CMT 107: Computer Network

CHAPTERTHREE: NETWORK HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE COMPONENTS

3.1 Hardware and Software Components

A network component's functions are not necessarily handled by a specific device.

Many devices combine several networking functions. For example: a router could
have a built-in switch, a residential gateway that includes a broadband modem,
etc. So, be sure to check the product specification before buying to avoid
duplication. You must also check interfaces that are supported by a product. They
must be compatible with the ports available in your computers or other devices.

A network component's functions may also be performed by a software application.

For example, Windows XP provides built-in support for Network Bridging that
handle a bridge's functions in a home network with mixed media. There are also
built-in or add-on software applications that handle modem, router, or gateway
functions. However, the software-only alternative is mostly suitable for small
networks. Some of the hardware components are:

3.1.1 Network Adapter(Network Interface Card)

Network adapter works as an interface between a computer or device and a
network. You may need Ethernet, Wi-Fi, HomePNA, or HomePlug network adapter
depending on the type of network your computer is connecting to. Network adapter
converts a computer message into electrical or optical signals for transmission
across the network. A network adapter is identified in a network through a MAC
address that is hard-coded onto the hardware by its manufacturer.

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Network Adapter Cards

Built-in network adapter is integrated with a computer motherboard. Internal

network adapter is installed inside a computer on an expansion slot. It is often
called NIC (network interface card) usually inserted into a PCI slot in a PC or a mini
PCI slot in a notebook.

3.1.2 Modem
Modem means modulator-demodulator. At the sending end, a modem modulates a
carrier with the data (baseband signal) to prepare it for transmission. At the
receiving end, the modulated carrier is demodulated (i.e. converted back to the
original shape) and the data is extracted. A modem also performs other functions,
such as digital-to-analog/analog-to-digital conversion, compression/decompression,
error correction, and encryption/decryption.

Modem in Internet access

3.1.3 Repeater
Repeater receives signal from a transmitter, amplifies it, and retransmits it to a
receiver. A repeater is put in a network to extend the network to a longer distance
or a greater area. There can be more than one repeater between a transmitter and
a receiver, however the number of repeaters is not unlimited, because additional
repeaters may introduce more interference or noise.

Repeater

3.1.4 Hub
Hub is the central connection point in a network. Hub is used in a network that
uses star topology. A sending computer transmits its signal to a hub, the hub then
retransmits the signal to all other computers. A passive hub functions as a relay
station that receives and retransmits signal. An active hub functions as a repeater
that regenerates signal before retransmitting.

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Hub
Using a hub, the network bandwidth (capacity) is shared by all available
computers, therefore each computer only uses a portion of bandwidth. That's why
hub is mostly used in small networks where there are only a few connected devices
or computers. However, hub is not required if there are only two computers in a
network. In that case, a direct connection using cable or wireless link can be used
to connect both computers.

3.1.5 Switch
Like hub, switch works as the central connection point in a network. However when
a switch receives a packet from a sending computer, it examines the destination
address (i.e. MAC address of the destination computer) from the packet header and
retransmits the packet to the destination computer only. That's possible because a
switch maintains a table that maps all its ports with all connected devices' MAC
addresses.

Switch

3.1.6 Wireless Access Point

Access point in a wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) functions like a hub or a switch in wired
network. It connects computers or devices together to create a wireless network.
Most wireless access points also function as a network bridge that connects the Wi-
Fi network to a wired network such as Ethernet. An access point has an interface to
a broadband modem or a router that is used when the Wi-Fi network connects to
the Internet. Some access points come as a multi-function device that incorporates
the functions of switch, bridge, router, or broadband modem. An access point is
also known as base station.

Wireless (Wi-Fi) Access Point.

Data transfer rate decreases as the distance from a computer or a device to the
access point increases. A Wi-Fi access point provides wireless network coverage
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within an area of up to about 100 meters outdoor. In typical indoor application, an

access point can cover an area of up to about 50 meters. The exact coverage
depends on the access point transceiver and antenna design. Physical obstacles and
interference from other wireless networks can reduce the wireless signal range.
An area that is within a Wi-Fi network coverage is popularly known as hotspot.
Many public places such as airports, hotels, and cafs provide public Wi-Fi hotspots
that have broadband connection to the Internet. Such hotspots can be accessed by
the public for free or with a fee. To connect to a Wi-Fi hotspot, your wireless
network adapter must be compatible with the hotspot's access point.

3.1.7 Router
Router functions to forward packets across different networks. Router maintains a
routing table. The routing table contains IP addresses of other networks routers. In
a static router the routing table is configured manually, while a dynamic router can
communicate with other routers and configure the routing table according to
information it receives from other routers.

Router in OSI Model protocol stack

3.1.8 Residential Gateway

Residential gateway is basically a router that is configured to enable the sharing of
a single Internet connection (subscription) by multiple users in a home network.
However when you buy a residential gateway, it most likely incorporates other
functions such as hub, switch, wireless access point, or bridge. Some residential
gateways also already include broadband (cable/DSL) modem.

Residential Gateway
By using a residential gateway to connect your home network to the Internet, you
don't need to always turn on a computer as an ICS host.
With a residential gateway, you don't have to manually set an IP address for each
computer in your network because a residential gateway usually has DHCP server.
Using DHCP, IP address for each computer is assigned dynamically by the
residential gateway.
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A residential gateway also keeps your computers anonymous on the Internet

because it translates the IP address of each computer to an IP address assigned by
the ISP. This function is called Network Address Translation (NAT).
Besides, a residential gateway protects your home network from intruders that try
to gain access through certain applications in your computers because it has built-
in firewall.
Residential gateway is also known as broadband router or Internet gateway device
(IGD).

