Network Notes
Network Notes
Networking
Networking:
A computer network is a collection of interconnected computers and other devices to share
data and other resources(hardware and software resources).
Advantage of Networking
• Resource Sharing
• Improved communication
• Reducedd communication cost
• Reliability of data
• Central storage of data
Disadvantage of Network
• Cost of set-up and maintenance
• Threat to data security
Evolution of Network
• ARPANET-ADVANCED RESEARCH PROJECT AGENCY NETWORKS
• NSFNET-NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION NETWORK
• INTERNET
Internet and Interspace
Internet:
Network of Networks
Interspace
Interspace is a software that allows multiple users in a client-server environment to
communicate with each other by sending and receiving data of various types.
Switching Techniques
The technique of sending data across the network is known as switching technique. The
two types of switching techniques are extensively used
• Circuit switching
• packet switching
Difference between circuit switching /packet switching
Point Circuit Switching Packet Switching
A fixed path is set up before data is No fixed path; data is sent in small
1. Connection
sent. packets.
2. Resource Full path is reserved during
Resources are shared among many users.
Use communication.
3. Data Order Data arrives in the same order. Packets may arrive in any order.
Less efficient; path stays busy even if More efficient; path used only when
4. Efficiency
idle. sending data.
5. Example Landline telephone calls. Internet (like email, web browsing).
Communication Media
• wired media(Guided Media)
• Wireless media(Guided Media)
Wired (Guided Media)
• Twisted pair cable
• Co-axial cable
• Fiber-optic cable
Property Twisted Pair Cable Coaxial Cable Fiber Optic Cable
Copper wires twisted Copper wire with insulation
Structure Glass or plastic fibers.
together. and shielding.
Bandwidth Low Higher than twisted pair. Very high.
Speed Moderate Higher than twisted pair. Very high.
Distance Up to 100 meters. Up to 500 meters. Long distances, even kilometers.
Interference Prone to interference. Less prone to interference. Immune to interference.
Cost Low Moderate High
Security Low security. Moderate security. High security.
Common Cable TV, broadband High-speed internet, long-distance
Telephones, LANs.
Uses internet. communication.
Network Devices
• Modem
o Modulator Demodulator
o A Modem is an electronic device that enables a computer to transmit data
over telephone [Link] is a device used to convert digital signals into analog
signals and vice versa.
• Ethernet card
o It is a hardware device that helps in the connection of nodes with in a
network. Ethernet card is also known as a network card,or network adapter
or NIC network interface card.
• Rj-45(Registered Jack-45)
o It is standard type of connector for network [Link] Rj-45 connectors are
plug-in devices used in networking.
• Repeater
o It is a device that amplifies a signal that is transmitted across the network so
that the signal is received in the same way as it is sent
• Hub
• Switch
• Router
o A router is a network device that can receive the data analyse it and transmit
it to other networks.A router connects a LAN to the internet
• Gateway
o Gateway is a device that connects dissimilar networks
o example
▪ When a home network connects to the internet, the router acts as a
gateway.
• Wifi card
o A wi-fi card is either an internal or external LAN adapter with a builtin
wireless radio or antenna. A wi-fi card is used in a desktop computer that
enables a user to establish an internet connection
Diagram
Advantages
Reliable and robust — failure of one link doesn't affect the rest of the network.
No data traffic issues — as dedicated links exist between devices.
Disadvantages
1. Expensive to install — requires a large number of cables and ports.
2. Difficult to manage — as the number of devices increases, the complexity increases rapidly.
Star topology
Type of network topology where all devices (computers, printers, etc.) are
connected to a central device, typically a hub or a switch. In this configuration, the central device acts
as a mediator between the devices, handling communication between them.
Diagram
Advantages
Easy to install and configure.
Failure of one device does not affect the entire network.
High performance as the central hub can manage traffic efficiently.
Disadvantages
If the central hub fails, the entire network is affected.
Requires more cabling, which may be expensive in large networks.
Bus topology
Type of network topology where all devices are connected to a single central cable,
known as the bus. This central cable acts as a backbone, and each device on the network is connected
to it via a connector.
Diagram
Advantages
Cost-Effective: It requires less cable than star or mesh topologies, making it cheaper to set
up.
Easy to Implement: It is simple to implement, making it suitable for small networks.
No Need for a Central Device: No need for a central device like a hub or switch, which
can reduce hardware costs.
