Govt.

Post Graduate College for

Women Mardan

Assignment
Communication Networks and Standards

Submitted by

Marwa
Cn/01
Semester 8th
Batch 07

Submitted to Ms Saira

Submission Date: 19/03/2024

Contents
1.Introduction
a. Understanding the Backbone of Information Systems
b. Computer networks
2. Types of computer networks
3. Standards
4. Network standards
Understanding the Backbone of Information Systems:
The backbone of information systems refers to the core infrastructure that enables data to
be transmitted, processed, and stored within a network. This backbone typically includes
communication networks, hardware components, and software systems that work together
to support various applications and services. Here are some key components that make up
the backbone of information systems:

1. Communication Networks: These networks are the foundation of information

systems, facilitating the exchange of data between devices. They can be classified into
several types, such as:
 Local Area Network (LAN):
 Wide Area Network (WAN):
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):
 Wireless Networks:
2. Hardware Components: These include devices like routers, switches, servers, and
storage systems that form the infrastructure for data transmission and processing.
Routers direct data packets between networks, switches connect devices within a
network, servers store and process data, and storage systems provide long-term data
storage.
3. Software Systems: Operating systems, network protocols, middleware, and
applications are essential software components that manage network operations,
ensure data security, and enable users to access and interact with information systems.
4. Cloud Computing: Cloud services play a crucial role in modern information systems
by providing scalable computing resources, storage, and applications over the internet.
This includes Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software
as a Service (SaaS) offerings.
5. Security Measures: Information systems' backbone includes security measures such
as firewalls, encryption protocols, intrusion detection systems, and access control
mechanisms to protect data from unauthorized access, cyber threats, and data
breaches.
6. Standards and Protocols: Standards like TCP/IP, HTTP, DNS, and Ethernet define
how data is formatted, transmitted, and received across networks. Adhering to these
standards ensures compatibility, interoperability, and efficient communication within
information systems.

Computer Networks:
Computer network is a telecommunication channel using which we can share data with
other computers or devices, connected to the same network. The best example of computer
network is Internet.
Computer network does not mean a system with one Control Unit connected to multiple
other systems as its slave. That is Distributed system, not Computer Network.
Types of Communication Networks
  Local Area Network (LAN)
 Wide Area Network (WAN)
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
 Wireless Networks (Wi-Fi, Cellular Networks)
 Satellite Networks
 Virtual Private Network (VPN)
1. LAN(Local Area Network)
 Local Area Network is a group of computers connected to each other in a small area
such as building, office.
 LAN is used for connecting two or more personal computers through a
communication medium such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc.
 It is less costly as it is built with inexpensive hardware such as hubs, network
adapters, and ethernet cables.
 The data is transferred at an extremely faster rate in Local Area Network.
 Local Area Network provides higher security.

2. MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)

 A metropolitan area network is a network that covers a larger geographic area by
interconnecting a different LAN to form a larger network.
 Government agencies use MAN to connect to the citizens and private industries.
 In MAN, various LANs are connected to each other through a telephone exchange
line.
 The most widely used protocols in MAN are RS-232, Frame Relay, ATM, ISDN, OC-3,
ADSL, etc.
 It has a higher range than Local Area Network(LAN).
3. WAN(Wide Area Network)
 A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large geographical area such
as states or countries.
 A Wide Area Network is quite bigger network than the LAN.
 A Wide Area Network is not limited to a single location, but it spans over a large
geographical area through a telephone line, fibre optic cable or satellite links.
 The internet is one of the biggest WAN in the world.
 A Wide Area Network is widely used in the field of Business, government, and
education.
4.Wireless Networks
Wireless networks refer to networks that use radio waves or infrared signals to
transmit data instead of physical cables.

Types:
1. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity):
 Wi-Fi is a type of wireless networking technology that allows devices to connect to
the internet and communicate with each other wirelessly within a certain range.
 It operates based on the IEEE 802.11 standards and is commonly used in homes,
offices, public places, and educational institutions.
 Wi-Fi networks typically use a wireless router or access point to provide internet
connectivity to multiple devices such as laptops, smartphones, tablets, and smart
home devices.
 The range of a Wi-Fi network can vary depending on factors like the type of router,
obstacles, and interference from other devices.

