Activity - 1

Aim - Introduction to Computer Networks.

A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers and devices that

share data, resources, and information. These devices communicate with each other
using wired or wireless transmission media. Networks help in sharing hardware like
printers, software, and internet connections. Computer networks also enable fast
communication through email, messaging, and video calls.

Types of Computer Networks:

1. LAN (Local Area Network) -A LAN covers a small geographical area such as a
room, building, school, or office. It provides high data transfer speed and low latency.
LAN is easy to install and manage. It is commonly used in computer labs and offices.

2. MAN(Metropolitan Area Network) - A MAN covers a larger area than LAN,

usually a city or large campus. It connects multiple LANs together. MAN provides
moderate data speed. It is commonly used by cable TV networks and city-wide Wi-Fi
networks.

3. WAN (Wide Area Network) - A WAN covers a very large geographical area such
as a country or the entire world. It connects LANs and MANs using leased lines or
satellites. WAN has comparatively lower speed than LAN. The Internet is the best
example of WAN.
Network Topologies:

1. Bus topology - In bus topology, all devices are connected to a single main cable
called the backbone. Data is transmitted in both directions along the cable. It is easy
to install and low cost. However, failure of the main cable can stop the entire network.

2. Star topology - In star topology, all devices are connected to a central device such
as a hub or switch. Each device has a dedicated connection to the central node. It is
easy to manage and troubleshoot. Failure of one node does not affect the whole
network.

3. Ring topology - In ring topology, devices are connected in a circular manner. Data
travels in one direction from one device to another. It provides equal access to all
nodes. Failure of one device can affect the entire network.

4. Mesh topology - In mesh topology, every device is connected to every other device.
It provides high reliability and security. Data can be transmitted through multiple
paths. It is expensive and complex to install.
5. Hybrid topology - Hybrid topology is a combination of two or more different
topologies. It is flexible and scalable. It provides high performance and reliability. It
is commonly used in large organizations.

OSI Reference Model:

The OSI model is a conceptual framework used to understand network

communication. It consists of seven layers, each with a specific function. It helps in
designing and troubleshooting networks. OSI model standardizes communication
between different systems.

Layer 1 : Physical Layer -

The Physical Layer is the lowest layer of the OSI model. It is responsible for the
physical transmission of raw data bits (0s and 1s) over the communication medium.
This layer defines hardware specifications such as cables, connectors, voltage levels,
data rate, and transmission modes. It does not understand data; it only transmits bits.

Layer 2 : Data Link Layer -

The Data Link Layer ensures error-free transmission of data between two directly
connected nodes. It converts raw bits into frames and handles physical addressing
using MAC addresses.
Layer 3 :Network Layer -
The Network Layer is responsible for routing and forwarding data packets from the
source to the destination across multiple networks. It uses logical addressing (IP
addresses) to identify devices uniquely.

Layer 4 : Transport Layer -

The Transport Layer provides end-to-end communication between sender and
receiver. It ensures complete data transfer with proper sequencing and error recovery.

Layer 5 : Session Layer -

The Transport Layer provides end-to-end communication between sender and
receiver. It ensures complete data transfer with proper sequencing and error recovery.

Layer 6 : Presentation Layer -

The Presentation Layer is responsible for the formatting, encryption, and compression
of data. It ensures that data sent by the application layer of one system is readable by
the application layer of another system.

Layer 7: Application Layer -

The Application Layer is the topmost layer of the OSI model. It provides network
services directly to users and applications.

TCP/IP Protocol suite:

The TCP/IP Protocol Suite is a set of communication protocols used to connect
devices over the Internet and other [Link]/IP defines how data is packetized,
addressed, transmitted, routed, and [Link] the OSI model, which is a
conceptual model, TCP/IP is a practical and implemented protocol suite used in real
networks.

The TCP/IP model consists of four layers-

1. Network Access Layer - The Network Access Layer is responsible for the
physical transmission of data over the network. It defines how data is sent over
hardware such as cables, switches, and network interface cards.

2. Internet Layer - The Internet Layer is responsible for logical addressing and
routing of data packets across networks. It determines the best path for data
transmission from source to destination.

