Gateway regulates traffic between two dissimilar networks, while router
regulator traffic between similar networks. A router is a hardware
device that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers
perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet.
 Connection In One Network With Router - For example, there are 30
computers connected inside Network A. All these computers
communicate with each other. In this situation, no gateway is
needed. Because a router with a routing table that defines the hops
within those 30 computers is enough.
 Connection Between Different Networks With Gateway - In another
hand, we suppose that there are two networks, that are Network A
and Network B. Computer X from Network A wants to send data to
Computer Y from Network B, then there need to have both a
Gateway A and a Gateway B so that the two networks will be able to
communicate.
 Network
Wi-Fi cards - are small and devices
portable cards that allow your
computer to connect to the internet through a wireless network.
Wi-Fi transmission is through the radio waves, these signals are
picked up by Wi-Fi receivers such as computers and cell phones
equipped with Wi-Fi cards. The devices need to be within the
range of a Wi-Fi network to receive the signals and produces a
wireless internet connection. Once a connection is established
between userand the network, the user is prompted with a login
screen and password for establishing is a secure connection.Wi-
Fi cards can be external or internal. If a Wi-Fi card is not
installed inside your computer, you may purchase an external
USB antenna attachment and connect it to your device. Many
computers and mobile devices are now adays equipped with
wireless networking capability and do not require a Wi-Fi card.
 Computer Network

Structure of a network- The geometrical arrangement of

computer resources, network devices along with communication
channel is known as Network structure or Network topology.
Topology can be physical or logical
• Physical Topology-physical layout of nodes and cables in the network.
• Logical topology - the way information flows between different
components.
Types of Physical Network Topologies
• Bus Topology
• Star Topology
• Ring Topology
• Mesh Topology
• Tree Topology
• Hybrid Topology
 Computer Network

Bus Topology
Nodes are connected through a common communication
media like diagram ngodieven below.node node

Communication media

node ode node

Advantages of a Bus topology

• Easy to install
• Minimal Cable
Disadvantages of a Bus topology
• Difficult reconnection
• Difficult to find the problem
• Difficult to add new devices
• Break stops all transmission of
data
 Computer Network

Star Topology
The star topology uses a separate cable for each
node/workstation.The cable connects the node to a central
device typically a HUB.
Advantages of a Star topology node
node

• Less expensive than mesh

• Easy to install, easy to configure
• If one link fails the network can Hub/
switch

still node
node

function
Disadvantages of a Star topology node
• Everything depends on the hub
 Computer Network

Ring Topology
In ring topology every computer is connected to the next
computer in the ring and each transmit the signal ,what it
receives from the previous computer. The messages fl ow
around the ring in one direction.
node
Advantages of a Ring topology node

• Easy to install
• Easy to reconfigure
• Easy to detect a problem node

Disadvantages of a Ring topology node

• Break means the whole system is

dead node
 Computer Network

Mesh Topology
In mesh topology , separate cable is used to connect each
device to every other device on the network, providing a
straight communication path.
Advantages of a Mesh topology
node
•Avoid traffic since each link can carry its own data and node

none are being shared

• If one link breaks, the rest of the network is
still
• Easy
functional to detect a problem in the network node
node
discovering which device is having by
examining
problems the link that connects to it. and
Disadvantages of a Mesh topology node

• A lot of cables are needed

• Too many cables means too much cost
• Too many cables means complex network
 Computer Network

Tree Topology
In which a central root node (the top level of the hierarchy) is
connected to one or more other nodes that are one
lower
level in the hierarchy node

Advantages of a Mesh topology

• It is scalable.
• Easier fault identification and node
node
Disadvantages
isolation. of a Mesh topology
• Maintenance of the network may be an
issue when the network spans a great node node

area.
• if the backbone fails, the entire network is
crippled.
 Computer Network

Hybrid Topology
use a combination of any two or more topologies in such a
way that the resulting network does not exhibit one of the
standard topologies (e.g., bus, star, ring, etc.).
node

n
node

node ode
 Computer Network

Types of network
1. Personal Area Network (PAN) – communication between
two-three mobile devices or PC for personal purpose.
2. Local Area Network (LAN) – limited area (within building)
3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) – within city
4. Wide Area Network (WAN) – within multiple
city/state/
countries
 Computer Network

1. Personal Area Network(PAN) –

Spread in the proximity of an individual. Cover an area of a
few
meters radius. Set up using guided media(USB cable) or
unguided media (Bluetooth, Infrared). Owned, controlled,
and
managed by a single person.
Examples: A network of devices such as computer, Phone,
MP3/MP4 Player, Camera etc. Transferring songs from one
cell phone to another is a PAN of two phones. Transferring
files from a PC to an MP3 playeris a PAN between the two.
 Computer Network