3.1.9 Gateway

Gateway functions to connect two completely different networks. It performs

protocol translation. Although gateway is considered a Layer 7 device in many
publications, it actually works across the seven layers of the OSI Model. In
Internet Telephony, a gateway connects the VoIP network to the PSTN.

Gateway

The following table summarizes network components along with their functions and
the corresponding layers in the OSI Model:

Network Component Functions OSI Model

converts a computer Physical

Network Adapter message into (Layer 1)
electrical/optical signals
for transmission across a
network.
M o d e m puts a message (baseband Physical
signal) on a carrier for (Layer 1)
efficient transmission;
takes the baseband signal
from the carrier.
Repeater (Regenerator) receives signal, amplifies Physical
it, then retransmits it. (Layer 1)
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B r i d g e connects networks with Data Link

different Layer 2 (Layer 2)
protocols; divides a
network into several
segments to filter traffic.
H u b connects computers in a Physical
network; receives a (Layer 1)
packet from a sending
computer and transmits it
to all other computers.
S w i t c h connects computers in a Data Link
network; receives a (Layer 2)
packet from a sending
computer and transmits it
only to its destination.
Access Point Connects computers in a Data Link
wireless network; (Layer 2)
connects the wireless
network to wired
networks; connects it to
the Internet.
R o u t e r Forwards a packet to its Network
destination by examining (Layer 3)
the packet destination
network address.
Residential Gateway Connects a home network Network
to the Internet; hides all (Layer 3)
computers in the home
network from the
Internet.
Ga t e w a y Connects two totally All layers
different networks;
translates one
signaling/protocol into
another.

3.2 Network Operating Systems

Any modern Operating System contains built-in software designed to simplify
networking of a computer. Typical O/S software includes an implementation of
TCP/IP protocol stack and related utility programs like ping and traceroute. This

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includes the necessary device drivers and other software to automatically enable a

device's Ethernet interface. Mobile devices also normally provide the programs
needed to enable Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or other wireless connectivity.

The early versions of Microsoft Windows did not provide any computer networking
support. Microsoft added basic networking capability into its operating system
starting with Windows 95 and Windows for Workgroups. Microsoft also introduced
its Internet Connection Sharing (ICS) feature in Windows 98 Second Edition (Win98
SE). Contrast that with Unix, which was designed from the beginning with
networking capability. Nearly any consumer O/S today qualifies as a network
operating system due to the popularity of the Internet.

Network operating systems (NOSs) distribute their functions over a number of

networked computers they add functions that allow access to shared resources by a
number of users concurrently.

Client systems contain specialized software that allows them to request shared
resources that are controlled by server systems responding to a client request. The
NOS enhances the reach of the client PC by making remote services available as
extensions of the local native operating system.

NOSs also support multiple user accounts at the same time and enables concurrent
access to shared resources by multiple clients. A NOS server is a multitasking
system.

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Several clients in a network

3.2.1 Choosing a NOS

The main features to consider when selecting a NOS include:

 Performance

 Management and monitoring tools

 Security

 Scalability

 Robustness/fault tolerance

3.2.2 Types

There are two popular competing NOS families. Windows based and Unix based.
The former is proprietary whereas the latter is open source.

Windows NOS

Windows server-based networks that run Windows NT Server or Windows 2000

Server are based on the concept of the domain. A domain is a group of computers
and users that serves a boundary of administrative authority.

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Windows NT domains and Windows 2000 domains, although similar in function,

interact with one another differently. In Windows NT 4.0, the Domain Structure of
Windows NT was entirely different from the Domain Structure in Windows 2000.

Instead of Active Directory, Windows NT provides an administrative tool called the

User Manager for Domains. It is accessed from the domain controller and is used to
create, manage, and remove domain user accounts. Each NT domain requires one
Primary Domain Controller (PDC). A domain can also have one or more Backup
Domain Controllers (BDCs).

Windows 2000 and 2003 Family of Operating Systems includes:

– Windows 2000 Professional

– Windows 2000 Server

– Windows 2000 Advanced Server

Unix/Linux

Linux is an operating system similar to UNIX. It runs on many different computers

and was first released in 1991. Linux is portable, which means versions can be
found running on name brand or clone PCs. It offers many features adopted from
other versions of UNIX.

The UNIX NOS was developed in 1969, and it has evolved into many varieties.

The source code is opened, that is, available at no cost to anyone who wants to
modify it. It is written in C programming language so businesses, academic
institutions, and even individuals can develop their own versions. There are
hundreds of different versions of UNIX. Linux is sometimes referred to as "UNIX
Lite", and it is designed to run on Intel-compatible PCs. Linux brings the advantages
of UNIX to home and small business computers.

The following are a few of the most popular types:

• Red Hat Linux

• Linux Mandrake

• Caldera eDesktop and eServer

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• Debian GNU/Linux

• Corel Linux

• Turbo Linux

• Ubuntu

Other Software and Programs

A popular use of a Linux system is a web server. Web server software

uses Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) to deliver files to users that
request them,using a web browser from their workstation.

A Mail Server is a system that is configured with the proper programs and
servicesthat enable handling the exchange of e-mail sent from one client
to another.

Review Questions

i) Describe the following network devices and what they do:

Switch
Gateway
Repeater
ii) Network Operating systems are said to be multi-user and multi-
tasking. Differentiate these two terms.
iii) How does a network operating system differ from a standalone
operating system?
iv) What factors will you consider before choosing a network operating
system?
v) Describe the role of software in supporting a computer network.

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