Research Activity (and PLEASE STUDY the following):

A. Discuss or explain the following types of computer networks:

A.1 Types of Networks (According to roles of host devices)

Peer to Peer Network- A peer-to-peer network is an information technology (IT) infrastructure allowing
two or more computer systems to connect and share resources without requiring a separate server or
server software Workplaces may set up a P2P network by physically connecting computers into a linked
system or creating a virtual network. You can also set up computers to be the clients and servers of their
network. Each computer is both a client and a server and they share resources with other networked
computers.

Peer-to-peer web hosting is using peer-to-peer networking to distribute access to webpages. This is
differentiated from the client–server model which involves the distribution of web data between
dedicated web servers and user-end client computers. Peer-to-peer web hosting may also take the form
of P2P web caches and content delivery networks.

Some major features of the P2P network include:

 Each computer in a P2P network provides resources to the network and consumes resources
that the network provides. Resources such as files, printers, storage, bandwidth and processing
power can be shared between various computers in the network.
 A P2P network is easy to configure. Once it’s set up, access is controlled by setting sharing
permissions on each computer. Stricter access can be controlled by assigning passwords to
specific resources.
 Some P2P networks are formed by overlaying a virtual network on a physical network. The
network uses the physical connection to transfer data while the virtual overlay allows the
computers on the network to communicate with each other.

There are three basic levels of P2P networking:

 The basic level uses a universal serial bus (USB) to create a basic P2P network between two
computer systems.
 The intermediate level requires using copper wires to connect a large number of computers.
 In the advanced P2P network, software establishes protocols that manage the direct
connections between multiple devices over the internet.

Unstructured P2P networks

Here are the basic details of unstructured networks:

 They are easy to build since devices can randomly connect to the network.
 Each device can make an equal contribution.
 The lack of structure can make it challenging for users to find rare content.
 They are resilient to high churn rates. Churn refers to the number of users joining and leaving
the network.
Structured P2P networks

The software used to set up a structured P2P network organizes the virtual layer of the network into a
specific structure. Here are the features of structured P2P networks:

 While structured P2P networks are not as easy to build as unstructured networks, they offer
users better access to rare content when compared to unstructured P2P networks.
 Structured networks are less resilient to high churn rates when compared with unstructured
networks.

Hybrid networks

Hybrid networks combine the features of a P2P network with the features of a client-server network.
There are many varieties of hybrid networks. An example of a popular hybrid network is one that assists
users in finding each other via a central server.

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Client-Server Network

A Client Server Network is a Network Topology in which one or more computers offer a service to other
computers. A Client / Server network is most commonly found in a business environment in order to
take advantage of the ability to centrally manage the network's security and function. These Servers
offer a service to the Clients. A server is any computer that hosts data that is made available to other
computers as needed. Servers are often located in a secure location and only accessed remotely. This
data may be in the form of files (file server) or provide needed information such as how to access the
local network and internet (DHCP server) or one of many other possible roles. A single physical server
can offer several services and have multiple roles on a network. Without the server these services would
not be available on a network. Traditionally a server is a stronger, more robust computer that is not
accessed physically by a user. This is not always true, a server in its simplest form can be as simple as a
desktop computer that is sharing a local printer to other computers on the network. This desktop
computer is now acting as a server to the network as it is providing print services. Without this specific
computer other computers on the network would lose the ability to print.

The client-server model is the relationship between two computers in which one, the client, makes a
service request from another, the server. The key point about a client-server model is that the client is
dependent on the server to provide and manage the information.

For example, websites are stored on web servers. A web browser is the client which makes a request to
the server, and the server sends the website to the browser.

Popular websites need powerful servers to serve thousands or millions of clients, all making requests at
the same time. The client side of a web application is often referred to as the front end. The server side
is referred to as the back end.
 Client-server P2P

Security The server controls security of the network. No central control over security.

The server manages the network. Needs a No central control over the network.
Management
dedicated team of people to manage the server. Anyone can set up.

Clients are not dependent on a central

Dependency Clients are dependent on the server.
server.

The server can be upgraded to be made more If machines on the network are slow
Performance
powerful to cope with high demand. they will slow down other machines.

Each computer has to be backed up.

Backups Data is all backed up on the main server.
Data can easily be deleted by users.

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A.2 Types of Networks (According to Geographical Area)

PAN

PAN (Personal Area Network) is a computer network formed around a person. It generally consists of a
computer, mobile, or personal digital assistant. PAN can be used for establishing communication among
these personal devices for connecting to a digital network and the internet.

 It is mostly personal devices network equipped within a limited area.

 Allows you to handle the interconnection of IT devices at the surrounding of a single user.
 PAN includes mobile devices, tablet, and laptop.
 It can be wirelessly connected to the internet called WPAN.
 Appliances use for PAN: cordless mice, keyboards, and Bluetooth systems.

