New

syllabus
2022-23

Chapter 5
Compute
r
Networks
 Computer Network
A computer network is a set of nodes like computers and
networking devices that are connected through
communication for the purpose of communication and
sharing resources(hardware/software) among the users.
Networks are used to:
(Benefits of computer network)
• Facilitate communication through email / video
conferencing / instant messaging or any other mode.
• Share hardware devices like a printer or scanner
• Enable file sharing
• Share software or operating programs
• Share information
Disadvantages of computer network
Lack of robustness, security issue, cost of network
 Evolution of networking
ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency NETwork): In 1969, The US
govt. formed an agency named ARPANET to connect computers at various
universities and defense agencies. The main objective of ARPANET was to
develop a network that could continue to function efficiently even in the
event of a nuclear attack.

Internet (INTERconnection NETwork): The Internet is a worldwide network

of computer networks. It is not owned by anybody. The internet has evolved
from ARPANET. The internet is a globally connected network system that
utilizes TCP/IP to transmit information. following services are instantly
available through internet : Email, Web-enabled audio/video conferencing
services, Online movies and gaming , Data transfer/file-sharing, Instant
messaging , Internet forums , Social networking , Online shopping
,Financial services
 Network
devices
Computer hardware devices which are used to
connect computers, printers, or any other electronic
device to a computer network are called network
devices. These devices transfer data in a fast, secure
and correct way with some specific functionality over
same or different networks.

Some devices are installed on the computer, like

Internal modem, NIC card or RJ45 connector,
whereas some are part of the network, like router,
switch, etc.
 Network
devices
Repeater – In a network signal travels a long distance in
transmission media. Due to resistance of media signal becomes
weak. Repeater is a networking device which regenerates the
signal and forwards these signal with more power.
 Network
devices
Modem – Modem is short for Modulator Demodulator. It’s an
electronic device used to access the Internet that modulates
carrier waves to encode information to be transmitted and also
demodulates incoming carrier waves to decode the information
they carry.Modulation means digital to analog signal conversion
and its vice versa is known as demodulation.
 Network
devices
HUB – HUB is used to connect multiple computers in a single LAN network of one
workgroup. Generally HUBs are available with 4,8,12,24,48 ports.
When a hub receives signal on its port, it repeats the signal and forwards that signal
from all ports except the port on which the signal arrived. In below diagram leftmost
node try to send signal to rightmost node ,but signals are distributed to
There are two types of
ports(nodes).
all
Passive
HUB HUB:- It only forwards the signal
on all ports without amplifying the
signal.
Active HUB:- it forwards the signal with
improvement in the quality of data signal
by amplifying it. That why such hubs
need additional power supply.
Based on port type, there are two types
of HUB:-
Ethernet HUB :- All ports have RJ-
45 connectors.
Combo HUB :- Several different types of
connectors such RJ-45, BNC, and
AUI
 Network
devices
SWITCH –Switch is also used to connect multiple computers together in a LAN
workgroup,just like hub. Switches are available with 4,8,12,24,48,64 ports. Switch
makes their switching decisions by using application specific integrated circuits
(ASICs).Due to switching decision capability, switch sends signal to recipient only and
that’s why switches are called as intelligent hub. In below diagram leftmost node
sending signal to rightmost node.
 Network
Router – Routers operate in the devices
physical, data link and
network layers. Router is a networking device which
chooses the best optimal path from available pats to
send the signals. It interconnects different networks.
The simplest function of a router is to received packets
from one connected network and pass them to second
connected network.

Gateway – A networking device capable to convert

protocols so that two different network architecture
based system can communicate with each other. It
works as protocol convertor.
 Computer Network

Structure of a network- The geometrical arrangement of

computer resources, network devices along with communication
channel is known as Network structure or Network topology.
Topology can be physical or logical
• Physical Topology-physical layout of nodes and cables in the network.
• Logical topology - the way information flows between
different components.
Types of Physical Network Topologies
• Bus Topology
• Star Topology
• Ring Topology
• Mesh Topology
• Tree Topology
• Hybrid Topology
 Computer Network

Bus Topology
Nodes are connectneodde common cnoodme
throughnodae munication
media like diagram given below.
Communication media

node ode node

Advantages of a Bus topology

• Easy to install
• Minimal Cable
• Easy to find the problem
Disadvantages of a Bus topology
• Difficult reconnection
• Difficult to add new devices
• Break stops all transmission of
data
 Computer Network

Star Topology
The star topology uses a separate cable for each
node/workstation.The cable connects the node to a central
device typically a HUB.
Advantages of a Star topology node
node

• Less expensive than mesh

• Easy to install, easy to configure
• If one link fails the network can Hub/
switch

still node
node

function
Disadvantages of a Star topology node
• Everything depends on the hub
 Computer Network

Ring Topology
In ring topology every computer is connected to the next
computer in the ring and each transmit the signal ,what it
receives from the previous computer. The messages fl ow
around the ring in one direction.
node
Advantages of a Ring topology node

