Unit-3
Introduction to Computer Networks
Computer Network
A computer network is an interconnection of two or more computers or computing devices for sharing data and resources.
Advantages(Explain in detail) Disadvantages of a Computer Network (Explain in
Resource Sharing: Hardware Resources: Printer, Scanner, detail)
Photocopier, CD Drive etc.
Information Sharing: File Sharing l-documents, sheets, reports High Installation Cost
etc. Security Risks
Increase Storage Capacity Network Failure
Cost Efficient Maintenance Required
Improved Comm unication Virus Spread
Dependence on the Network
Components of Computer Network
Component Function Example
Any device connected to the network that can send, receive, or process Desktop computer, Laptop, Smartphone,
Host/Node data. Printer
Provides resources, services, or data to other computers (clients) on the File server, Web server, School server
Server network.
Client Requests and uses the resources or services provided by the server. Student's computer accessing files from a
server
Physical devices used to connect computers and manage network
communication.
Network Hardware Network Interface Card (NIC) - A hardware device that enables a
computer to connect to a network. Every NIC has a unique Media Access NIC, Hub, Switch, Router, Modem
Control (MAC) address, which identifies the device on the network. It may
be wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi).
NIC is called as NIU – Network Interface Unit or
TAP –Terminal Access Point
Wired: Twisted Pair Cable, Coaxial Cable,
Communication The medium through which data is transmitted between devices. Optical Fibre Cable.
Channel Wireless: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Radio Waves,
Microwaves, Satellites, Infrared Waves, Laser.
Software Controls and manages network communication and resource sharing. Network Operating System (NOS), TCP/IP
Protocol
Network Services Network services are the facilities provided over a network to users. File sharing, Printer sharing, DNS , VoIP
Types of Computer Networks
Type of Network Full Form Coverage Area Example
PAN Personal Area Network – very small A few metres (around 10 m) Connecting a mobile phone to a laptop
area using Bluetooth
LAN Local Area Network – Small area Within a room, building, school, or School computer lab, office network
office.(up to 1 kilometre )
MAN Metropolitan Area Network Covers a city or metropolitan area. Network connecting branches of a bank
(5–50 kilometres) within a city
WAN Wide Area Network Covers countries or continents The Internet, a company's network
(More than 50 kilometre) connecting offices in different cities or
countries
Network Topologies and Types
It defines the layout or structure or pattern of all devices connected to each other.
Factors to Consider While Designing a Network Topology
Cost
Network size
Flexibility
Reliability
Ease of installation and maintenance
Security
Future Growth
Communication Media
Length of cable needed
Fault tolerance
Topology Arrangement of Devices Design/ Structure Advantages Disadvantages
- All devices are connected to a single
main cable (backbone). Easy to install and Fault diagnosis is difficult
Bus -Information transmitted by a node reach extend Backbone failure stops the
to all the nodes connected to network, but low cost entire network
information is processed or taken only by uses less cable Fault isolation is difficult
that node which address is matched with Resilient Architecture Node must be intelligent
address contained within information. Repeater configuration
Not suitable for large
network
Easy to install and If the central node fails, the
All devices are connected to a central manage entire network stops;
Star node. Failure of one device Requires more cable
does not affect others. Difficult to expand
One device per Central node dependency
connection
Centralized connection
Data flows in an orderly Failure of any node may
Each device is connected to two other manner cause entire network down
Ring devices, forming a closed loop. Fewer data collisions. Fault diagnosis is difficult
Information sent by a node transmits from Network configuration is
one node to another node until it reaches difficult
to destination node.
Highly reliable Expensive and difficult to
Every device is directly connected to more Multiple paths for data install due to many
Mesh than one node to provide alternative transmission. connections.
rotue. Cabling cost is more
Easy to expand and manage Backbone failure affects
Combination of star and bus topologies in large networks. many devices
Tree a hierarchical structure. Installation is costly
Difficult to configure
Network Devices
Network Device Function
Hub Connects multiple devices in a network and broadcasts data to all connected devices.
Connects multiple devices and forwards data only to the intended device.
Switch Responsible for filtering data and forwarding packets between LAN segments.
Connects two or more networks and routes data packets between them.
A router is responsible for receiving, analyzing, and moving incoming data packets to another network.
Router A router ensures that packets are transmitted through the most efficient path to their destinations based on
data properties.
Link failure between routers does not stop the network. If a link fails between two routers, the sending router
determines an alternate route to keep traffic moving.
Modem Converts digital signals to analog signals and vice versa to connect to the Internet.
(modulator/demodulator)
Regenerates weak signals to extend the transmission distance.
Used when the transmission distance exceeds the cable's maximum limit (e.g., more than 100 m for Ethernet
Repeater cable).
Connects two similar LAN segments and filters data traffic between them.
Bridge A bridge reduces unnecessary network traffic by forwarding data only to the required network segment
A gateway is a node considered as the entrance point to other networks, allowing different networks to
Gateway communicate with each other.
It connects different network types that follow different protocols and have different properties.
A gateway can be any software, hardware, or a combination of both.
A gateway can act as a proxy server or firewall.
Router is used as a gateway device in computer networks.