Summer Vacation Homework

Computer
Task 2- Research on Computer
Networking
a. Identify and analyse a network and its core components.
• Computer Network and its important components
• Communication media and its different types
• Network Architecture
• Network Topologies
• Types of Networks

b. Create a visually appealing presentation (PPT) include

images, diagrams or videos displaying the research findings.
Computer Network

A computer network is group of computers, devices and other

electronics devices that are connected to each other. This can
be a small network, like a home network with just a few devices
connected to it, or a large network, like the Internet, which
connects millions of devices around the world. Network allow
devices to share information and resources, such as internet
access, files and printers. They can be wired, meaning that they
are connected using cables or wires, i.e. that they use radio
waves to communicate. Network can be used for variety of
purposes, such as communication, entertainment and business.
Computer Network and it’s Core
Components
Core component of Compute Network are :-
1. Host
2. Network Interface Card (NIC)
3. Nodes
 Host

A host is a network of computers or other devices connected

to a compute network. All computers connected to a Network
that participate directly in network communication are
classified as hosts. A host can send and receive a message
on the network. In modern networks, computer hosts can act
as a client, a server or both.
Network Interface Card (NIC)

It is a hardware device without which a computer

cannot be connected over a network. It contains
electronic circuit that are needed to ensure reliable
communication between two devices.
Nodes

Nodes are also network connecting devices such as

hub, switch, bridge, repeater etc. these are
necessary for networking in order to connect one
computer to another networking device.
Communication Media

Communication media is
transmission media where data
signal are transmitted. There are two
main types of communication media.
1. Guided Media
2. Unguided Media
Guided Media(Twisted Pair, Coaxial,
Fibre Optics Cables)
Physical Transmission Media includes underground/aerial cables
between buildings. Twisted pair cables are used for network cabling
and telephone systems. Each pair consists of two separate insulated
copper wires twisted together to reduce noise, which can affect the
quality of communication. Coaxial cable consists of a single copper
wire surrounded by at least three layers: (1) an insulating material, (2)
a woven or braided metal, and (3) a plastic outer coating. Cable
Television (CATV) network wiring often uses coaxial cable because it
can be cabled over longer distances than twisted-pair cable. The core
of a fibre-optic cable consists of dozens or hundreds of thin strands of
glass or plastic that carry data as pulses of light. Each strand, called an
optical fibre, is as thin as a human hair.
Unguided Media (Radio Waves,
Microwave)
An unguided media transmission sends
electromagnetic waves without the need of a
physical medium. As a result, it is sometimes referred
to as wireless transmission. Air is the medium
through which electromagnetic energy can freely
travel in unguided transmission. Radio waves and
microwaves are example of unguided transmission
media. It transmits short range communication such
as data transfer between two cell phones, TV, remote
control, etc.
Network Architecture

Network Architecture refers to how

computers are organised in a system and
how tasks are allocated between the
computers. Two of the most common
type of network architecture are peer-to-
peer and client/server. Client/server
architecture is also called ‘tiered’
because it uses multiple levels.
Peer-to-Peer architecture

In Peer-to-Peer (P2P) architecture connected

computers have equal powers and privileges. There
is no central server for coordination. Each device in
the computer network can act as either client or
server. Each peer may share some of its resources,
like memory and processing power, with entire
computer network. For example, some companies
use P2P architecture to host memory-consuming
applications, such as 3-D graphic rendering, across
multiple digital devices.
Client/Server Architecture

In this type of computer network, nodes may be

server or clients. Server nodes provide resources like
memory, processing power, or data to client nodes.
Server nodes may also manage client node
behaviour. Clients may communicate with each other,
but they do not share resources. For example, some
computer devices in enterprise networks store data
and configuration settings. These devices are the
servers in the network. Client may access this data
by making a request to the server machine.
Network Topology

The arrangement of nodes and links is called

network topology. They can be configured in
different ways to get different outcomes. Some
type of network topologies are:
1. Bus Topology
2. Ring Topology
3. Star Topology
4. Mesh Topology
Bus Topology

Each node is linked to only

one other node. In this
topology, data transmission
over the network connections
occurs in one direction.
Ring Topology

Each node is linked to only one

other node forming a ring. Data
can flow bi-directionally. However,
single node failure can bring
down the entire network.
Star Topology

A central server node is linked to

multiple client network devices.
This topology performs better as
data does not have to go through
each node. It is also more reliable.
Mesh Topology

Every node is linked to many

other nodes. In a full mesh
topology, every node is
connected to every other
node in the network.
Types of Computer Network

There are six main types of computer network:

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
2. Local Area network (LAN)
3. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
4. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
5. Wide Area Network (WAN)
6. Virtual Private Network (VPN)
Personal Area Network (PAN)

