Computer Network

 Introduction
 Types of Network
 Classification of Network Architecture
 Network Topology
A computer network is a telecommunications
network that allows computers to exchange data.
The connection between networked computing
devices is established using either wired media or
wireless media.
The best-known computer network is the
internet.
Based on the size and the coverage area, networks are
categorized into the following types:
Personal Area Networks (PANs)
Local Area Networks (LANs)
Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs)
Wide Area Networks (WANs)
A personal area network (PAN) is a computer network used for
communication among computer and different information
technological devices close to one person.
Is a small network established for communication between different
devices, such as laptops, computers and mobiles.
A pan may include wired and wireless devices.
The reach of a pan typically extends to 10 meters.
A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers
and devices in a limited geographical area such as a home, school,
office building, or closely positioned group of buildings.
Each computer or device on the network is a node.
Wired LANs are most likely based on Ethernet technology.
It is relatively larger than LAN and extends across a
city or a metropolitan.
It is created by connecting two or more LANs
located at different locations in a city.
A wide area network (WAN) is a computer network that covers a large
geographic area such as a city, country, or spans even intercontinental distances.
A WAN uses a communications channel that combines many types of media
such as telephone lines, cables, and air waves.
A WAN often makes use of transmission facilities provided by common
carriers, such as telephone companies.
One of the most prominent examples of the existing wans is the Internet.
On a network built using the client-server architecture, the devices
communicate to other devices through a central computer referred to as a
server.
The server is a terminal with high processing power, which provides services
for the other computers on the network.
Hardware Components
Servers −Servers are high-configuration computers that manage the resources of the
network. The network operating system is typically installed in the server and so they give
user accesses to the network resources. Servers can be of various kinds: file servers,
database servers, print servers etc.
Clients / Workstations− Clients are computers that request and receive service from the
servers to access and use the network resources.
Transmission Media − Transmission media are the channels through which data is
transferred from one device to another in a network. Transmission media may be guided
media like coaxial cable, fibre optic cables etc; or maybe unguided media like microwaves,
infra-red waves etc.
Connecting Devices − Connecting devices act as middleware between networks or
computers, by binding the network media together. Some of the common connecting devices
are:
a. Routers
b. Bridges
c. Hubs
d. Repeaters
e. Gateways
f. Switches
Software Components
Networking Operating System − Network Operating Systems is typically installed in
the server and facilitate workstations in a network to share files, database,
applications, printers etc.
Protocol Suite − A protocol is a rule or guideline followed by each computer for data
communication. Protocol suite is a set of related protocols that are laid down for
computer networks. The two popular protocol suites are −
a. OSI Model ( Open System Interconnections)
b. TCP / IP Model
 The pattern of interconnection of nodes in a network is
called the Topology.
This layout also determines the manner in which
information is exchanged within the network.

The different types of network topologies that can be

used to set up a network are:

✓ Bus Topology
✓ Star Topology
✓ Ring Topology
✓ Tree Topology
✓ Hybrid Topology
A bus topology is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which
all the nodes are connected to a single cable. The cable to which the
nodes connect is called a "backbone". If the backbone is broken, the
entire segment fails. Bus topologies are relatively easy to install and
don't require much cabling compared to the alternatives.

Bus topology
Advantages of Bus Topology

1.It is simple, reliable and easy to use.

2.It is easy to extend any number of computers can be added using
the connector in a bus topology.
3.It is less expensive than another arrangement

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

1.If the cable fails, then the entire system fails to respond to the user.
2.Since the cable is one, fault finding and troubleshooting become
very difficult.
3.Data traffic is high.
A ring topology is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which every
device has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes.

Ring topology
Advantages of ring topology
1. All data flows in one direction, reducing the chance of packet
collisions.
2. A network server is not needed to control network connectivity
between each workstation.
3. Data can transfer between workstations at high speeds.
4. Additional workstations can be added without impacting
performance of the network.

Disadvantages of ring topology

1.All data being transferred over the network must pass through each
workstation on the network, which can make it slower than a star
topology.
2. The entire network will be impacted if one workstation shuts down.

3. The hardware needed to connect each workstation to the network is

more expensive than Ethernet cards and hubs/switches.
A star topology is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which all
nodes are individually connected to a central connection point, like a hub or
a switch. A star takes more cable than e.g. a bus, but the benefit is that if a
cable fails, only one node will be brought down.

Star topology
Advantages of star topology
1. It is very reliable – if one cable or device fails then all the others
will continue to work
2. It is high-performing as no data collisions can occur
3. Easy to extend

Disadvantages of star topology

1. It is expensive to install as this type of network uses the most

cable (network cable is expensive)
2. Extra hardware is required (hubs or switches) which adds to cost
3. If a hub or switch fails, all the devices connected to it will have
no network connection
A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of
groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable. Tree
topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and enable schools to
configure a network to meet their needs.

Tree topology
Advantages of a Tree Topology

1. Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

2. Supported by several hardware and software venders.

Disadvantages of a Tree Topology

1. Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling

used.
2. If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.
3. More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.