3. Transport Layer - The Transport Layer provides end-to-end communication

between sender and receiver. It ensures reliable or unreliable data transfer based on
the protocol used.

4. Application Layer - The Application Layer provides network services directly to

user applications. It enables services like email, file transfer, web browsing, and
remote login.

Transmission Media (Cables/Media):

Transmission media refers to the physical or wireless path through which data is
transmitted from one device to another in a computer network. It acts as a
communication channel that carries signals in the form of electrical, optical, or
electromagnetic waves.

Types of Transmission Media:

1. Wired(Guided) Media -Wired transmission media uses physical cables to transmit

data signals.

(a) Twisted Pair Cable - Twisted pair cable consists of two insulated copper wires
twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference. It is the most commonly used
cable in computer networks. It has two types - UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) and
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair).

(b) Coaxial Cable - Coaxial cable consists of a central copper conductor, surrounded
by insulation, metallic shield, and outer plastic cover. It provides better noise
resistance than twisted pair cable.

(c) Optical Fiber Cable - Optical fiber cable transmits data in the form of light
signals using glass or plastic fibers. It provides very high speed and large bandwidth.
Optical fiber is immune to electromagnetic interference and is highly secure.
2. Wireless(Unguided) Media - Wireless transmission media does not use physical
cables.

(a) Radiowaves - Radio waves are used for short to medium range communication.
They can pass through walls and buildings easily.
(b) Microwaves - Microwaves are used for long-distance communication and require
line-of-sight transmission. They provide high data rates and are used in satellite and
mobile communication.
(c) Infrared Waves - Infrared waves are used for short-range communication. They
require direct line-of-sight and cannot pass through walls.
(d) Satellite Communication - Satellite communication uses artificial satellites to
transmit data over very large distances. It provides global coverage and is useful in
remote areas. However, it has higher delay and cost.

Networking Devices:

Networking devices are hardware components used to connect computers and other
devices in a network. These devices help in data transmission, routing, signal
regeneration, and network management.

1. Network Interface Card(NIC) - A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware

component that allows a computer to connect to a network. It provides a physical
interface between the computer and the network cable or wireless medium.

2. Modem - A modem stands for Modulator–Demodulator. It converts digital signals

from a computer into analog signals for transmission and vice versa. Modems are
used to connect a computer or router to an Internet Service Provider (ISP).

3. Repeater - A repeater is a networking device used to regenerate and amplify weak

signals. It helps extend the distance of a network. Repeaters work at the Physical
Layer of the OSI model.
4. Hub - A hub is a basic networking device used to connect multiple computers in a
network. It works at the Physical Layer of the OSI model. When a hub receives data
from one device, it broadcasts the data to all connected devices.

5. Switch - A switch is an intelligent networking device that connects multiple

devices within a LAN. It works at the Data Link Layer of the OSI model. A switch
sends data only to the intended destination device using MAC addresses.

6. Router - A router is a networking device used to connect different networks

together. It works at the Network Layer of the OSI model. Routers use IP addresses to
forward data packets from source to destination.

7. Bridge - A bridge is used to connect two or more LAN segments. It works at the
Data Link Layer and uses MAC addresses to filter traffic. Bridges reduce network
congestion by dividing large networks into smaller segments.

8. Gateway - A gateway is a networking device that connects different types of

networks using different protocols. It acts as a translator between networks.
 Activity - 2

Aim – Cable connection using UTP cable

Step 1: Create a basic topology

Step 2: Assign IP addresses to PC0 and PC1

Step 3: Message transfer test

Step 4: Basic connectivity test
 Activity - 3

Aim: T o Connect two PC/via switch in a LAN using Cisco packet tracer

Step 1: Create the Basic Topology

Step 2: Assign IP Addresses to PC0 and PC1

Step 3: Basic Connectivity Test

Step 4 : Message Transfer Test

 Activity - 4

Aim: Basic switch configuration using CPT

Step 1: Create the Basic Topology

Step 2: Assign IP Addresses to PC0 and PC1

Step 3: Set device name, password, and save configuration

Step 4 : Message Transfer Test