Disadvantages
Performance Decreases with Traffic: As more devices are added to the bus, network
performance may degrade due to collisions and traffic congestion.
Network Failure: If the bus cable fails at any point, the entire network may go down.
Troubleshooting Can Be Difficult: Identifying faults in the network can be challenging
because all devices are connected to a single cable, and a fault at any point affects the entire
network.
Ring Topology
type of network topology where each device is connected to exactly two other
devices, forming a circular or ring-like structure. Data travels in a unidirectional (or sometimes
bidirectional) manner around the ring until it reaches the intended recipient.
Diagram
Advantage
Data Transmission Efficiency: Data travels in one direction, which can reduce the
chances of collisions, making it more efficient than bus topology in some cases.
Simple and Predictable: Ring topology can be easier to manage because the data path is
predictable and does not require a central management device.
Scalable: Adding new devices to the network is relatively easy. You can insert the new
device into the ring without affecting the rest of the network.
Disadvantages
Single Point of Failure: If any device or connection in the ring fails, it can disrupt the
entire network, as the data will no longer be able to complete the circuit.
Troubleshooting Issues: Identifying problems in the network can be challenging because
a failure in one device can impact the entire network.
Slower Performance with More Devices: As more devices are added to the ring, the time
taken for data to circulate the network increases, which can slow down the overall
performance.
Tree topology
It is a hierarchical network topology that combines characteristics of star and bus
topologies. It is also known as a hierarchical topology because devices are arranged in a tree-like
structure.
Diagram
Advantage
• Scalability: Ideal for large networks where expansion is required.
• Fault Isolation: Faults can be easily detected and isolated to a particular segment.
• Hierarchical Management: Easy to manage and maintain due to its logical, layered
structure.
Disadvantage
• High Cabling Cost: Requires more cables and hardware (like hubs and switches).
• Backbone Dependency: If the main backbone cable fails, the entire network can be affected.
• Complex Installation: More complex to configure and maintain than simpler topologies like
star or bus.
Types of network
Type Full Form Coverage Area Example
PAN Personal Area Network Few meters Bluetooth, USB tethering
LAN Local Area Network Building or campus Office network, school lab
MAN Metropolitan Area Network City or town Cable TV network
WAN Wide Area Network Country or worldwide Internet
Network protocol
Protocol Full Form Purpose / Function
HTTP HyperText Transfer Protocol Accessing websites and webpages.
HTTPS HTTP Secure Secure version of HTTP using SSL/TLS encryption.
FTP File Transfer Protocol Transferring files between computers over a network.
Transmission Control Protocol / Basic suite for internet communication – ensures data
TCP/IP
Internet Protocol delivery and routing.
Provides unique addressing (IP address) and packet
IP Internet Protocol
routing.
SMTP Simple Mail Transfer Protocol Used for sending emails.
Used for retrieving emails (downloads and removes
POP3 Post Office Protocol version 3
from server).
Used for retrieving and managing emails (keeps mail
IMAP Internet Message Access Protocol
on server).
DNS Domain Name System Converts domain names into IP addresses.
Used for direct connection between two network nodes
PPP Point-to-Point Protocol
(e.g., dial-up, VPNs).
Enables voice communication over the Internet (e.g.,
VoIP Voice over Internet Protocol
Zoom, Skype).
Used for remote login to another computer on a network
Telnet Terminal Network
using text-based commands.
4. Domain Name
A user-friendly name for a website.
Translates to an IP address using DNS (Domain Name System).
Example: [Link] is a domain name.
6. Website
A collection of related web pages under a single domain name.
Can include text, images, videos, and links.
Example: A school website with pages for admission, results, and contact.
7. Web Browser
A software used to access and view websites.
Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge.
8. Web Server
A computer that stores and delivers web pages to users.
Responds to browser requests using HTTP/HTTPS.
Examples of web server software: Apache, Nginx.
9. Web Hosting
A service that provides storage space for websites on a server.
Makes websites accessible over the Internet.
Hosting providers: Hostinger, GoDaddy, Bluehost.
DNS:
The Domain Name System (DNS) is responsible for translating human-readable
domain names (like [Link]) into IP addresses (like [Link]) that computers can
understand. DNS acts like a directory or phonebook for the internet, enabling users to access websites
using easy-to-remember domain names instead of numeric IP addresses.