Chapter 5
Networking: Computer Connections
Objectives
Define the computer networks and describe
their benefits.
Differentiate among the various types of
computer networks according to various
factors.
Describe the network topologies of the
computer networks.
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Objectives
Describe the various transmission media.
Describe the various interconnecting devices
used in computer networks.
Describe the computer networks software.
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Computer Networks
A computer network is a collection of two or more
computers linked together to exchange data and
share resources.
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Benefits of Networks
Resource Sharing
Hardware (printers, scanners)
Software (files, programs)
Data
Printer
Computation Speed up
Distribute computations between network computers.
Benefits of Networks (Cont.)
Load Balancing
Move tasks from highly loaded to lightly loaded
computers.
Communication
E-mail
Chatting
Video Conferences
Network Benefits
• Resource Sharing
C • Computation Speedup
• Load balancing
A B • Communication
E D
Networks Types
Network Types: According to Geographical Area
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Personal Area Network (PAN)
A Network for one person
It has a range about 10 meter
Example: The wireless network connecting CPU to
mouse, keyboard, printers.
Local Area Network (LAN)
A Network in small geographical area
Privately owned Network
Fast Network
Lower error rate
Example: The network in Room, Building, or Campus.
Metropolitan Area Network
(MAN)
A Network in a larger geographical area than LAN
Example: The network in a City.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A Network in unlimited geographical area
Consists of number of LANs
Lower speed than LAN
Higher error rate than LAN
Example: The network in a Country or across Globe
switch
LAN LAN
LAN LAN
Network Topology
The physical layout of a
network.
Node - each computer,
printer, or server on
network.
Three common topologies
Bus
Star
Ring
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Networks Types
Network Types: According to Network Structure
Peer-to-peer Network
Server-based Network (Client/Server)
Peer-to-Peer Network
All network computers are identical, known as peers.
No servers.
No administrator for the network, each user controls
his computer.
It is simple, smaller in size, less expensive than
server based networks.
Each computer functions as client and server.
Server-Based Network
The network has a server or many servers.
Resources are centralized at the server, hence it can
be easily controlled.
More expensive than peer-to-peer because powerful
servers are required.
Comparison between
Peer-to-Peer and Server-Based Networks
Server-Based
Peer-to-Peer networks
network
- All computers are - Use powerful computers
Definition identical. as servers, while the
others are clients.
- No servers. - Has servers.
Resources - Distributed Resources. - Centralized Resources.
- Difficult to be controlled. - Easily controlled.
Size - Has small size. - Has opened size.
Cost - Less expensive. - High expensive.
Servers Types
File server:
Stores the shared files and backups.
Printer server:
Allows different clients to use the same printer.
Shared
Printer
Print
Server
Print Print
Queue Job
Servers Types (Cont.)
Mail server:
Stores and forward e-mail messages between clients.
Web server:
Stores shared web pages.
Database server:
Stores Databases files used by network clients.
Proxy server:
Exists between your network and other networks to protect
your network from the external attacks (acts as a firewall).
Networks Types
Network Types: According to Connectivity
Wired Network
Wireless Network
Wired Network
Use wires to connect network computers.
Wireless Network
No wiring, the connection is done using radio signals.
The connection is done via base station (Access
Point).
Examples: Bluetooth (usually less than 10 meter),
wireless LAN, and wireless WAN.
Transmission Media
Telephone lines
Coaxial cable
Twisted-pair
Fiber optics
Microwaves
Satellites
Wireless
Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Full-
Duplex Transmission
Simplex transmission: sends data in one direction
only.
Example: television broadcasting
Half-duplex transmission: sends data in both
directions, but only one way at a time
Example: walkie-talkie.
Full-duplex transmission: allows transmission in both
directions at same time
Example: a conversation
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Interconnecting Devices (H/W)
Routers
Devices that examine the data transmitted and send it to
its destination.
Switch
High speed device that maintain connections between
computers.
Modem
modulate (digital to analog), Demodulate (analog to
digital).
Bridge
provides a connection between similar networks.
Network Interface Card (NIC)
Networking Software (S/W)
Network Operating System (NOS)
Operating System support Networking such as windows –
Unix - Linux.
Protocol
Standards that specify how network components
communicate with each other like Transmission Control
Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)