Module 1 Part 3

Data Communication & Networking

Need for computer networking, components of a data Communication system, Network topology,
Types of networks: LAN, MAN, WAN; concepts of Internet, Intranet, Extranet, and WWW.
Network protocols, Network Architecture.

What is a Computer Network?

Computer networking is what allows all our devices to connect and communicate with one
another. From day-to-day activities to business operations, networks responsibilities are
pivotal in providing the ability to undertake and complete tasks involving technology,
smoothly and efficiently. A network comprises of two or more devices communicating to
share information. Businesses use networks to make their employees’ devices work together
smoothly. They can share things like files and printers. Networks deal with creating,
managing, and keeping these lines of communication and connection secure and accessible to
those who use it.

Businesses rely heavily on computer networking to stay competitive and efficient. Computer
networking is the backbone of a company’s communication and operations. While it may
seem like a technical concept, getting computer networking right is essential for businesses,
no matter their size. Let’s explore why.

Need for computer networking

 Efficient Communication and Collaboration

Within a business, the ability to communicate and collaborate efficiently is extremely
important as without it, the services provided, projects being undertaken, and internal
management would be of a poor and suboptimal standard. A well-designed network
allows employees to talk to each other, share files, and collaborate on projects seamlessly.
This leads to better teamwork and more productive outcomes.
 Sharing Resources
Every business needs to save costs wherever possible. Computer networking allows the
sharing of devices among employees in the office, like printers and servers. This means
resources such as servers can be shared as opposed to having one for each department. It
creates a communal technology-based toolbox, where everyone can access the tools, they
need.
 Fast and Easy Data Transfer
Data within a business is extremely important and often is required to be accessed by
multiple employees quickly and securely. A well-functioning network ensures that
information can travel from one department to another in a flash. This can make decision-
making faster, decrease time wasted waiting for data to be delivered and improve overall
efficiency.
 Reliable Internet Connectivity
Internet connectivity can be extremely frustrating when not complying, resulting in loss of
productivity. A strong network ensures that the internet connection is stable and reliable,
subsequently producing less to no interruptions in business practices, accessing cloud-
based services and communication, all of which are vital for modern businesses.
 Keeping Information Safe
Businesses deal with sensitive information, such as customer details and financial data. A
properly secured network acts like a fortress, protecting this valuable information from
hackers and cyber attacks.

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  Easy Scalability
Every business dreams of growth and success. As a company expands, so do its
networking needs. A well-designed network allows for easy expansion without major
disruptions.
 Cost Savings
Getting networking right can save a business money in the long run. By reducing
downtime, streamlining processes, and optimizing resource usage, a well-implemented
network can lead to cost savings over time.
 Staying Ahead of the Competition
In a world where technology is constantly evolving, having the right network can give a
business a competitive advantage. It enables a company to adapt quickly to market
changes, adopt new technologies, and stay ahead of the competition.
 Happy Customers
Providing excellent customer service is crucial for any business. A reliable network
enables faster response times, smoother online transactions, and uninterrupted
communication, making customers happy and satisfied.

Components of a data Communication system

A data communication system is comprised of the following components:

Sender: A sender is a computer or any such device which is capable of sending data over a
network. It can be a computer, mobile phone, smartwatch, walkietalkie, video recording
device, etc.

Receiver: A receiver is a computer or any such device which is capable of receiving data from
the network. It can be any computer, printer, laptop, mobile phone, television, etc. In
computer communication, the sender and receiver are known as nodes in a network.

Message: It is the data or information that needs to be exchanged between the sender and the
receiver. Messages can be in the form of text, number, image, audio, video, multimedia, etc.

Communication media: It is the path through which the message travels between source and
destination. It is also called medium or link which is either wired or wireless. For example, a
television cable, telephone cable, ethernet cable, satellite link, microwaves, etc.

Protocols: It is a set of rules that need to be followed by the communicating parties in order
to have successful and reliable data communication. You have already come across protocols
such as Ethernet and HTTP.

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Network topology

What is network topology?

In computer network, there are various ways through which different components are
connected to one another. Network Topology is the way that defines the structure, and how
these components are connected to each other. The arrangement of a network that comprises
nodes and connecting lines via sender and receiver is referred to as Network Topology.

