Ch. No 1 Introduction to Computer Network pdf
Ch. No 1 Introduction to Computer Network pdf
1.1.1 Definition
Key Idea: Sharing resources like printers, files, and the internet.
1.1.2 Goals
1. Resource Sharing: Sharing hardware devices (e.g., printers) and software applications.
3. Reliability: Distributing data across multiple systems to ensure availability and backup.
4. Cost Reduction: Centralized resource sharing reduces overall hardware and software
costs.
6. Access to Remote Information: Access data stored on distant servers via the Internet.
1.1.3 Applications
1. Business:
2. Education:
3. Entertainment:
4. Healthcare:
5. Banking:
o Online banking, ATM networks, and stock market trading systems.
6. Government:
Types of Communication:
1. Broadcast:
o One device sends a message, and it is received by all devices in the network.
2. Point-to-Point:
• Switch: Connects devices in a local network and forwards data based on MAC
addresses.
1. Sender:
2. Receiver:
3. Message:
4. Transmission Medium:
o The physical pathway used for communication.
5. Protocol:
• Definition: In a mesh topology, every device is connected to every other device in the
network.
1. Full Mesh: Every node has a direct connection to all other nodes.
2. Partial Mesh: Some nodes are connected to all others, while others are connected to
only a few nodes.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Example:
• WANs (Wide Area Networks) and critical systems like military communication.
• Definition: All devices are connected to a central hub, switch, or server, forming a
star-like structure.
How it Works:
• The central device acts as a communication point for all other devices.
• Data passes through the central hub before reaching its destination.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Example:
• Definition: All devices are connected to a single central cable (called a backbone or
bus) that acts as a shared communication medium.
How it Works:
• Terminators are used at both ends of the bus to absorb signals and prevent reflection.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
• Single point of failure: If the central cable fails, the entire network stops working.
Example:
• Definition: Devices are connected in a circular fashion, forming a ring. Each device has
exactly two connections (to its neighbors).
How it Works:
• Data travels in one direction (unidirectional) or both directions (bidirectional) around the
ring.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Example:
WANs, critical
Mesh High reliability, fault-tolerant Expensive, complex setup
systems
Computer networks are categorized based on their geographical coverage, size, and
technology used.
o Characteristics:
▪ High data transfer rates (e.g., up to 1 Gbps or more).
o Advantages:
o Disadvantages:
o Example:
o Characteristics:
o Advantages:
o Disadvantages:
o Example:
o Characteristics:
▪ Uses public networks (e.g., the internet) and private leased lines.
o Advantages:
o Example:
1.3.2 Internetwork
• How it Works:
Types of Internetworks:
Advantages:
Example:
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Examples:
Summary Table
The modes of communication define the direction of data flow between two communicating
devices. There are three primary modes: Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Full-Duplex.
• Definition: In simplex mode, data flows in one direction only. One device acts as the
sender and the other as the receiver.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
• No two-way communication.
Examples:
• Television: The broadcasting station sends signals, and viewers only receive them.
• Keyboard to Monitor: The keyboard sends input to the monitor (output device).
• Definition: In half-duplex mode, data flows in both directions, but only one direction
at a time.
• Devices can both send and receive data, but not simultaneously.
Characteristics:
• Two-way communication (bidirectional), but only one device can send at a time.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
• Slower because data cannot be sent and received at the same time.
Examples:
• Walkie-Talkie: One person speaks while the other listens; roles switch.
Characteristics:
• Requires two separate communication channels or a shared channel divided into two
directions.
Advantages:
Disadvantages:
Examples:
• Video Calls: Both audio and video signals are transmitted in real time.
Summary Table
In a Local Area Network (LAN), devices are interconnected within a limited area like an office,
school, or home. LANs are classified into two types based on how resources and
responsibilities are managed:
1. Server-Based LANs
2. Peer-to-Peer LANs
Characteristics:
• Clients (computers) request resources such as files, data, printers, and applications
from the server.
• Servers perform tasks like file sharing, data storage, security management, and
application hosting.
Advantages:
1. Centralized Management:
2. Scalability:
3. Improved Security:
4. High Performance:
Disadvantages:
1. High Cost:
2. Dependency on Server:
3. Complex Setup:
Characteristics:
• Each device (node) can share its files, data, and peripherals with others.
• There is no dedicated server; all computers are responsible for managing their own
resources.
Advantages:
1. Low Cost:
2. Simple Setup:
Disadvantages:
1. Limited Scalability:
3. Performance Issues:
o Resource sharing can slow down computers as they act both as servers and
clients.
Examples:
Security Centralized and better security Less secure (no central control)
Conclusion
• Server-Based LANs are ideal for large organizations that need centralized control, high
performance, and security.
• Peer-to-Peer LANs are suitable for small networks where simplicity and low cost are
priorities.
1.6.1 Protocols
• Definition:
A protocol is a set of rules and conventions that define how data is transmitted and
received in a network. It ensures proper communication between devices.
• Role of Protocols:
o Secure version of HTTP; encrypts data using SSL/TLS for secure communication.
5. POP3 (Post Office Protocol v3) / IMAP (Internet Message Access Protocol)
o IMAP: Allows accessing emails from a remote server without downloading them.
1.6.2 Standards
• Definition:
A standard is an established guideline or specification developed to ensure uniformity,
compatibility, and interoperability of technologies across different systems and
manufacturers.
Types of Standards
1. De Facto Standards:
2. De Jure Standards:
3. Proprietary Standards:
4. Open Standards:
Standard Organizations
Conclusion
Network software provides the necessary logic and functionality for data communication in a
computer network. It enables devices to communicate by following specific rules, organizing
communication into multiple layers, and addressing design issues.
Protocol Hierarchies
• Definition:
Protocols are organized into a hierarchy of layers, where each layer provides a specific
functionality to support network communication.
• This hierarchy allows a modular design, where one layer can be modified without
affecting others.
Layers
• Definition:
Layers are logically organized levels in a network system, where each layer performs a
specific task and interacts only with its neighboring layers.
• Layers ensure that complex networking tasks are broken into smaller, manageable
parts.
Peers
• Definition:
Peers are entities at the same level (layer) in two communicating devices.
• Each layer in the sender communicates with its corresponding peer layer in the receiver
using a protocol.
• Example:
Interfaces
• Definition:
An interface is the point where two layers interact with each other.
• Each interface defines how data and control information are passed between adjacent
layers.
Layer Function
When designing layers in a network protocol hierarchy, several issues need to be addressed:
1. Reliability
2. Flow Control
o Manage the rate at which data is sent to prevent a fast sender from
overwhelming a slow receiver.
3. Error Control
4. Addressing
5. Sequence Control
6. Connection Management
7. Security
1. Connection-Oriented Service
• Definition:
A communication service where a connection is established between sender and
receiver before data transfer begins.
• Data is delivered reliably and in the correct order.
Characteristics:
Advantages:
• Reliable communication.
Disadvantages:
Examples:
• Telephone Call
2. Connectionless Service
• Definition:
A communication service where no connection is established before data transfer.
Each data packet is transmitted independently.
Characteristics:
Advantages:
• Faster and more efficient for applications where reliability is not critical.
Disadvantages:
Examples:
• Postal Mail
Conclusion
• Protocol hierarchies organize communication into logical layers to simplify design and
implementation.
• Addressing design issues like reliability, error control, and flow control ensures effective
communication.