LAN

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral devices which are connected in a
limited area such as school, laboratory, home, and office building. It is a widely useful network for
sharing resources like files, printers, games, and other application. The simplest type of LAN network is
to connect computers and a printer in someone’s home or office. In general, LAN will be used as one
type of transmission medium. It is a network which consists of less than 5000 interconnected devices
across several buildings.

Here are the important characteristics of a LAN network:

 It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.

 LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN systems.
 There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring and ethernet.

WAN

WAN (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network that which is spread across a large
geographical area. WAN network system could be a connection of a LAN which connects with other
LAN’s using telephone lines and radio waves. It is mostly limited to an enterprise or an organization.

Below are the characteristics of WAN:

 The software files will be shared among all the users; therefore, all can access to the latest files.
 Any organization can form its global integrated network using WAN.

The Network allows computers to connect and communicate with different computers via any medium.
LAN, MAN, and WAN are the three major types of networks designed to operate over the area they
cover. There are some similarities and dissimilarities between them. One of the major differences is the
geographical area they cover, i.e. LAN covers the smallest area; MAN covers an area larger than LAN and
WAN comprises the largest of all.

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B. What is Network Topology?

Network topology refers to the manner in which the links and nodes of a network are arranged to relate
to each other. Topologies are categorized as either physical network topology, which is the physical
signal transmission medium, or logical network topology, which refers to the manner in which data
travels through the network between devices, independent of physical connection of the devices.
Logical network topology examples include twisted pair Ethernet, which is categorized as a logical bus
topology, and token ring, which is categorized as a logical ring [Link] network topology
examples include star, mesh, tree, ring, point-to-point, circular, hybrid, and bus topology networks, each
consisting of different configurations of nodes and links. The ideal network topology depends on each
business’s size, scale, goals, and budget. A network topology diagram helps visualize the communicating
devices, which are modeled as nodes, and the connections between the devices, which are modeled as
links between the nodes.

A Network Topology is the arrangement with which computer systems or network devices are
connected to each other. Topologies may define both physical and logical aspect of the network. Both
logical and physical topologies could be same or different in a same network. A network topology is the
physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network. Nodes usually include devices
such as switches, routers and software with switch and router features. Network topologies are often
represented as a graph.

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C. Differentiate Physical Topology and Logical Topology and provide an example for each type of
Topology.

A logical topology is how devices appear connected to the user.

A physical topology is how they are actually interconnected with wires and cables

For example, in a shared Ethernet network that uses hubs rather than switches, the logical topology
appears as if every node is connected to a common bus that runs from node to node. However, its
physical topology is a star, in which every node on the network connects to a central hub.

Logical network topology examples include twisted pair Ethernet, which is categorized as a logical bus
topology, and token ring, which is categorized as a logical ring topology.

Physical network topology examples include star, mesh, tree, ring, point-to-point, circular, hybrid, and
bus topology networks, each consisting of different configurations of nodes and links. The ideal network
topology depends on each business’s size, scale, goals, and budget. A network topology diagram helps
visualize the communicating devices, which are modeled as nodes, and the connections between the
devices, which are modeled as links between the nodes

1. Physical Topology :

Physical topology indicates arrangement of different elements of a network. It reflects physical layout of
devices and cables to a form a connected network. It is concerned with essentials of network ignoring
minute details like transfer of data and device type. The pattern of arrangement of nodes (computers)
and network cables depends on ease of installation and setup of the network. It affects cost and
bandwidth capacity based on solution of devices. It takes into account placement of nodes and distance
between them. Devices can be arranged to form a ring (Ring Topology) or linearly connected in a line
called Bus Topology.

Physical network topology examples include star, mesh, tree, ring, point-to-point, circular, hybrid, and
bus topology networks, each consisting of different configurations of nodes and links. The ideal network
topology depends on each business's size, scale, goals, and budget.

2. Logical Topology :

Logical Topology reflects arrangement of devices and their communication. It is the transmission of data
over physical topology. It is independent of physical topology, irrespective of arrangements of nodes. It
is concerned with intricate details of network like type of devices (switches, routers) chosen and their
quality, which affect rate and speed of data packets delivery. The logical topology ensures optimal flow
control that can be regulated within network. The data can either flow in a linear pattern called Logical
bus or in form of a circle Logical ring.

Logical network topology examples include twisted pair Ethernet, which is categorized as a logical bus
topology, and token ring, which is categorized as a logical ring topology. Ethernet networks · Scanners
and printers that are connected to the network · Data movement in a client-server .

