Computer Networks and

Security
EVOLUTION OF NETWORKS
A network additionally enables associated PCs to share documents and
information and also equipment assets, i.e., scanners, plotters, projectors, and
storage devices, making it simpler to gather and administer data, and enabling
clients to work together.
The system was simply not advanced in one day; rather took a long time to be
an all the more incredible, productive, and dependable system.
Advancement of systems administration began path back in 1969’s with the
improvement of the first system called ARPANET, which prompted the
improvement of the web.
At that point, constant everyday upgradation occurs in the system innovation.
The system has gone through a few phases which are described by the following:
ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency Network)
ARPANET was the network that became the basis for the Internet. It was the first
network that came into existence in 1969, which was designed and named by the
Advanced Research Projects Agency (ARPA) and the US Department of Defence (DoD).
It was where a bunch of PCs was associated at various colleges and US DoD for sharing
information and messages and playing long separation diversions and associating with
individuals to share their perspectives.
NSFNET (National Science Federation Network)
In the mid-’80s another federal agency, NSFNET (National Science Federation Network)
created a new network that was more capable than ARPANET and became the first
backbone infrastructure for the commercial public Internet. Its main aim was to use
networks only for academic research and not for any kind of private business activity.
Later, many privately owned businesses with their very own private systems joined
with ARPANET and NSFNET to make a more capable and wide network, the Internet.
ARPANET + NSFNET + PRIVATE NETWORKS = INTERNET
Internet
The Internet, which is a network of networks, came into existence. The
internet has evolved from ARPANET. The internet is a globally connected
network system that utilizes TCP/IP to transmit information.
It allows computers of different types to exchange information and is known
as the internet.
The Internet is the financial communications method on the planet, in which
the following services are instantly available:
◦ Email
◦ Web-enabled audio/video conferencing services
◦ Online movies and gaming
◦ Data transfer/file-sharing, often through File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
◦ Instant messaging
◦ Internet forums
◦ Social networking
◦ Online shopping
◦ Financial services
Interspace
An interspace is a software that allows multiple users in a client-server
environment to communicate with each other to send and receive data of
various types such as data files, video, audio, and textual data. Interspace
gives the most exceptional type form of communication available on the
Internet today.
Elements of Computer
Network
Computer Network is a system in which multiple nodes are connected to
each other to share information and resources. A computer network allows
sharing of resources between different nodes connected within it.
Computer Network Elements: The objects basically used in a computer
network are known as Computer Network Elements (CNEs). There are
basically 4 computer networking elements:
1.Computers
2.Transmission medium (wired or wireless)
3.Protocols
4.Network software
1. Computers:
A computer is a digital device that is able to accept data as input, a process
that data using predefined algorithms and data structures, and perform tasks
as output – that includes the transformation of raw data into information,
then knowledge, and finally insight about the data’s domain. The output also
takes the form of the performance of physical tasks along with data storage,
data transformation, and data retrieval. The network is also formed by
computers for the purposes of data interchange and leveraging a distributed
programming model for parallel processing.
2. Transmission medium:
The means through which we send our data from one place to another is
known as the Transmission medium.
Signals are used to represent data by computers and other
telecommunication devices. The signals (i.e., data or information) are
transmitted in the form of electromagnetic energy from one device to
another. These signals travel through a vacuum, air, or other transmission
mediums to move from one point to another (from sender to receiver).
The transmission medium is of two types:
• (i) Wired or Guided: For example, Twisted Pair Cable, Coaxial Cable, and Optical
Fiber Cable.
• (i) Wireless or Unguided: For example, Radiowaves, Microwaves, and Infrared.
3. Protocols:
There are some defined rules and conventions for communication between
network devices.
These are called Protocols. Network protocols include mechanisms for
devices to identify and make connections with each other, as well as
formatting rules that specify how data is packaged into sent and received
messages.
◦ Protocols may be of 3 types:
1.Internet Protocols - is a network layer
protocol that sends datagrams across networks.
2.Wireless Network Protocols - are rules that
govern how data is sent and received over
wireless networks
3.Network Routing Protocols - are used to
determine the best path for data to travel
through a network.
4. Network Software:
Network software is a foundational element for any network. This type of
software helps administrators deploy, manage and monitor a network. The
traditional networks are made up of specialized hardware, such as routers
and switches, that bundle the networking software into the solution.
Such types of software encompasses a broad range of software used for the
design, implementation, and operation, and monitoring of computer
networks. Traditional networks were hardware-based with software
embedded. When software like Defined Networking (SDN) emerged, the
software is separated from the hardware thus making it more adaptable to
the ever-changing nature of the computer network.
Dimensions of Computer
Network
Dimensions of computer networks mean under what characteristics or factors
can the computer networks be categorized. Computer networks can be
divided into different groups under the pattern which recognizes the
transmission of information or messages by the sender to the receiver and
the area it covers for message delivery.
Computer networks are divided into two dimensions:
1.Transmission technology - refers to physical layer protocol duties like modulation,
demodulation, line coding, and many more. It might also include higher-level
protocol duties such as digitizing analog signals, data compression, etc.
2.Scale - refers to the capacity of a network to handle increasing amounts of data,
users, or devices without significant performance degradation, essentially meaning
how well a network can grow and adapt to growing demands, often measured by its
geographical reach
Classification of computer networks according to
transmission technology:
1.Broadcast networks
2.Point-to-point networks
Broadcast Networks
Broadcast networks are networks that have a
single sender and multiple receivers using a
common transmission channel. Short messages
sent by any sender are received by all others.
An address field within the packet specifies to
whom it is sent. The message is sent to all the
receivers using their own transmission channel.