Types of Network Topology

The various network topologies are:
 Point to Point Topology  Ring Topology
 Mesh Topology  Tree Topology
 Star Topology  Hybrid Topology
 Bus Topology

Types of networks: LAN, MAN, WAN

There are mainly five types of Computer Networks
 Personal Area Network (PAN)
 Local Area Network (LAN)
 Campus Area Network (CAN)
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
 Wide Area Network (WAN)

Local Area Network (LAN)

It is a network that connects computers, mobile phones, tablet, mouse, printer, etc., placed at a
limited distance. The geographical area covered by a LAN can range from a single room, a
floor, an office having one or more buildings in the same premise, laboratory, a school, college,
or university campus. The connectivity is done by means of wires, Ethernet cables, fibre
optics, or Wi-Fi. A schematic diagram of Local Area Network (LAN) is shown below:

LAN is comparatively secure as only authentic users in the network can access other
computers or shared resources. Users can print documents using a connected printer,
upload/download documents and software to and from the local server. Such LANs provide
the short range communication with the high speed data transfer rates. These types of
networks can be extended up to 1 km. Data transfer in LAN is quite high, and usually varies
from 10 Mbps (called Ethernet) to 1000 Mbps (called Gigabit Ethernet), where Mbps stands
for Megabits per second. Ethernet is a set of rules that decides how computers and other
devices connect with each other through cables in a local area network or LAN.

Types of LAN: (1) Client/Server LAN, and (2) Peer-to-Peer LAN

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  Client/Server LAN: Multiple devices (the clients) are connected to a main server in a
client/server LAN. The server controls network traffic, device access, application
access, and file storage. Any connected device that runs apps or accesses the Internet
qualifies as a client. Clients can use wired or wireless connections to connect to the
server.
 Peer-to-Peer LAN: Peer-to-peer LANs are often smaller because they lack a central
server and can’t support huge workloads like client/server LANs can. Every device on
a peer-to-peer LAN contributes equally to the network’s operation. Through wired or
wireless connections to a switch or router, the devices share data and resources. Peer-
to-peer networks are the norm in homes.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is an extended form of LAN which covers a larger
geographical area like a city or a town. Data transfer rate in MAN also ranges in Mbps, but it is
considerably less as compared to LAN. Cable TV network or cable based broadband internet
services are examples of MAN. This kind of network can be extended up to 30-40 km.
Sometimes, many LANs are connected together to form MAN. A schematic diagram of
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is shown below:

The fault tolerance of a MAN is less and also there is more congestion in the network. It is
costly and may or may not be owned by a single organization. The data transfer rate and the
propagation delay of MAN are moderate. Devices used for transmission of data through MAN
are Modem and Wire/Cable.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wide Area Network connects computers and other LANs and MANs, which are spread across
different geographical locations of a country or in different countries or continents. A WAN
could be formed by connecting a LAN to other LANs via wired/wireless media. Large business,
educational and government organizations connect their different branches in different
locations across the world through WAN. The Internet is the largest WAN that connects
billions of computers, smart phones and millions of LANs from different continents. A
schematic diagram of Wide Area Network (WAN) is shown below:

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 WAN

Differences between LAN, MAN and WAN

LAN MAN WAN
LAN is the short form of local MAN is the short form of WAN is the short form of
area network. metropolitan area network. wide area network.
LAN can have only private MAN can have both public WAN cannot have a solitary
ownership. and private ownership. single organization
ownership.
The data and information The data and information The data and information
transmission on LAN takes transmission on MAN takes transmission on WAN takes
place in a far quicker pace. place in an average pace. place in a slower pace.
LAN produces least The propagation delays on The propagation delays on
propagation delays the MAN networks are quite WAN networks takes longer
comparatively. moderate. intervals.
LAN tends to have the least The MAN servers are mostly WAN tends to have even
congested networks. congested. more congested systems than
MAN networks.
LAN networks have the least MAN, networks are not WAN networks have the
maintenance and harder than WAN to highest maintenance and
functionality protocols maintain and function. functionality protocols.
comparatively.
LAN networks have high The fault tolerance levels on These networks have the
fault tolerance. these networks are least fault tolerance levels.
moderate.