• Easy to install
• Easy to reconfigure
Disadvantages of a Ring topology node
• Break means the whole system is node

dead
• Difficult to detect a problem node
 Computer Network

Mesh Topology
In mesh topology , separate cable is used to connect each
device to every other device on the network, providing a
straight communication path.
Advantages of a Mesh topology
node
•Avoid traffic since each link can carry its own data and node

none are being shared

• If one link breaks, the rest of the network is
still
• Easy
functional to detect a problem in the network node
node
discovering which device is having by
examining
problems the link that connects to it. and
Disadvantages of a Mesh topology node

• A lot of cables are needed

• Too many cables means too much cost
• Too many cables means complex network
 Computer Network

Tree Topology
In which a central root node (the top level of the hierarchy) is
connected to one or more other nodes that are onnoede
level lower in the hierarchy
Advantages of a Mesh topology
• It is scalable. node
node
• Easier fault identification and
Disadvantages
isolation. of a Mesh topology
node
• Maintenance of the network may be an node

issue when the network spans a great

area.
• if the backbone fails, the entire network is
crippled.
 Computer Network

Hybrid Topology
use a combination of any two or more topologies in such a
way that the resulting network does not exhibit one of the
standard topologies (e.g., bus, star, ring, etc.).
node

n
node

node ode
 Computer Network

Types of network
1. Personal Area Network (PAN) – communication between
two-three mobile devices or PC for personal purpose.
2. Local Area Network (LAN) – limited area (within building)
3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) – within city
4. Wide Area Network (WAN) – within multiple
city/state/
countries
 Computer Network

1. Personal Area Network(PAN) –

Spread in the proximity of an individual. Cover an area of a
few
meters radius. Set up using guided media(USB cable) or
unguided media (Bluetooth, Infrared). Owned, controlled,
and
managed by a single person.
Examples: A network of devices such as computer, Phone,
MP3/MP4 Player, Camera etc. Transferring songs from one
cell phone to another is a PAN of two phones. Transferring
files from a PC to an MP3 playeris a PAN between the two.
 Computer Network

2. Local Area Network (LAN) – LANs are the most frequently

used/discussed networks.It is one of the most common one
of the simplest types of network.It is designed for small
physical areas such as an office, group of buildings.Any of
different types of topologies can be used to design LAN like
Star, Ring, Bus, Tree etc.
Characteristics of LAN
• private networks means no need of regulatory control.
• Operate at relatively high speed.
• Ethernet, Token ring etc type media access controls are
used
• Connects computers in a single building, block or
campus.
 Computer Network

Advantages of LAN Examples: A networked

• Resource Sharing office building,
• Software Applications Sharing school or
• Easy and Cheap Communication home. Sometimes one
• Centralized Data building can contain a
• Data Security few
•Internet Sharing small LANs (Like some
Disadvantages of LAN schools
• High Setup Cost have
• Privacy Violations independent
• Data Security LANs in each computer
Threat lab.).
• LAN Maintenance
Job
 Computer Network

3. Metropolitan Area Network(MAN):– Spread within a city .

Cover an area of a few kilometres to a few hundred
kilometres radius. Set up using all types of all guided and
unguided media. Owned and operated by a government
body or a large corporation.
Examples: A network of schools, or banks, or Government
offices etc. within a city. A MAN is usually formed by
interconnecting a number of LANs and individual
computers.
 Computer Network

4. Wide Area Network (WAN) –Slightly more complex than a

LAN, a WAN connects computers across longer physical
distances. The Internet is the most basic example of a WAN,
connecting all computers together around the world.
Because of a WAN’s vast reach, it is typically owned and
maintained by any single person or owner.
Characteristics of WAN
• Covers large distances(states, countries, continents).
• Communication medium like satellite, public telephone
networks etc and routers are used establish
Examples: A network of ATMs, BANKs,
connection.
National Organizations' Offices
Government Offices, International
etc., spread over a country, continent, or covering many
continents.
 Computer Network

Advantages of WAN
• Long distance business can connect on the one network.
• Shares software and resources
• Messages can be sent very quickly to wide range of nodes
•Hardware devices can be shared.
Disadvantages of WAN
• Need a good firewall to restrict
unauthorized access
• Setting up a network can be an expensive, slow
and complicated.
• Maintaining a network is a full-time job
• Security is a mazor issue when many different people
have the ability to use information
 Computer Network

Network Layout –
The plan or design or arrangement of network wings
and nodes to be laid out is known as network layout.

A good network layout provides the following features

 Communication speed
 File sharing
 Back up and Roll back is easy
 Software and Hardware sharing
 Security
 Scalability
 Reliability
 Computer Network

How to decide Network Layout

–
The network layout can be best which
provide less installation and maintenance
cost as well as easy installation and
maintenance. It is only possible when it is
properly designed, design with shortest cable
length and fulfill our network requirements.