2. Local Area Network (LAN) – LANs are the most frequently

used/discussed networks.It is one of the most common one
of the simplest types of network.It is designed for small
physical areas such as an office, group of buildings.Any of
different types of topologies can be used to design LAN like
Star, Ring, Bus, Tree etc.
Characteristics of LAN
• private networks means no need of regulatory control.
• Operate at relatively high speed.
• Ethernet, Token ring etc type media access controls are
used
• Connects computers in a single building, block or
campus.
 Computer Network

Advantages of LAN Examples: A networked

• Resource Sharing office building,
• Software Applications Sharing school or
• Easy and Cheap Communication home. Sometimes one
• Centralized Data building can contain a
• Data Security few
•Internet Sharing small LANs (Like some
Disadvantages of LAN schools
• High Setup Cost have
• Privacy Violations independent
• Data Security LANs in each computer
Threat lab.).
• LAN Maintenance
Job
 Computer Network

3. Metropolitan Area Network(MAN):– Spread within a city .

Cover an area of a few kilometres to a few hundred
kilometres radius. Set up using all types of all guided and
unguided media. Owned and operated by a government
body or a large corporation.
Examples: A network of schools, or banks, or Government
offices etc. within a city. A MAN is usually formed by
interconnecting a number of LANs and individual
computers.
 Computer Network

4. Wide Area Network (WAN) –Slightly more complex than a

LAN, a WAN connects computers across longer physical
distances. The Internet is the most basic example of a WAN,
connecting all computers together around the world.
Because of a WAN’s vast reach, it is typically owned and
maintained by any single person or owner.
Characteristics of WAN
• Covers large distances(states, countries, continents).
• Communication medium like satellite, public telephone
networks etc and routers are used establish
Examples: A network of ATMs, BANKs,
connection.
National Organizations' Offices
Government Offices, International
etc., spread over a country, continent, or covering many
continents.
 Computer Network

Advantages of WAN
• Long distance business can connect on the one network.
• Shares software and resources
• Messages can be sent very quickly to wide range of nodes
•Hardware devices can be shared.
Disadvantages of WAN
• Need a good firewall to restrict
unauthorized access
• Setting up a network can be an expensive, slow
and complicated.
• Maintaining a network is a full-time job
• Security is a mazor issue when many different people
have the ability to use information
 Computer Network

Network Layout –
The plan or design or arrangement of network wings
and nodes to be laid out is known as network layout.

A good network layout provides the following features

 Communication speed
 File sharing
 Back up and Roll back is easy
 Software and Hardware sharing
 Security
 Scalability
 Reliability
 Computer Network

How to decide Network Layout

–
The network layout can be best which
provide less installation and maintenance
cost as well as easy installation and
maintenance. It is only possible when it is
properly designed, design with shortest cable
length and fulfill our network requirements.
 Computer Network
How to decide Network Layout – Example
Freya Tech Corporation (FTC) is a professional consultancy company.
The company is planning to set up their new offices in India with its hub
at Udaipur. As a network adviser, you have to understand their
requirement and suggest them the best network layout.
 Computer Network
How to decide Network Layout –
Example

-> Possible bus topologies

a) Human = 110+80
C- Finan-
=190m
Resource
Conference Finance c>e
o>nference Human Resource
b) -> -> = 80+40
Human Conference
=120Fminance Resource
c) -> -> =
40+110=150m
 Computer Network
How to decide Network Layout –
Example

-> Possible Star topologies

Human  Here best
a) Resource
= 110+40 =150m layout is b)
finance to
Conference Finance conferece and
finance to
b) = 80+40 =120m Human resourse
Finance
as it require
Conference Human Resource minimum cable
length
Conference  Tree topology
c) = 80+110=190 m will be also same
Finance due
Human Resource
to only three
 Computer Network
How to decide Server location–
Example

Server location can be decided by seeing the number

of computers/nodes required in each block of
network.
Server must be installed at the wing/block with
Maximum number of Computers due to maximum
load/requirement of services in that block in whole
network .So in above example Server can be installed at
 Computer Network
How to decide Repeater location
 We need a repeater when the total length of a single span of
network cable(Twisted pair) exceeds 100 meters (328 feet).
 We need a repeater when the total length of a single span of
network cable(Coaxial cable) exceeds 500 meters.
 maximum distance of a fiber optic link can be 80-100 km but
it depends on varying factors like the bit rate and the quality
of the splices and the total attenuation of distance. It also
depends on the power of the transmitter and receiver quality.
Satellite link is required when network blocks/wings are too
much far from each other or where installation of cable is
hard.
For data security firewall can be installed in network.
For economic internet connection – dialup internet
connection would be preferred but faster internet
for
Broadband connection is preferred.
 Computer Network

How to decide hub/switch location

The answer is always switch when we can afford it. A
Hub is always half-duplex, and simply acts as a
repeater. The resulting packet collisions, even with only
2 devices, will make it slower than simply using a cable,
whereas a switch intelligently directs traffic based on
the Ethernet address(MAC address), and is full duplex,
resulting in full speed between any devices on the
network at the same time.
In general sense Hub or switch any device can be
installed when there are more than one computer in a
wing/block.