TOPIC TWO

INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKS

Learning Objectives
By the end of this chapter the learner shall be able to;
i. Explain the meanings of different terms used in networking
ii. Explain the basic components of a network
iii. The different types of networks such as the Local area network, Metropolitan area network and
the Wide area Network.
iv. The benefits of establishing a computer network

1.1 Definition of terms

Computer network - A computer network (a network in short) is a combination of hardware and
software that achieves communication between computers. It can also be defined as a collection of
computers and devices interconnected by communications channels that facilitate communications
and allows sharing of resources and information among interconnected devices. When put more
simply, a computer network is a collection of two or more computers linked together for the purposes
of sharing information, resources, among other things.

A client is a computer that allows a user or users to log on to the network and take advantage of the
resources available on the network. A client computer will make a client operating system. The
purpose of the client is to get user onto the network therefore, client computers don‘t usually have the
processing power, the storage space, or the memory found on a server because the client does not
have to serve up resources to other computers on the network.
A server, on the other hand, is typically a much more powerful computer that runs a network
operating system. The server provides centralized administration of the 7
network and serves up the resources that are available on the network, such as printers and files. The
administrator of the server decides who can and cannot log on the network and which resources the
various can access.
Data communication - electronic transmission of information that has been encoded digitally (as for
storage and processing by computers).
Data are groups of information that represent the qualitative or quantitative attributes of a variable or
set of variables. Data (plural of "datum", which is seldom used) are typically the results of
measurements and can be the basis of graphs, images, or observations of a set of variables. Data are
often viewed as the lowest level of abstraction from which information and knowledge are derived.

Information – Processed data that is in a meaningful form.

A transmitter is an electronic device which, usually with the aid of an antenna, propagates an
electromagnetic signal such as radio, television, or other telecommunications.
Receiver, the receiving end of a communications channel

Signal a physical quantity that can carry information

Channel , the medium used to convey information from a sender to a receiver.

An electric bus is a bus powered by electricity that connect two devices

Simplex communication refers to communication that occurs in one direction only.

A half-duplex system provides for communication in both directions, but only one direction at a
time (not simultaneously). Typically, once a party begins receiving a signal, it must wait for the
transmitter to stop transmitting, before replying.
An example of a half-duplex system is a two-party system such as a "walkie-talkie" style two-way
radio, wherein one must use "Over" or another previously-designated command to indicate the end of
transmission, and ensure that only one party transmits at a time, because both parties transmit on the
same frequency.

A duplex communication system is a system composed of two connected parties or devices that can
communicate with one another in both directions.
A network is an interconnection of two or more computers in order to share data and resources.

Point to Point communication A traditional point-to-point data link is a communications medium

with exactly two endpoints and no data or packet formatting. The host computers at either end had to
take full responsibility for formatting the data transmitted between them. Computers in close
proximity may be connected by wires directly between their interface cards.

Multi point communication - A system with at least one, and preferably at least two, end devices

Why network computers?

There are some compelling reasons why someone with more than a couple computers would want to
connect those computers into a network. What the network will actually be used for will, of course,
vary depending on the needs of the person or organization creating the network. Networks can be
used for simple tasks, such as sharing a printer, or they can be used for more advanced applications,
such as complex point-of-sale system and worldwide video conferencing.
All networks, whether big or small, are typically created so that users on the network
can share resources and communicate. The list that follows breaks down some of the reasons for
networking computers:

 File sharing.
Networking computers makes it very easy for the users on the network to share
application files .

 Hardware sharing.
Users can share devices such as printers, CD-ROM drives, and hard drives.

 Program sharing.
Applications such as spreadsheets and word processors can be run over the
network.

 User communication.
Network allows users to take advantage of communication media such as electronic
mail, newsgroups, and video conferencing.

Network Types (classification based on Network size)

LAN - Local Area Network - A LAN connects network devices over a relatively short distance. A
networked office building, school, or home usually contains a single LAN, though sometimes one
building will contain a few small LANs (perhaps one per room), and occasionally a LAN will span a
group of nearby buildings.

Metropolitan Area Network - a network spanning a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller
than a WAN, such as a city. A MAN is typically owned an operated by a single entity such as a
government body or large corporation.
WAN - Wide Area Network - As the term implies, a WAN spans a large physical distance. The
Internet is the largest WAN, spanning the Earth. A WAN is a geographically-dispersed collection of
LANs. A network device called a router connects LANs to a WAN.

1.2 Network Types (classification based on point of control)

The most elementary of all networks that consist of two (or more) computers, each connected to the
other using some kind of wire or cable to permitinformation exchange. The connection can be done
in two basic ways: Peer-To- Peer and Server-Based.

Peer-To-Peer Network

Computers of a Peer-To-Peer network can take both a client and a server role. There is no centralized
control over shared resources, such as files or printer. Any individual machine can share its resources
with any other computer on the same network, however and whenever its users choose to do so. The
Peer-To-Peer relationship also means that all computers have equal access and responsibility in the
network.
Advantages of Peer-To-Peer Network

-shared resources.

Disadvantages ofPeer-To-Peer Network

is no centralized organizational scheme to locate or control access to data.

Suitability of Peer-To-Peer Network

In the following situations peer-to-peer is appropriate.
organization

ional computer just to server files

Server-Based Network

Server based networks provide centralized control over network resources, primarily by enforcing
network security and control through the server‘s own configuration and setup. The computers used
for servers usually incorporate faster CPUs, more memory, larger disk drives, ad extra peripherals
(such as tape drives and CD ROM) when compare to end user machines (clients). In most cases,
servers are dedicated to handle network requests from their clients.
Advantages of Server-Based Network

-based networking makes the most sense for networks with 10 or more users or any
networks where resources are used heavily.