Broadcasting is a mode of operation in which a packet is sent to a

number of receivers using a unique id in the address field. In
Multicasting, the message is sent to the targeted or specific members
of the network.
Broadcast networks are also known as terrestrial networks. It is basically a
group of radio stations, television stations, or any other electronic media
outlets that simply generate agreement to air, or broadcast, content
generally from a centralized source. Broadcasting is simply a method of
transferring messages to all the recipients simultaneously.
In this network, a message that is sent by a node is received by all the other
nodes connected to the network and share a common medium of
communication. Broadcast networks also avoid procedures of complex
routing of switched network by simply confirming and ensuring that each
transmission of nodes is basically received by all the other nodes in the
network. This is the reason why the broadcast network has single
communications channel.
In this network, each receiving station just receives all signals that are sent
by transmitters. Even routing of signals is highly affected passively. These
networks generally have single communication that is shared by all machines
present on the network. Short messages also are known as packets that are
sent by any of the machines present are received by all of the others present
over there. Some of the systems of broadcast also support transmission to
subset of machines also known as multicasting. It just links, in contrast,
communication channel that is basically shared by all of machines in
network.
Advantages of Broadcast Networks –
• In this network, packets are generally transmitted and received by all of
computers.
• It allows multicasting in the network.
• It has no limit. Even events can also run as long as required.
• It ensures better utilization of all resources available.

Disadvantages of Broadcast Networks –

• It cannot accommodate huge number of devices.
• It doesn’t allow personalization of message.
Point-to-Point Networks
It consists of many connections
between individual pairs of devices.

Two broadcast networks are:

