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Unit-2Handout

The document provides an overview of computer networks, explaining their definition, types (LAN, PAN, MAN, WAN), and topologies (Bus, Ring, Star, Mesh). It also discusses various network devices such as Network Interface Cards, routers, switches, hubs, modems, and servers. Each network type and topology is described with its advantages and disadvantages, highlighting their roles in facilitating communication and resource sharing among interconnected devices.

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2 views

Unit-2Handout

The document provides an overview of computer networks, explaining their definition, types (LAN, PAN, MAN, WAN), and topologies (Bus, Ring, Star, Mesh). It also discusses various network devices such as Network Interface Cards, routers, switches, hubs, modems, and servers. Each network type and topology is described with its advantages and disadvantages, highlighting their roles in facilitating communication and resource sharing among interconnected devices.

Uploaded by

darshith.tm.tips
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Indian Public School – Erode

Grade: 6 Subject: CDL

Computer Network
Computer Network

A computer network is a group of interconnected nodes or computing devices that


exchange data and resources with each other. A network connection between these
devices can be established using cable or wireless media.

Networking

Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices that can exchange


data and share resources with each other.

Point to point and Multi point Communication:

Point to point

A Point to Point Network is a private data connection securely connecting two or more
locations for private data services.

Multipoint Multi-point Communication means the channel is shared among multiple


devices or nodes.
Types of networks

A computer network is a group of computers linked to each other that enables the
computer to communicate with another computer and share their resources, data, and
applications.

A computer network can be categorized by their size. A computer network is mainly


of four types:

LAN

A local area network (LAN) is a collection of devices connected together in one


physical location, such as a building, office, or home.

A LAN can be small or large, ranging from a home network with one user to an
enterprise network with thousands of users and devices in an office or school.
PAN

A personal area network (PAN) connects electronic devices within a user's immediate
area. The size of a PAN ranges from a few centimeters to a few meters. One of the most
common real-world examples of a PAN is the connection between a Bluetooth earpiece
and a smartphone.

MAN

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that connects computers


within a metropolitan area, which could be a single large city, multiple cities and towns,
or any given large area with multiple buildings. A MAN is larger than a local area
network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area network (WAN).

WAN

A wide-area network (WAN) is a collection of local-area networks (LANs) or other


networks that communicate with one another. A WAN is essentially a network of
networks, with the Internet the world's largest WAN.
Network Topologies
Network topology refers to the arrangement of elements in a communication network
such as links, nodes, and so on.
Types of Network Topologies

 Bus Topology

 Ring Topology

 Star Topology

 Mesh Topology

Bus Topology:

The simplest type of topology is called a bus topology, in which network

communication takes place over a single bus or channel.

The following are the benefits of Bus topology:

 Easy to install and use.

 Less wiring is needed.

 Economical to implement.
The following are Bus topology drawbacks:

 Efficiency decreases as nodes increase

 A bus failure will result in network failure.

 Cable has limited length.

Ring Topology:
When computers are connected to form a ring, the topology is known as a ring topology.
The message passing is circular and unidirectional.

Ring topology has the advantages listed below:


 Simple installation

 Fewer Cables are needed.

 An easy problem to solve.

 The access time is the same for every node.

The following are some drawbacks to ring topology:

 The network as a whole will collapse if one node fails.

 Cost of installation is high.

 Requires more cable than the bus.


Star Topology:
A computer network topology known as a star topology connects each node to a central
hub. The hub or switch acts as a bridge between the nodes.

The benefits of the star topology are as follows:


 Less costly.

 Centralized management.

 Other nodes won't be impacted if one node fails.

 Easy to upgrade and reconfigure.

The following are some drawbacks of the star topology:

 The network will collapse if the primary device faults occur.

 There are a limited number of devices in the network.


Mesh Topology:

Mesh technology is a network configuration in which computers are linked to one


another by numerous redundant connections. It lacks a switch, hub, or any other central
computer that acts as a communication hub.

Mesh topology has the benefits listed below:


 Direct communication is facilitated by dedicated links.

 Due to each node having its own dedicated path, fault tolerance is good.

 Quick communication.

 Maintains security and privacy thanks to a separate communication channel.

Mesh topology has the following drawbacks:


 Extremely high cabling is required.

 Implementation is expensive.

 The network is difficult to install and takes up a lot of space.


Network Devices

A network device is a piece of hardware or software integral to communication between


a computer and an internet network. Some of the network devices are,

1. Network Interface Card (NIC)

2. Transmission Media

3. Router

4. Switch

5. Hub

6. Modem

7. Server

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A Network Interface Card, commonly referred to as a NIC, is a hardware device that


enables a computer to connect to a network.
Transmission Media

Transmission media refers to the physical medium through which data is transmitted
between computers on a network. It can be wired or wireless, depending on the type of
network and the distance between the communicating devices.

Router

A router is a critical component in a computer network that facilitates the transfer of


data packets between different networks.

Switch

A switch is a device used to connect multiple computers and devices within a local
network.

Hub

A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple computers and devices on a
network.
Modem

A modem, short for modulator-demodulator, is a device that enables computers to


transmit and receive data over communication channels.

Server

A server is a powerful computer or system that provides services, resources, and data to
other computers or devices on a network.

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