Notes
Unit 2:Design Your Own Network:Shapes and Size
What is a Computer Network?
Definition
A computer network is a group of computers and other digital devices connected together
so they can communicate and share resources.
These resources include:
• Files
• Printers
• Internet connection
• Software
• Storage
• Data
Real-Life Examples
School Network
• Computer lab
• Teachers' laptops
• Smart boards
• Printers
• Wi-Fi
All are connected together.
Home Network
• Laptop
• Mobile phone
• Smart TV
• Tablet
• Wi-Fi router
Office Network
• Desktop computers
• Servers
• Network printers
• Security cameras
Why Do We Need Networks?
Networks make sharing easy.
Instead of copying files using USB drives, computers can communicate directly.
Advantages
1. File Sharing
Students can save work on a shared drive.
2. Printer Sharing
Many computers can use one printer.
3. Internet Sharing
One internet connection can serve many devices.
4. Communication
People can:
• Send emails
• Share files
• Chat online
• Attend online meetings
5. Central Storage
Important files are stored safely in one location.
6. Easy Backup
The network administrator can back up everyone's work.
What is Network Architecture?
Definition
Network architecture is the overall design or structure of a computer network.
It describes:
• How devices are connected
• How they communicate
• How data travels through the network
• How the network is organised
A well-designed architecture makes the network easier to expand, manage, and protect.
Components of a Network
A basic network contains:
Component Purpose
Computer Sends and receives data
Server Stores files and services
Switch Connects devices together
Router Connects different networks and the Internet
Wireless Access Point Provides Wi-Fi
Network Cable Carries data between devices
Network Interface Card (NIC) Connects a device to the network
Network hardware
When network engineers are designing a network topology, they need to decide what
network hardware to use to ensure that the network will be fast, dependable and secure.
The common hardware components of a network are listed in the table below. You will
recognise some of the device names from the basic topology diagram above.
Client and Server
Client
A computer that requests data or services.
Examples:
• Student computer
• Laptop
• Tablet
Server
A powerful computer that provides services to other computers.
Examples:
• File server
• Print server
• Web server
Example
Student Computer
School Server
Shared Files
Client-server architecture:
It is a centralized computing model where workload tasks are divided between resource
requesters (clients) and service providers (servers). In this model, independent clients do
not communicate directly with each other; instead, they interact through a central server
using a structured request-response.
Communication between a client and server, where the client sends a
request, and the server processes and responds.
Types of Networks
Local Area Network (LAN)
LAN is a group of network devices that
allow communication between connected
devices. The private ownership has control
over the local area network rather than the
public.
• Size: Covers a single home, office
building, or school.
• Speed: Offers very fast data transfer
rates and low latency.
• Connection: Uses Ethernet cables
or Wi-Fi.
• Ownership: Usually owned and
managed by one person or
company.
Fig 1:LAN NETWORK
Wide Area Network (WAN)
WAN covers a larger area than LAN as well as MAN such as Country/Continent etc. WAN is
expensive and should or might not be owned by one organization. PSTN or Satellite
medium is used for wide area networks.
Examples:
• Banks
• International companies
• The Internet
Characteristics
• Covers cities or countries
• More expensive
• Uses communication links provided by service providers
Difference Between LAN and WAN
LAN WAN
Whereas WAN stands for Wide Area
LAN stands for Local Area Network.
Network.
But WAN’s ownership can be private or
LAN’s ownership is private.
public.
The speed of LAN is high(more than While the speed of WAN is slower than
WAN). LAN.
Whereas the propagation delay in WAN is
The propagation delay is short in LAN.
long(longer than LAN).
There is less congestion in LAN(local area While there is more congestion in
network). WAN(Wide Area Network).
There is more fault tolerance in LAN. While there is less fault tolerance in WAN.
While it’s design and maintenance is
LAN’s design and maintenance is easy.
difficult than WAN.
LAN covers small area i.e. within the
While WAN covers large geographical area.
building.
LAN operates on the principle While WAN works on the principle of point
of broadcasting. to point.
Whereas WAN uses PSTN or satellite link
Transmission medium used in LAN is co-
as a transmission or communication
axial or UTP cable.
medium.
LAN WAN
WAN has a lower data transfer rate as
LAN has a higher data transfer rate.
compared to LAN.
WANs technologies used like Frame Relay
LANs technologies used like ethernet and
and X.25 for connectivity for longer
token.
distances.
LANs technologies is data transfer rate is WANs technologies data transfer rate
10mbps. 150mbps
LANs is cheaply compared to WAN WAN is costly compared to LAN.
In LAN Co-axial cables are generally used
In WAN links are established using
to connect the computer and other
microwave or satellite.
devices.
Due to short distance short circuit error or In this network, short circuit errors, noise
other noise error are minimum. errors are higher than any other network.
For eg: A computer lab in a college. For eg: Mobile
Example: School Network
Internet
Router
Switch
┌──────┬──────┬──────┐
│ │ │
Teacher Student Printer
Laptop PCs
Wired and Wireless Network:
Wired networks rely on physical cables (like Ethernet or fiber optics) to connect devices,
offering maximum speed, security, and reliability with no interference. In contrast, wireless
networks use radio and electromagnetic waves to transmit data through the air, providing
greater mobility and flexibility for connected users.
Key Differences at a Glance
Feature Wired Networks Wireless Networks
Typically faster and more Can vary based on distance and
Speed
consistent. obstructions.
Low (devices are tethered to a High (devices can move freely within
Mobility
physical location). coverage areas).
Highly secure; physical access is Less secure; signals can be intercepted
Security
required to intercept data. over the air, requiring encryption.
Requires running cables, which Easier to set up; requires minimal
Installation
can be expensive and inflexible. planning and hardware.
Unaffected by walls or other Susceptible to interference from walls,
Interference
electronic devices. furniture, or other networks.
When to Use Which?
• Wired is best for stationary, high-bandwidth applications like desktop computers,
smart TVs, and corporate servers where zero latency and maximum data security
are critical.
• Wireless is best for mobile devices like smartphones, tablets, and laptops, or in
open-concept spaces and older buildings where running physical cables isn't
practical.