This is the smallest and the most basic network that you will find, it is meant to
cover a very small area (typically a single room or building. A PAN is most
commonly used for one individual and to connect just a handful of devices such as
a computer, smartphone and printers. Probably the most well known PAN
technology is Bluetooth connection.
Advantages of PAN
 PAN networks are relatively protected and safe.
 It offers just a short range option of approximately 10 meters.
 Strictly restricted to a small area.
Disadvantages of PAN
 It might establish a bad connection to other network at the same radio bands.
 Range limits.
Local Area Network (LAN)

This is an extremely common and well-known type of network. Just as the name suggests, a LAN
connects a group of computers or devices together across a local area. This type of network can be
utilized to connect devices throughout one building or even 2-3 buildings depending on the proximity to
each other.
Advantages of LAN
 Information of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the server computer system.
 It will be simple to manage data in only one place, which makes data more secure.
 Local Area Network offers the centre to share a single Internet connections among all the LAN users.
Disadvantages of LAN
 Unauthorized users can access important data of an organization in case LAN admin is not able to
secure a central information repository.
 Local Area Network needs a continuous LAN administration as there are problems related to software
setup and hardware failures.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

A WLAN is simply a LAN that does not rely on cables to connect to the network. When you are using a WLAN.
WLANs are typically used in the same scenario as LANs, it just depends on whether you would prefer an on
premises or remote cloud solution (wire or wireless).
Advantages of WLAN
 It is a reliable type of communication.
 It requires less wiring.
 Lesser in cost.
 It provides high data rate due to small area coverage.
Disadvantages of WLAN
 It has a limited area to cover.
 If the number of connected devices increases then data transfer rate decreases.
 It uses radio frequency that can interfere with other devices.
 Rain or thunder may interfere communication.
 Attackers can get access to the transmitted data because WLAN has low data security.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Larger than a LAN, a MAN incorporates elements of both types of network. It connects
multiple LANs together and spans an entire geographical area such as a city or town (or
sometimes a campus). Ownership and management can be handled by a single person, but
its more likely done by a larger company or organization.
Advantages of MAN
 MAN is used in communication between the banks in a city.
 It can be utilized in an airline reservation.
 It can be utilized in colleges within a city.
 It can also be used for communication in armed force.
Disadvantages of MAN
 More cables are required to establish a MAN connection between different places.
 In MAN network it is difficult to make the system protected from hackers.
Wide Area Network (WAN)

WANs do the same thing as LANs but across a larger area while connecting more devices. Even when
miles apart, a WAN can connect devices together remotely. In fact, the most basic example of WAN is the
Internet which connects computers and devices worldwide. Since its much larger, this type of network is
typically maintained by multiple administrators and ownership is distributed across various organizations.
Advantages of WAN
 WAN assists you to cover a bigger geographical area. For that reason, workplace located at longer
distances can easily communicate.
 Connects devices like smartphones, laptop, tablet, computer systems, video gaming consoles, etc.
Disadvantages of WAN
 Since the system got in touch with a large number of systems, there is the possibility to unknowingly
download the virus that can impact our system and become a danger to our personal privacy and
might cause data loss.
 The cost of setup is extremely high.
Virtual Private Network

The importance of a VPN is to increase security and privacy while accessing a network. The VPN acts as
a middleman between you and the network by encrypting your data and hiding your identity. This is a great
option for sending and receive sensitive information, however, using a VPN requires you to connect to the
Internet. Anytime you are on a public network, you run the risk of being targeted by a hacker, so using a
VPN is your best bet at ensuring your cybersecurity.
Advantages of VPN
 VPN protects online privacy.
 Bypasses Geological Restrictions.
 VPNs are affordable and easier to set up than other network security options.
Disadvantages of VPN
 Slower connection speed.
 Free from online censorship.
 VPN providers monitor all the activities.
Edge Computing

Edge computing is an emerging

computing shift which refers to a
range of networks and devices at
or near the user. Autonomous
vehicles are an example of edge
computing.
Data Analytics

Data analytics is the science of analysing raw data

to make conclusions about that information. Data
helps you understand the performance of
something and predict future trends. It is widely
used in business, web search, manufacturing
process, education, healthcare, military, travel and
transportation, digital advertisement, etc. It helps
organization and governments to bring innovation in
areas where required.
Li-Fi (Light Fidelity)

Li-Fi is the latest wireless optical

networking technology which will be
faster than Wi-Fi. It makes use of light
emitting diode (LED) for data
transmission. It is bidirectional and
constitutes of several lightbulbs that form
a wireless network.
IoT (Internet of Things)

The term IoT (Internet of Things)

encompasses everything
connected to the Internet,
including networks, devices, and
data. Smart homes, self-driven
cars, smart watches, etc.