2. Cellular Networks:
 Cellular networks are wireless networks that use cellular technology to provide voice
and data communication services to mobile devices such as smartphones and
tablets.
 They are operated by mobile network operators (carriers) and use a network of base
stations (cell towers) to provide coverage over a wide geographical area.
 Cellular networks use various technologies like GSM (Global System for Mobile
Communications), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), and LTE (Long-Term
Evolution) to enable voice calls, text messaging, and internet access.
 Users of cellular networks subscribe to plans that offer a certain amount of data,
voice minutes, and text messages per month, and they can access the network from
almost anywhere as long as there is coverage.

5.VPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a technology that creates a secure and encrypted
connection over a public network, such as the internet. Its primary purpose is to enable
secure communication and data transmission between two or more devices or networks
that are geographically separated.

Diagram:
[Device A] --(Encrypted Tunnel)--> [Internet] --
(Encrypted Tunnel)--> [VPN Server] --(Encrypted
Tunnel)--> [Device B]
Standards
Standards are the set of rules for data communication that are needed for exchange of
information among devices.

Types of standards:
1. De Facto Standard : The meaning of the work ” De Facto ” is ” By Fact ” or “By
Convention”. These are the standard s that have not been approved by any Organization ,
but have been adopted as Standards because of it’s widespread use. Also , sometimes
these standards are often established by Manufacturers.
For example : Apple and Google are two companies which established their own rules on
their products which are different . Also they use some same standard rules for
manufacturing for their products.
2.De Jure Standard : The meaning of the word “De Jure” is “By Law” or “By
Regulations”.Thus , these are the standards that have been approved by officially
recognized body like ANSI , ISO , IEEE etc. These are the standard which are important to
follow if it is required or needed.
For example : All the data communication standard protocols like SMTP , TCP , IP , UDP etc.
are important to follow the same when we needed them.

Network Standards
Network standards are like the rules that all devices in a network follow so they can talk to
each other effectively. These rules cover both the hardware (like routers and cables) and the
software (like protocols and languages) used in networks.

Here are some organizations that create and publish

these standards
International Standards Organization (ISO): They create global standards for a wide range
of industries, including networking, to promote compatibility and consistency
internationally.
International Telecommunication Union (ITU): This organization focuses on
telecommunications and sets standards for communication technologies and networks on a
global scale.
Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE): IEEE develops standards for various
aspects of networking, such as Ethernet (IEEE 802.3) and Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11), ensuring
devices can connect and communicate efficiently.
American National Standards Institute (ANSI): ANSI oversees the development of standards
across many industries, including networking, to enhance interoperability and reliability of
network components.
Internet Research Task Force (IETF): IETF is responsible for developing and promoting
internet standards, protocols, and related technologies to support the functionality and
growth of the internet.
Electronic Industries Association (EIA): EIA focuses on standards for electronic components
and systems, including those used in networking equipment, to ensure compatibility and
performance.

Widely used standards

Ethernet: Ethernet is a standard for wired networking that defines how devices
communicate over a LAN (Local Area Network). It specifies the type of cables, connectors,
and protocols (like Ethernet frames) used for data transmission between devices.
Token Ring: Token Ring was a networking standard that defined a ring topology where
devices pass a token to communicate. Although not as widely used today, it had specific
standards for token passing and data transmission in a ring network.
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol): TCP/IP is a set of standards
governing internet communication. It defines how data is packetized, addressed,
transmitted, and received across networks. TCP ensures reliable delivery of data, while IP
handles routing and addressing.
Bluetooth: Bluetooth is a standard for short-range wireless communication between
devices. It specifies protocols for establishing connections, transmitting data, and managing
devices in a wireless network, commonly used for connecting devices like smartphones,
headphones, and IoT devices.
RFID (Radio-Frequency Identification): RFID is a standard for wireless identification and
tracking using radio waves. It defines protocols for tags (attached to objects) and readers
(devices that read tags) to communicate, allowing for automatic identification and data
capture in various applications.
WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access): WiMAX is a standard for
wireless broadband communication over long distances. It specifies protocols for signal
modulation, data transmission, and network management, providing high-speed internet
access in areas without wired infrastructure.
Fixed Wireless WiMAX: Fixed Wireless WiMAX refers to WiMAX standards adapted for fixed
locations, such as homes or businesses. It defines protocols for deploying WiMAX
technology in stationary setups, delivering broadband internet wirelessly to fixed locations.