◦ Bus
◦ Ring
Bus: When several devices are
connected to a single cable of
transmission then it is called a bus.
Ring: In Ring topology, there is a circular
data path. Each of the devices is
connected to two other devices in the
network.
Point-to-Point Networks or Point-to-Point Connection is type of private data
connection that is connecting securely two or more locations for private data
services. It might also be configured to usually carry voice, internet, and data
services together all over same point-to-point network. It simply refers to type of
communication connection among two endpoints or nodes of communication. It is
connection among pairs of machines. Transmission from point-to-point with one
sender and receiver is commonly known as unicasting.
This network is generally used for two locations that are required to securely send
data that is very sensitive and confidential among each of locations. A point-to-point
or P2P (Data Link) also gives or provides path from one point that is fixed to other
point being fixed. It is very closed network data transport service that does not travel
through public Internet. This network includes various connections among individual
pairs of machine. A packet present on these types of networks might be needed to
go through intermediate computers before they reach desired or destination
computer. The packets also need to follow multiple routes of different length sizes.
Advantages of Point-to-Point Networks –
• It increases productivity.
• It generally uses leased lines so that speeds are guaranteed.
• It provides better security so that data can be transferred securely with confidence.

Disadvantages of Point-to-Point Networks –

• With this network, we can only connect two sites.
• It is very expensive for distant locations.
Broadcast networks can be, depending on how
the channel is allocated, further divided into:
◦ Static – uses round-robin algorithms. It wastes
channel capacity.
◦ Dynamic – Channel allocation could be centralized or
decentralized.
Classification of Networks by Scale
We can note that the classification of the network can be defined by another
factor which is the distance between the devices for the transmission of
information. Distance is important as a classification characteristic because
different techniques are used at different scales.
Computer Networks
A computer network is a cluster of computers over a shared communication
path that works to share resources from one computer to another, provided
by or located on the network nodes.

A computer network is a system that connects many independent

computers to share information (data) and resources. The integration of
computers and other different devices allows users to communicate more
easily. A computer network is a collection of two or more computer systems
that are linked together. A network connection can be established using
either cable or wireless media. Hardware and software are used to connect
computers and tools in any network.
Uses of Computer Networks
• Communicating using email, video, instant messaging, etc.
• Sharing devices such as printers, scanners, etc.
• Sharing files.
• Sharing software and operating programs on remote systems.
• Allowing network users to easily access and maintain
information.
Types of Computer Networks
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
PAN is the most basic type of computer
network. It is a type of network designed to
connect devices within a short range,
typically around one person. It allows your
personal devices, like smartphones, tablets,
laptops, and wearables, to communicate
and share data with each other. PAN offers
a network range of 1 to 100 meters from
person to device providing communication.
Its transmission speed is very high with
very easy maintenance and very low cost.
This uses Bluetooth, IrDA, and Zigbee as
technology. Examples of PAN are USB,
computer, phone, tablet, printer, PDA, etc.
Types of PAN
•Wireless Personal Area Networks: Wireless Personal Area Networks are
created by simply utilizing wireless technologies such as WiFi and Bluetooth.
It is a low-range network.
•Wired Personal Area Network: A wired personal area network is
constructed using a USB.
Advantages of PAN
• PAN is relatively flexible and provides high efficiency for short network ranges.
• It needs easy setup and relatively low cost.
• It does not require frequent installations and maintenance
• It is easy and portable.
• Needs fewer technical skills to use.