Disadvantages of Server-Based Network

-purpose server software requires allocation of expert staff, which increases

expanses.

Suitability of Server-Based Network

In the following situations server-based is appropriate.
en people in your organization.

Basic Components of Network

The most common components of a network are:

1) Terminal
Over the years, the data terminal market has increased substantially and there are now literally
hundreds of manufactures and many different kinds if terminal. However, the fact is that all of these
terminals have been designed primarily to input and display information in some form or another.
Therefore, even though specific characteristics such as screen size and keyboard layout may differ,
they can generally be categorized into three simple groups. Terminal
1. Dumb Terminals

Dumb terminals are those which have limited functions and are driven with information from a host
computer. Normally, they consist of a Cathode Ray Tube (CRT) display screen with a full
alphanumeric keyboard and can be connected directly to a computer system (host computer) through
some sort of communications interface. In most cases, data is transmitted directly through the
communication interface as it is typed on the keyboard.
2. Intelligent Terminals

The category of intelligent or programmable terminals is probably the largest and widest ranging
group. Unlike dumb terminals, intelligent terminals are equipped with a processor that can support an
instruction set to direct the basic functions of the terminal. Like any other type of computer that has a
processor, these terminals normally have additional memory and storage devices such as disc drives.
Intelligent terminal are, therefore, capable of stand-alone processing and can support a variety of
software applications which, in turn, enable them to support a variety of communications interfaces
through the use of emulation program. This is also means that, unlike dumb terminals, intelligent
terminals are able to use addresses and sophisticated access method to transmit and receive messages.

3. Graphic Terminals

Graphic terminals are display devices that provide a means not only for displaying data in graphical
form, but also for manipulating and modifying the data presented. Generally, graphic terminal
keyboards have a number of specific or programmable function keys in addition to the full
alphanumeric keys of a normal keyboard and the resolution of the display screen is normally a lot
higher to enable more detailed displays
2) Workstation

A workstation is a client. More specifically, it is a standalone computer equipped with it‘s own
processor, system and application software. It can perform its functions independent of the network.
To expand its resources and knowledge, it may get connected to a network.
3) Server
Network plays one of two basic roles at any given moment, the computer is either acting s a client or
as a server. A server is a computer that shares its
Resources across the network, and a client are one that accesses shared resources. Depending on the
size and requirements of the network, servers can be classified as below:

i. File Server
A file server allows user to share files. It several LAN users need access to an application such as
word processing, only one copy of the application software needs to reside on a file server. This copy
can be shared among all the users. When a user requests to start an application, that application is
downloaded into the users workstation.
Consider the saving in disk space in a company having 100 users for application package that
requires 10 MB of disk storage. Storage on the file server requires only 10 MB of disk space for all
users. Storing the same application on 100 users‘ local disk drives will require 1,000 MB of disk
space.
This is only an example of one application. Same logic can be applied when hundreds of different
application programs needed.

ii. Database Server

The database server was developed to solve the problem of passing an entire file over the medium.
The most common example of a database server is the SQL server. Structured Query Language
(SQL) is standard database definition, access, and update language for relational database. An SQL
server accepts a database request, accesses all necessary records locally, and then sends only the
result back to the requester (not the whole database).

iii. Print Server

Print server allows anyone on the network to have access to a printing service.

iv. Disk Server

It is server with large storage. A portion of storage is given to each user to store their files/data. It is
very useful in university where each student is given a user account with password and some storage
space in disk server. Once the student completes the education the same space can be assigned to
new student.

v. Dedicated Vs Non-Dedicated Server

Many networks will let their user run standard programs while their computer is simultaneously
functioning as a server to others. A computer that both runs standard programs and lets other user see
its data at the same time is said to be ―non-dedicated server‖. Non-dedicated servers can be clever
way of setting up a small LAN without having to buy any extra system. Dedicated server are
specially assigned for network management and provided no general-purpose services.

4) Network interface card

Typical network interface card

An Ethernet connection uses a standard interface known as an RJ45 connector. 'RJ' stands for 'registered jack.'
 Ethernet cable using a RJ45 connector

This cable plugs into the Ethernet connection of a computer. Small LED lights built into the connection will show that a connection is active and whether data is being transferred.

Attaching a computer to a network requires a physical interface between computer and the
networking medium. For PCs, this interface resides in a special network interface card (NIC), also
known as network adapter or a network card that plugs into an adapter slot inside the computer‘s
case. Laptops and other computers may include built-in interface or use special modular interface
such as PC card interface, to accommodate a network adapter of some kind.
For any computer, a NIC performs following crucial tasks:
1. It establishes and manages the computer‘s network connection.

2. it translates digital data( of source computer) into signals (appropriate for the networking medium)
for outgoing messages, and translates from signals into digital computer data for incoming messages.

3. Converts serial incoming data via cable into parallel data to for CPU, and vice versa.

4. It has some memory, which acts as a holding tank or buffer. It buffers the data to control the data
flow.

Chapter Review Questions

1. Catholic University of Eastern Africa has a network at the main campus. Which type of network
do they have?
2. Catholic University of Eastern Africa has started a centre in Nakuru with about 30 computers.
Between a Peer-to-peer and client server network, which network type is the most appropriate and
for what reasons?
3. Why would an organization choose to set-up a network?
4. Why is the client server network more common than the Peer-to-peer network in our current
world?