INTRODUCTION TO

NETWORKING
EXPLORING NETWORK HARDWARE, TOPOLOGIES,
AND OPPORTUNITIES
 KEY HARDWARE FOR SETTING
UP NETWORK SYSTEMS
Server: Central computer managing resources(files, services, data)
on networks.
Common Types of Servers:
1. File Server: Stores and manages files
for network users.
2. Web Server: Hosts websites and
delivers web pages to browsers.
3. Database Server: Manages databases
and processes queries from clients.
4. Email Server: Handles the sending
and receiving of emails.
 KEY HARDWARE FOR SETTING
UP NETWORK SYSTEMS
Client: Devices accessing network services or
resources provided by the server.

Clients can be various types of devices, such as:

1. Personal computers

2. Smartphones

3. Tablets

4. Web browsers (which act as clients to

websites)

5. Email clients (such as Outlook or

Thunderbird)
 KEY HARDWARE FOR SETTING
UP NETWORK SYSTEMS

Hub: Basic device connecting

devices (computers, printers, etc.)
in a local area network (LAN).

Here’s how a hub works:

Broadcasts data: When a device

(like a computer) sends data to
the hub, the hub broadcasts that
data to all connected devices,
regardless of whether they need it
or not.
 KEY HARDWARE FOR SETTING
UP NETWORK SYSTEMS

A network switch is a more

advanced networking device than
a hub, used to connect multiple
devices within a local area
network (LAN). It plays a crucial
role in directing data traffic
efficiently by intelligently
forwarding data to the specific
device or port it’s intended for,
rather than broadcasting it to all
 DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HUB
AND SWITCH
Feature Hub Switch
Broadcasts data to all Sends data only to the
Data Handling
devices correct device
Collision
Single collision domain Multiple collision domains
Domain
Higher (dedicated
Efficiency Lower (shared bandwidth)
bandwidth)

Network Slower, especially with Faster, handles more

Performance many devices devices efficiently
More secure (data sent
Less secure (data sent to
Security only to the intended
all)
recipient)
Cost Cheaper More expensive
Layer of
 KEY HARDWARE FOR SETTING
UP NETWORK SYSTEMS

A network cable is a
physical medium used to
connect and transmit data
between devices in a
network, such as
computers, routers,
switches, and other
networked devices.
 KEY HARDWARE FOR SETTING
UP NETWORK SYSTEMS
A network router is an essential device
that connects multiple networks and
directs data between them. It
manages traffic, assigns IP addresses,
offers security features, and enables
internet access for multiple devices.
Whether used in home networks or
large enterprise systems, routers are
crucial for efficient data
communication and network
management.
 NETWORK
A network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as
computers, servers, routers, and switches, that can communicate
with each other to share resources, exchange data, and access
services.

A node is any physical or logical device that can send, receive, or

forward data in a network. Nodes are essential components in a
network because they facilitate communication and data sharing.

Examples of Nodes:

1. Computers (Desktops, Laptops) 2. Printers

3. Routers and Switches 4. Servers

5. Smartphones and Tablets

 NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
Network topology refers to the arrangement of devices
in a network:

Types:

1. Star Topology 2. Bus Topology,

3. Ring Topology 4. Mesh Topology,

5. Tree Topology 6. Hybrid Topology,

7. Point-To-Point Topology
POINT-TO-POINT TOPOLOGY

A direct connection between two

devices
Merits
1. Simple and secure
2. High speed between two
devices
Demerits
3. Limited to two devices
4. Not scalable for larger networks
 BUS TOPOLOGY

All devices are connected to a

single central cable (the bus).
Merits
1. Easy to set up
2. Cost-effective for small
networks
Demerits
3. Difficult to troubleshoot
4. Performance issues with high
traffic
 STAR TOPOLOGY

Devices are connected to a central

hub or switch.
Merits
1. Easy to manage and troubleshoot
2. Failure in one node doesn’t affect
others
Demerits
3. Failure of central hub affects
entire network
4. More cabling required
 RING TOPOLOGY

Devices are connected in a closed

loop, with each device linked to
two others.
Merits
1. Equal access to resources
2. Predictable performance
Demerits
3. Failure of one node can disrupt
entire network
4. Difficult to reconfigure
 MESH TOPOLOGY

Every device is connected to every

other device in the network.
Merits
1. High redundancy and reliability
2. Data can be sent simultaneously
Demerits
3. Expensive and complex to install
4. Requires more maintenance
 TREE TOPOLOGY

Combines multiple star networks

connected to a central backbone
cable.
Merits
1. Scalable and easy to manage
2. Fault isolation is simple
Demerits
3. Backbone failure can bring
down entire network
4. More cabling needed
HYBRID TOPOLOGY

A combination of two or more

different topologies.
Merits
1. Flexible and scalable
2. Can be customized for specific
needs
Demerits
3. Complex to design and manage
4. Expensive due to diverse
configurations
TYPES OF NETWORKS

• • **PAN (Personal Area Network):** For personal devices.