Disadvantages of PAN
• Low network coverage area/range.
• Limited to relatively low data rates.
• Devices are not compatible with each other.
• Inbuilt WPAN devices are a little bit costly.
Applications of PAN
•Home and Offices
•Organizations and the Business sector
•Medical and Hospital
•School and College Education
•Military and Defense
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
LAN is the most frequently used network.
A LAN is a computer network that connects
computers through a common
communication path, contained within a
limited area, that is, locally. A LAN
encompasses two or more computers
connected over a server. The two important
technologies involved in this network
are Ethernet and Wi-fi. It ranges up to 2km
& transmission speed is very high with easy
maintenance and low cost. Examples of LAN
are networking in a home, school, library,
laboratory, college, office, etc.
Advantages of a LAN
• Privacy: LAN is a private network, thus no outside regulatory body controls it,
giving it a privacy.
• High Speed: LAN offers a much higher speed(around 100 mbps) and data transfer
rate comparatively to WAN.
• Supports different transmission mediums: LAN support a variety of
communications transmission medium such as an Ethernet cable (thin cable, thick
cable, and twisted pair), fiber and wireless transmission.
• Inexpensive and Simple: A LAN usually has low cost, installation, expansion and
maintenance and LAN installation is relatively easy to use, good scalability.
Disadvantages of LAN
• The initial setup costs of installing Local Area Networks is high because there is
special software required to make a server.
• Communication devices like an ethernet cable, switches, hubs, routers, cables are
costly.
• LAN administrator can see and check personal data files as well as Internet history
of each and every LAN user. Hence, the privacy of the users are violated
• LANs are restricted in size and cover only a limited area
• Since all the data is stored in a single server computer, if it can be accessed by an
unauthorized user, can cause a serious data security threat.
3. Campus Area Network (CAN)
CAN is bigger than a LAN but smaller than
a MAN. This is a type of computer network
that is usually used in places like a school
or colleges. This network covers a limited
geographical area that is, it spreads across
several buildings within the
campus. CAN mainly use Ethernet
technology with a range from 1km to 5km.
Its transmission speed is very high with a
moderate maintenance cost and moderate
cost. Examples of CAN are networks that
cover schools, colleges, buildings, etc.
Advantages of CAN
• Speed: Communication within a CAN takes place over Local Area Network (LAN) so
data transfer rate between systems is little bit fast than Internet.
• Security: Network administrators of campus take care of network by continuous
monitoring, tracking and limiting access. To protect network from unauthorized
access firewall is placed between network and internet.
• Cost effective: With a little effort and maintenance, network works well by
providing fast data transfer rate with multi-departmental network access. It can be
enabled wirelessly, where wiring and cabling costs can be managed. So to work
with in a campus using CAN is cost-effective in view of performance
4. Metropolitan Area Network
(MAN)
A MAN is larger than a LAN but smaller
than a WAN. This is the type of
computer network that connects
computers over a geographical distance
through a shared communication path
over a city, town, or metropolitan area.
This network mainly uses FDDI, CDDI,
and ATM as the technology with a range
from 5km to 50km. Its transmission
speed is average. It is difficult to
maintain and it comes with a high cost.
Examples of MAN are networking in
towns, cities, a single large city, a large
area within multiple buildings, etc.
Advantages of MAN
• MAN offers high-speed connectivity in which the speed ranges from 10-100 Mbps.
• The security level in MAN is high and strict as compared to WAN.
• It support to transmit data in both directions concurrently because of dual bus
architecture.
• MAN can serve multiple users at a time with the same high-speed internet to all the
users.
• MAN allows for centralized management and control of the network, making it easier to
monitor and manage network resources and security.

Disadvantages of MAN
• The architecture of MAN is quite complicated hence, it is hard to design and maintain.
• This network is highly expensive because it required the high cost to set up fiber optics.
• It provides less fault tolerance.
• The Data transfer rate in MAN is low when compare to LANs.
5. Wide Area Network (WAN)
WAN is a type of computer network that
connects computers over a large
geographical distance through a shared
communication path. It is not restrained
to a single location but extends over
many locations. WAN can also be defined
as a group of local area networks that
communicate with each other with a
range above 50km. Here we use Leased-
Line & Dial-up technology. Its
transmission speed is very low and it
comes with very high maintenance and
very high cost. The most common
example of WAN is the Internet.
Advantages of WAN
• It covers large geographical area which enhances the reach of organisation to transmit data
quickly and cheaply.
• The data can be stored in centralised manner because of remote access to data provided by
WAN.
• The travel charges that are needed to cover the geographical area of work can be
minimised.
• WAN enables a user or organisation to connect with the world very easily and allows to
exchange data and do business at global level.

