Computer Networks

COMPUTER NETWORKS
Overview:
This chapter provides information about computer networks and the different network
topologies used in computer networking.
Objectives:
 Understand the use of computer networking.
 To know the different components of a computer network.
 To know the different classifications of networks based on geography.
WHAT IS A NETWORK?
 Network is a collection of things, peoples, and systems of groups that are interconnected
with each other.
COMPUTER NETWORK
 The computer network is defined as the interconnection of two or more computers. It is
done to enable the computer to communicate & share available resources.
APPLICATION OF COMPUTER NETWORK

• Sharing resources such as printers
• Sharing of expensive software and database
• Communication from one computer to another computer
• Exchange data and information among users via the network
• Sharing information over geographically wide areas.
BENEFITS OF COMPUTER NETWORK
• Increase speed
• Reduced cost
• Improved security
• Centralized software management
• Electronic mail
• Flexible access
SHARING RESOURCES:
• Hardware
Networks allow sharing of many devices such as printers, scanners, fax machines, CD, ROM,
speakers, etc.
• Software
Sharing software resources reduces the cost of software installation, same space in the
hard disk.
COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

NETWORK DEVICES
 Hardware devices that are used to connect computers, printers, fax machines, and other
electronic devices to a network are called network devices.
NETWORK MEDIA
 Network media refers to the communication channels used to interconnect nodes on a
computer network. Typical examples of network media include copper coaxial cable,
copper twisted-pair cables and optical fiber cables used in wired networks, and radio
waves used in wireless data communications networks.
NETWORK INTERFACE
 A network interface is the point of interconnection between a computer and a private or
public network. A network interface is generally a network interface card (NIC), but does
not have to have a physical form. Instead, the network interface can be implemented in
software.
NETWORK PROTOCOLS
 Network Protocols are a set of rules governing the exchange of information in an easy,
reliable, and secure way.
NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
 Network topology is the arrangement of the elements of a communication network.
Some of the factors that affect the choice of topology for a network.
• Cost − Installation cost is a very important factor in the overall cost of setting up an
infrastructure. So cable lengths, the distance between nodes, location of servers, etc. have
to be considered when designing a network.
• Flexibility – The topology of a network should be flexible enough to allow reconfiguration
of office setup, the addition of new nodes, and the relocation of existing nodes.
• Scalability − Network topology should be scalable, i.e. it can accommodate a load of new
devices and nodes without a perceptible drop in performance.
• Ease of installation – The network should be easy to install in terms of hardware, software,
and technical personnel requirements.
• Ease of maintenance − Troubleshooting and maintenance of the network should be easy.
TYPES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

1. BUS TOPOLOGY
Data network with bus topology has a linear transmission cable, usually coaxial, to which many
network devices and workstations are attached along the length. The server is at one end of the
bus.
Advantage
• Easy to install and maintain
• Can be extended easily
• Very reliable because of single transmission line
Disadvantage
• Troubleshooting is difficult as there is no single point of control
• One faulty node can bring the whole network down
• Dumb terminals cannot be connected to the bus
2. RING TOPOLOGY
In ring topology each terminal is connected to exactly two nodes, giving the network a circular
shape. Data travels in only one pre-determined direction.
Advantage
• Small cable segments are needed to connect two nodes - Ideal for optical fibers as
data travels in only one direction
• Very high transmission speeds possible
Disadvantages
• Failure of a single node brings down the whole network
• Troubleshooting is difficult as many nodes may have to be inspected before a faulty
one is identified.
• Difficult to remove one or more nodes while keeping the rest of the network intact
3. STAR TOPOLOGY
In star topology, the server is connected to each node individually. The server is also called the
central node. Any exchange of data between two nodes must take place through the server. It is
the most popular topology for information and voice networks as the central node can process
data received from the source node before sending it to the destination node.
Advantage
• Failure of one node does not affect the network
• Troubleshooting is easy as faulty nodes can be detected from the central node
immediately
• Simple access protocols are required as one of the communicating nodes is always
the central node
Disadvantage
 Long cables may be required to connect each node to the server - Failure of the
central node brings down the whole network
4. TREE TOPOLOGY
Tree topology has a group of star networks connected to a linear bus backbone cable. It
incorporates features of both star and bus topologies. Tree topology is also called hierarchical
topology.
Advantage
• Existing network can be easily expanded
• Point-to-point wiring for individual segments means easier installation and
maintenance
• Well suited for temporary networks
Disadvantage
 Technical expertise required to configure and wire tree topology - Failure of
backbone cable brings down entire network - Insecure network - Maintenance
difficult for large networks
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER NETWORK
1. PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (PAN)
PAN is a computer network for interconnecting electronic devices centered on an individual

person's workspace.
2. LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)

LAN is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area such as a residence,
school, laboratory, university campus of office building.
3. CAMPUS AREA NETWORK (CAN)
CAN is a network of multiple interconnected local area networks (LAN) in a limited geographical
area.
4. METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN)

MAN is a computer network that interconnects users with computer resources in a geographic
region of the size of a metropolitan area.
5. WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)
WAN is a telecommunication network that extends over a large geographical area for the
primary purpose of networking.
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Prepared by
DANIEL L. BAUTISTA, LPT

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Computer Networks

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COMPUTER NETWORKS

APPLICATION OF COMPUTER NETWORK

COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER NETWORKS

TYPES OF NETWORK TOPOLOGIES

1. PERSONAL AREA NETWORK (PAN)

PAN is a computer network for interconnecting electronic devices centered on an individual

2. LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)

3. CAMPUS AREA NETWORK (CAN)

4. METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK (MAN)

5. WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)

DANIEL L. BAUTISTA, LPT

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