• • **LAN (Local Area Network):** Covers a small area like a
building.
• • **MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):** Spans a city or
campus.
• • **WAN (Wide Area Network):** Covers large areas, even
countries.
• • **WLAN (Wireless LAN):** Wireless version of LAN.
• • **Internet:** Global network connecting millions of
devices.
 TYPES OF NETWORK

Network PAN(Personal Area Network)

Type
Description A small network for personal
devices within a short range
(around 10 meters)
Examples Bluetooth between phone and
headphones, USB connections
Merits 1. Easy to set up
2. Low cost
3. No need for complex hardware
Demerits 1. Limited range
2. Low data transfer speed
 TYPES OF NETWORK

Network LAN(Local Area Network)

Type
Description Connects computers and devices
in a limited area like a home,
office, or school.
Examples Office network, School computer
labs
Merits 1. High speed
2. Secure and easy to manage
3. Low cost setup
Demerits 1. Limited to small areas
2. Maintenance required
 TYPES OF NETWORK

Network WLAN(Wireless Local Area

Type Network)
Description Similar to LAN but uses wireless
technology (Wi-Fi) instead of
cables.
Examples Wi-Fi in homes, cafes, or offices

Merits 1. Wireless flexibility

2. Easy to expand
Demerits 1. Security risks (hacking)
2. Interference issues
 TYPES OF NETWORK

Network MAN (Metropolitan Area

Type Network)
Description Covers a larger area like a city or
a large campus.
Examples City-wide internet, Campus
networks
Merits 1. Covers large areas
2. High-speed connectivity
Demerits 1. Expensive to set up and
maintain
2. Complex management
 TYPES OF NETWORK

Network WAN (Wide Area Network)

Type
Description Spans large geographical areas,
connecting multiple LANs and
MANs.
Examples Internet, Banking networks

Merits 1. Connects globally

2. Reliable for long-distance
communication
Demerits 1. High cost
2. Slower than LANs
 TYPES OF NETWORK

Network SAN (Storage Area Network)

Type
Description A specialized network that
provides access to consolidated
data storage.
Examples Data centers, Large enterprise
storage
Merits 1. High-speed data access
2. Efficient data management
Demerits 1. Expensive
2. Requires specialized skills to
manage
 TYPES OF NETWORK

Network VPN (Virtual Private Network)

Type
Description Provides a secure connection over
the internet by encrypting data.
Examples Remote work connections, Secure
browsing
Merits 1. Enhances privacy and security
2. Bypasses geo-restrictions
Demerits 1. Can reduce internet speed
2. Requires proper setup
 TYPES OF NETWORK

Network Intranet
Type
Description A private network accessible only
to an organization’s staff.
Examples Company internal websites and
portals
Merits 1. Secure internal communication
2. Controlled access
Demerits 1. Limited access (only internal)
2. Requires internal maintenance
 TYPES OF NETWORK

Network Extranet
Type
Description Extends an intranet to external
partners or customers.
Examples Partner portals, Supplier networks

Merits 1. Improves business collaboration

2. Controlled external access
Demerits 1. Security risks if not managed
properly
 TYPES OF NETWORK
Network Internet
Type
Description The Internet is a vast global
network that connects millions of
computers and devices worldwide.
Examples Websites, Online gaming, Cloud
computing
Merits 1. Worldwide communication
2. Unlimited information access
3. Supports various services like
emails, video calls, e-commerce
Demerits 1. Security risks (hacking,
cybercrime)
2. Data privacy issues
ENTREPRENEURIAL
OPPORTUNITIES IN
NETWORKING
1. Network Installation Service

2. Cybersecurity Consulting

3. Cloud Services and Hosting

4. IT Support and Maintenance

5. Managed Network Services

 BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES
OF NETWORKING
Benefits:

1. Easy sharing of resources.

2. Centralized data management.

3. Improved communication.

Challenges:

4. Security risks.

5. High setup and maintenance costs.

 NETWORKING IN DIFFERENT
ENVIRONMENTS
Network Type Environment
PAN (Personal Area Home, Office, Personal
Network) Space
LAN (Local Area Schools, Offices, Cyber
Network) Cafés, Homes
Airports, Hotels, Homes,
WLAN (Wireless LAN)
Cafés
Cities, Large University
MAN (Metropolitan Area
Campuses, Government
Network)
Organizations
Multinational Companies,
WAN (Wide Area
Government Agencies,
Network)
Banking Institutions
Data Centers, Large IT
SAN (Storage Area
Companies, Cloud Service
 NETWORKING IN DIFFERENT
ENVIRONMENTS

Network Type Environment

Businesses, Schools,
Intranet
Government Offices
Businesses, Supply Chain
Extranet Networks, Partner
Organizations
Global (Homes, Schools,
Internet Businesses, Government,
Entertainment)
 BUSINESS ASPECT OF
NETWORKING
1. Network Design and Installation:
Offering services to set up networks.

2. IT Consulting: Advising businesses on

networking solutions.

3. Selling Networking Equipment: Retail or

wholesale of routers, switches, etc.

4. Providing Internet Services: Starting an

ISP for local communities.