Disadvantages of WAN
• Traffic congestion in Wide Area Network is very high.
• The fault tolerance ability of WAN is very less.
• Noise and error are present in large amount due to multiple connection point.
• The data transfer rate is slow in comparison to LAN because of large distances and high
number of connected system within the network.
 Comparison between
Different Computer Networks
PAN LAN CAN MAN WAN
Parameters

Personal Area Campus Area Metropolitan Area

Full Name Local Area Network Wide Area Network
Network Network Network

Bluetooth,
Technology Ethernet & Wifi Ethernet FDDI, CDDi. ATM Leased Line, Dial-Up
IrDA,Zigbee

Range 1-100 m Upto 2km 1 – 5 km 5-50 km Above 50 km

Transmission Speed Very High Very High High Average Low

Ownership Private Private Private Private or Public Private or Public

Maintenance Very Easy Easy Moderate Difficult Very Difficult

Cost Very Low Low Moderate High Very High

Other Types of Computer Networks
• Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
• Storage Area Network (SAN)
• System-Area Network (SAN)
• Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)
• Enterprise Private Network (EPN)
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)
• Home Area Network (HAN)
1. Wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN)
WLAN is a type of computer network
that acts as a local area network but
makes use of wireless network
technology like Wi-Fi. This network
doesn’t allow devices to communicate
over physical cables like in LAN but
allows devices to communicate
wirelessly. The most common example of
WLAN is Wi-Fi.
2. Storage Area Network (SAN)
SAN is a type of computer network
that is high-speed and connects
groups of storage devices to several
servers. This network does not
depend on LAN or WAN. Instead, a
SAN moves the storage resources
from the network to its high-powered
network. A SAN provides access to
block-level data storage. Examples of
SAN are a network of disks accessed
by a network of servers.
3. Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)
A POLAN is a type of computer network that is an alternative to a LAN. POLAN
uses optical splitters to split an optical signal from a single strand of single-
mode optical fiber to multiple signals to distribute users and devices. In short,
POLAN is a point to multipoint LAN architecture.
4. Enterprise Private Network (EPN)
EPN is a type of computer network mostly used by businesses that want a
secure connection over various locations to share computer resources.
5. Virtual Private Network
(VPN)
A VPN is a type of computer
network that extends a private
network across the internet and
lets the user send and receive data
as if they were connected to a
private network even though they
are not. Through a virtual point-to-
point connection users can access
a private network remotely. VPN
protects you from malicious
sources by operating as a medium
that gives you a protected network
connection.
6. Home Area Network (HAN)
Many of the houses might have more than
a computer. To interconnect those
computers and with other peripheral
devices, a network should be established
similar to the local area network (LAN)
within that home. Such a type of network
that allows a user to interconnect multiple
computers and other digital devices within
the home is referred to as Home Area
Network (HAN). HAN encourages sharing of
resources, files, and programs within the
network. It supports both wired and
wireless communication.
Internetwork
An internet network is defined as two or more computer network
LANs, WANs, or computer network segments that are connected
by devices and configured with a local addressing system. The
method is known as internetworking. There are two types of
Internetwork.
• Intranet: An internal network within an organization that enables
employees to share data, collaborate, and access resources. Intranets are
not accessible to the public and use private IP addresses.
• Extranet: Extranets extend the intranet to authorized external users, such
as business partners or clients. They provide controlled access to specific
resources while maintaining security.
Advantages of Computer Network
• Central Storage of Data: Files are stored on a central storage database
which helps to easily access and available to everyone.
• Connectivity: A single connection can be routed to connect multiple
computing devices.
• Sharing of Files: Files and data can be easily shared among multiple
devices which helps in easily communicating among the organization.
• Security through Authorization: Computer Networking provides
additional security and protection of information in the system.
Disadvantages of Computer Network
• Virus and Malware: A virus is a program that can infect other programs
by modifying them. Viruses and Malware can corrupt the whole network.
• High Cost of Setup: The initial setup of Computer Networking is
expensive because it consists of a lot of wires and cables along with the
device.
• loss of Information: In case of a System Failure, might lead to some loss
of data.
• Management of Network: Management of a Network is somehow
complex for a person, it requires training for its proper use.