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D. Discuss the Mode of Transmission (Network Communication modes): Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Full-
Duplex Transmission

Data Transmission mode defines the direction of the flow of information between two communication
devices. It is also called Data Communication or Directional Mode. It specifies the direction of the flow of
information from one place to another in a computer network.

1. Simplex

Simplex is the data transmission mode in which the data can flow only in one direction, i.e., the
communication is unidirectional. In this mode, a sender can only send data but can not receive it.
Similarly, a receiver can only receive data but can not send it.
In simplex transmission mode, the communication between sender and receiver occurs in only one
direction. The sender can only send the data, and the receiver can only receive the data. The receiver
cannot reply to the sender. Simplex transmission can be thought of as a one-way road in which the
traffic travels only in one direction no vehicle coming from the opposite direction is allowed to drive
through.

To take a keyboard/monitor relationship as an example, the keyboard can only send the input to the
monitor, and the monitor can only receive the input and display it on the screen. The monitor cannot
reply, or send any feedback, to the keyboard.

2. Half-Duplex

Half-Duplex is the data transmission mode in which the data can flow in both directions but in one
direction at a time. It is also referred to as Semi-Duplex. In other words, each station can both transmit
and receive the data but not at the same time. When one device is sending the other can only receive
and vice-versa. The communication between sender and receiver occurs in both directions in half-duplex
transmission, but only one at a time. The sender and receiver can both send and receive the
information, but only one is allowed to send at any given time. Half-duplex is still considered a one-way
road, in which a vehicle travelling in the opposite direction of the traffic has to wait till the road is empty
before it can pass through.

For example, in walkie-talkies, the speakers at both ends can speak, but they have to speak one by one.
They cannot speak simultaneously.

3. Full-Duplex

Full-Duplex is the data transmission mode in which the data can flow in both directions at the same
time. It is bi-directional in nature. It is two-way communication in which both the stations can transmit
and receive the data simultaneously. In full-duplex transmission mode, the communication between
sender and receiver can occur simultaneously. The sender and receiver can both transmit and receive at
the same time. The full-duplex transmission mode is like a two-way road, in which traffic can flow in
both directions at the same time.

For example, in a telephone conversation, two people communicate, and both are free to speak and
listen at the same time.

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E. Develop a comparison table of Baseband and Broadband Transmission.

BASIS FOR
BASEBAND TRANSMISSION BROADBAND TRANSMISSION
COMPARISON

Type of signalling Digital Analog

used

Application Work well with bus topology. Used with a bus as well as tree
topology.

Encoding Used Manchester and Differential Manchester PSK encoding.

encoding.

Transmission Bidirectional Unidirectional

Signal range Signals can be travelled over short Signals can be travelled over long
distances distances without being attenuated.

Factor Baseband Broadband

The signal used The baseband transmits the digital signal The broadband transmits the analog
for transmission. using the physical medium like wires. signals using optical fibers and twisted
cables as a medium of transmission.

Transmission The baseband signaling is termed as The broadband signaling is termed as

direction bidirectional and is capable of sending bidirectional and is capable of sending
digital signals in both directions. digital signals in only one direction.

Encoding scheme The baseband signaling used Manchester The broadband signaling used
used encoding scheme while transmitting the Manchester encoding scheme while
digital signals. transmitting the analog signals.

Range of signals The baseband transmission can transmit The broadband transmission can
the digital signals over a short distance transmit the analog signals over a long
only when compared to broadband distance compared to baseband
transmission. If the digital signals need to transmission, and for transmitting the
be transmitted for a long distance, the signals, no need for attenuation
 BASIS FOR
BASEBAND TRANSMISSION BROADBAND TRANSMISSION
COMPARISON

attenuation process is required. technique is required.

Topology used The baseband transmission uses the bus The broadband transmission uses the
topology as the application. tree and bus topology as the
application.

A number of The baseband transmission can transmit The broadband transmission can
data streams the single data type stream at one glance transmit multiple data streams at the
transmitted. and can send in bidirectional. same time but in one direction only.

Medium of The baseband signals used twisted-pair The broadband signals used optical
transfer cables, coaxial cables and wires as a fiber cables, coaxial cables, and radio
medium of transmitting digital signals. waves to transmit the analog signals.

Application The baseband transmission is mostly used Broadband transmission is mostly used
for the LAN networks as the baseband for telephone networks. The
signaling can transmit the digital signal for broadband signaling can transmit the
a short distance only. And there is a analog signals for long-distance
requirement of repeaters for transmitting without using any external device like
the signals. a repeater or attenuator.

Broadband and baseband can be categorized into signaling. The broadband signaling transmits the
analog signals and uses optical fibers and twisted pair as the transmission medium. The baseband
signaling transmits the digital signals and involves electrical impulse that is transmitted into a physical
medium like wires.

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