Concepts of Internet, Intranet, Extranet, and WWW

Network Typical Users Access Type of General use

Type information
The Any individual with Unlimited public; General public, and B2C
Internet dial-up access or LAN no restrictions advertorial e-commerce
Authorized employees Private and Specific, corporate, internal
Intranet
only restricted and proprietary management
Authorized groups Private and Shared in authorized B2B
Extranet from collaborating authorized outside collaborating groups e-commerce
companies partners

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The Internet
1. The Internet is a public and global communication network that provides direct
connectivity to anyone over a local area network (LAN) or Internet Service Provider
(ISP).
2. The Internet is a public network that is connected and routed over gateways. End users
are connected to local access providers (LANs or ISPs), who are connected to the
Internet access providers, to network access providers, and eventually to the Internet
backbone.
3. Since access to the Internet is open to all, there is a lack of control that may result in an
unruly proliferation of information.

The Intranet
1. An intranet is a corporate LAN or wide area network (WAN) that uses Internet
technology and is secured behind company’s firewalls (see security and protection).
2. The intranet links various servers, clients, databases, and application programs like
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP). Although intranets are developed on the same
TCP/IP protocol as the Internet, they operate as a private network with limited access.
3. Only authorized employees are able to use it. Intranets are limited to information
pertinent to the company and contain exclusive and often proprietary and sensitive
information.
4. The firewalls protect the intranets from unauthorized outside access; the intranet can
be used to enhance the communications and collaboration among authorized
employees, customers, suppliers, and other business partners.
5. 5. Since the intranet allows access through the Internet, it does not require any
additional implementation of leased networks. This open and flexible connectivity is a
major capability and advantage of intranet. Intranets provide the infrastructure for
many intra-business commerce applications.

The Extranet
1. An extranet, or “extended intranet”, uses the TCP/IP protocol network of the Internet,
to link intranets in different locations.
2. Extranet transmission is usually conducted over the Internet, which offers little
privacy or transmission security.
3. Therefore, when using an extranet, it is necessary to improve the security of
connecting portions of he Internet. This can be done by creating tunnels (see
paragraph on security and protection) of secured data flows, using cryptography and
authorization algorithm.
4. The Internet with tunneling technology is known as a virtually private network (VPN).
5. Extranets provide secured connectivity between corporation’s intranets and the
intranets of its business partners, material suppliers, financial services, government,
and customers.
6. Access to intranets is usually limited by agreements of the collaborating parties, is
strictly controlled, and is only available to authorized personnel.
7. The protected environment of the extranet allows groups to collaborate, sharing
information exclusively, and exchanging it securely.
8. Since an extranet allows connectivity between businesses through the Internet, it is an
open and flexible platform suitable for supply chain management.
9. To increase security, many companies replicate the database they are willing to share
with their business partners and separate them physically from their regular intranets.

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Compare internet, intranet and extranet
Internet Intranet Extranet
It is a global system of It is a private network specific It is a private network that
interconnected computer to an organization. uses public network to
networks. information with suppliers
vendors
Not regulated by any one It is regulated by an It is regulated by multiple
organization organizations.
Thus content in the network is Thus content in the network is The content in the network is
accessible to every one accessible only to members of accessible to members of
connected. organization. organization and external
members with access to
network.
It is largest in terms of It is small network with The number of devices
number of connected device. minimal number of connected connected is comparable with
device. intranet.
It is owned by no one. It is owned by single It is owned by single/multiple
organization organization.
It is means of sharing It is means of sharing It is means of sharing
information through out the sensitive information through information between
world. out organization members and external
members.
Security is depending of the Security is enforced via a Security is enforced via a
user of device connected to firewall. firewall that separates
network. internet and extranet.
Users can access internet Users should have valid Users should have valid
anonymously. username/password to access username/password to access
intranet. extranet.

What is World Wide Web (WWW)?

1. The WWW is such an immensely popular Internet facility that for many users, it has
become synonymous with the Internet.
2. Developed in 1992 at the European Laboratory for Particle Physics at Cern,
Switzerland, the WWW links users to Internet sites.
3. The basic unit of WWW communication is the page, similar to this printed page. Within
a Web page are "links" on which users can click and be automatically connected to
related pages at the same or other Internet Websites.
4. With its ease of use and its multimedia ability to transmit text, graphics, audio, and
video and to retrieve detailed information from anywhere in the world in seconds, the
WWW has quickly become the interface of choice for Internet users.

