Unit-3
Introduction to Computer Networks
Introduction to Networks
The collection of interconnected computers is called a computer network.
Two computers are said to be interconnected if they are capable of sharing
and exchanging information.
Need of Computer Network
Resource Sharing :- Resource Sharing means to make all programs, data
and peripherals available to anyone on the network irrespective of the
physical location of the resources and the user.
Reliability :- Reliability means to keep the copy of a file on two or more
different machines, so if one of them is unavailable (due to some hardware
crash or any other) them its other copy can be used.
Cost Factor :- Cost factor means it greatly reduces the cost since the resources
can be shared.
Application of Computer Networks
1. Sharing of data, services and resources
2. Access to remote database
3. Communication facilities
4. Time saving
Elementary Terminology of Networks :-
1. Nodes (Workstations):- The term nodes refer to the computers that are
attached to a network and are seeking to share the resources.
Server:- A computer that facilitates the sharing of data, software and hardware
resources on the network.
MAC Address: A (Media access Control) address is a hardware identification
number that uniquely identifies each device on a network (assigned to a NIC by
the manufacturer).
IP Address: Each computer on internet is identified by a unique number called IP
Address. E.g: [Link]
Types of Computer Networks
LAN (Local Area Network): A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is
limited to a relatively small area. It is generally limited to a geographic area
such as a school building, office or a university campus. It is generally
privately owned networks over a distance not more than 5 Km. e.g.
network in a college, school, hospital etc.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network): MAN is the networks that cover a
group of nearby corporate offices or a city and might be either private or
public. E.g. Cable TV Network in a city.
WAN (Wide Area Network): These are the networks spread over large
distances, say across countries or even continents through cabling or
satellite uplinks are called WAN. E.g. Internet
PAN (Personal Area Network): A PAN is a network of communicating
devices (Computer, Phone, MP3/MP4 Player, Camera etc.) organized around
an individual person. A PAN can be set up using guided media (USB
cable) or unguided media (Bluetooth, Infrared).
Network Devices
1. Modem:-A modem (modulator/demodulator) is a hardware device
that allows a computer to send and receive information over telephone
lines. When sending a signal, the modem converts (modulates) digital data
to an analog signal and transmit it over a telephone line. Similarly when an
analog signal is received, the modem converts it back (demodulates) to a
digital signal.
2. Hub :- A Hub is an electronic device that connects several computers
together to form a network and redirects the received information to all the
connected nodes in broadcast mode. The computer(s) for which the
information is intended receive(s) this information and accept(s) it. Other
computers on the network simply reject this information.
Example of how a hub works is shown
below. Computer A wants to send a message to computer B.
It sends the message through the Ethernet cable to the
hub, then the hub repeats the message to all of the
connected computers.
3. Switch :- A switch is a network device which is used to interconnect
computers or devices on a network. It filters and forwards data packets
across a network. The main difference between hub and switch is that hub
replicates what it receives on one port onto all the other ports while
switch keeps a record of the MAC addresses of the devices attached to it
and forwards data packets onto the ports for which it is addressed across a
network, that’s why switch is intelligent Hub.
4. Repeater :- A Repeater is a device that is used to amplify and regenerate
a signal which is on its way through a communication channel. A repeater
regenerates the received signal and re-transmits it to its destination.
5. Router :- A device that forwards data packets from one network to
another by finding the shortest route, based on an internal routing table and
the address of the destination network in the incoming packet, the router
determines whether to send the packet out (in other network) or keep it
or forward within the own network.
Gateway :- A gateway is a device that connects dissimilar networks (Networks
with different software and hardware configurations
and with different transmission protocol).
Network Topologies
Topology means the way by which a network is formed.
1. Bus Topology
Bus Topology :-Bus topology is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN)
in which all the nodes are connected to a single cable. The starting and
ending point of cable is called terminator.
ADVANTAGES
It is easy to install.
It requires less cable length and hence it is cost effective.
Failure of a node does not affect the network.
DISADVANTAGES
In case of cable or terminator fault, the entire network breaks
down.
Not suitable for large number of computers.
At a time only one node can transmit data.
The STAR Topology: -
A STAR topology is based on a central node which acts as a hub. In star
topology each node is directly connected to a Hub/Switch.
Advantages:
Easy to troubleshoot
A single node failure does not affect the entire network.
Fault detection and removal of faulty parts is easier.
In case a workstation fails, the network is not affected.
Disadvantages:-
Difficult to expand.
Longer cable is required.
The cost of the hub and the longer cables makes it expensive
over others.
In case hub fails, the entire network stop working.
TREE Topology
Tree topology is a combination of bus and star topologies. It is used to combine
multiple star topology networks. All the stars are connected together like a
bus.
Features of Tree Topology
Ideal if workstations are located in groups.
Used in Wide Area Network.
Advantages of Tree Topology
Extension of bus and star topologies.
Expansion of nodes is possible and easy.
Easily managed and maintained.
Error detection is easily done
Disadvantages of Tree Topology
Heavily cabled.
Costly.
If more nodes are added maintenance is difficult.
Central hub fails, network fails.
Mesh Topology :-
Mesh topology is a group of nodes which are all connected to each other
and many types of connections are possible in a mesh topology.
Advantage of Mesh Topology
The arrangement of the network nodes is such that it is possible
to transmit data from one node to many other nodes at the same
time.
Fault is diagnosed easily.
Disadvantage of Mesh Topology
Installation and configuration is difficult.
Cabling cost is more.
Bulk wiring is required.