Network protocols

What is a network protocol?

A network protocol is a set of established rules that specify how to format, send and receive
data so that computer network endpoints, including computers, servers, routers and virtual
machines, can communicate despite differences in their underlying infrastructures, designs or
standards.

Types of Network Protocols: Mainly 2 types: (1) The OSI Model (2) The TCP/IP model

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Network protocols break larger processes into discrete, narrowly defined functions and tasks
across every level of the network. In the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model, one or
more network protocols govern activities at each layer in the telecommunication exchange. It
is divided into 7 layers. Lower layers deal with data transport, while the upper layers in the
OSI model deal with software and applications.

The OSI Model

It is divided into 7 layers, viz.,
Layer# Name Purpose
Layer 7 APPLICATION Network process to application
Layer 6 PRESENTATION Data representation and encryption
Layer 5 SESSION Inter-host communication
Layer 4 TRANSPORT End-to-end connections and reliability
Layer 3 NETWORK Path determination and IP
Layer 2 DATA LINK MAC and LLC (Physical addressing)
Layer 1 PHYSICAL Media, signal and binary transmission

The TCP/IP model

It is divided into 5 layers, viz.,
Layer# Name Description
This layer is responsible for generating the data and requesting
Physical
5 connections. It acts on behalf of the sender and the Network
Layer
Access layer on the behalf of the receiver.
The packet’s network protocol type, in this case, TCP/IP, is
Data Link identified by the data-link layer. Point-to-Point Protocol
4
Layer (PPP) framing and Ethernet IEEE 802.2 framing are two
examples of data-link layer protocols.
Internet It defines the protocols which are responsible for the logical
3
Layer transmission of data over the entire network.
This layer protocols exchange data receipt acknowledgments
Transport and retransmit missing packets to ensure that packets arrive in
2
Layer order and without error. End-to-end communication is referred
to as such.
It is responsible for end-to-end communication and error-free
Application
1 delivery of data.
Layer

Generally speaking, there are three types of protocols in networking:

 Communication, such as Ethernet;
 Management, such as SMTP; and
 Security, such as Secure Shell, or SSH.

Network Architecture
Network Architecture is the way in which computer systems are organized and
interconnected to form a network.

There are two types of network architecture:

1. Peer-To-Peer
2. Client/Server

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Peer-To-Peer network
 Peer-To-Peer network is a network in which all the computers are linked together with
equal privilege and responsibilities for processing the data.
 Peer-To-Peer network is useful for small environments, usually up to 10 computers.
 Peer-To-Peer network has no dedicated server.
 Special permissions are assigned to each computer for sharing the resources, but this
can lead to a problem if the computer with the resource is down.

Advantages of Peer-To-Peer Network:

 It is less costly as it does not contain any dedicated server.
 If one computer stops working but, other computers will not stop working.
 It is easy to set up and maintain as each computer manages itself.

A typical Peer-To-Peer network

Disadvantages of Peer-To-Peer Network:

 In the case of Peer-To-Peer network, it does not contain the centralized system .
Therefore, it cannot back up the data as the data is different in different locations.
 It has a security issue as the device is managed itself.

Client/Server Network
 Client/Server network is a network model designed for the end users called clients, to
access the resources such as songs, video, etc. from a central computer known as
Server.
 The central controller is known as a server while all other computers in the network
are called clients.
 A server performs all the major operations such as security and network management.
 A server is responsible for managing all the resources such as files, directories, printer,
etc.
 All the clients communicate with each other through a server. For example, if client1
wants to send some data to client 2, then it first sends the request to the server for the
permission. The server sends the response to the client 1 to initiate its communication
with the client 2.

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 A typical Client/Server network

Advantages of Client/Server network:

 A Client/Server network contains the centralized system. Therefore we can back up
the data easily.
 A Client/Server network has a dedicated server that improves the overall performance
of the whole system.
 Security is better in Client/Server network as a single server administers the shared
resources.
 It also increases the speed of the sharing resources.

Disadvantages of Client/Server network:

 Client/Server network is expensive as it requires the server with large memory.
 A server has a Network Operating System(NOS) to provide the resources to the clients,
but the cost of NOS is very high.
 It requires a dedicated network administrator to manage all the resources.

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