MIDTERM

Communication and
Network Concepts
Objectives
• What is a network?
• Need for networking
• Types of Networks
• Network Topologies
• Network Devices
• Communication Protocols
• Wireless/Mobile Computing
What is network?
What is computer
network?
Computer Network
a group of computers and associated devices that are
connected by communications facilities.
is an inter connected collection of autonomous

computers.
When two or more computers are joined together so

that they are capable of exchanging information , they
form a network.
Cables
Following types of cables are used in networks
 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable
 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
 Coaxial Cable
 Fiber Optic Cable
 Wireless LANs
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable
Twisted pair cabling

comes in two varieties:
shielded and unshielded.
Unshielded twisted pair
(UTP) is the most
popular and is generally
the best option for
school networks .
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
 Shielded twisted pair

(STP) is suitable for
environments with
electrical interference;
however, the extra
shielding can make
the cables quite
bulky.
Coaxial Cable
• Coaxial cabling has a single copper
conductor at its center.
• A plastic layer provides insulation
between the center conductor and
a braided metal shield .
• The metal shield helps to block any
outside interference from fluorescent
lights, motors, and other computers.
• Outer shield provides the ground.
Optical Fibers
• Fiber optic cabling consists of a

center glass core surrounded by
several layers of protective
materials.
• It transmits light rather
than electronic signals
eliminating the problem of
electrical interference.
Wireless LANs
•Not all networks are connected

with cabling; some networks are
wireless.
•Wireless LANs use high frequency
radio signals, infrared light beams, or
lasers to communicate between the
workstations and the file server or
hubs
Types of Networks
 Local Area Network - LAN

 Metropolitan Area Network– MAN
 Wide Area Network – WAN
 Personal Area Network- PAN

Local Area Network
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined

to a relatively small area. It is generally limited to a
geographic area such as a writing lab, school, or building.
Rarely are LAN computers more than a mile apart.
In a typical LAN configuration, one computer is designated

as the file server. It stores all of the software that controls
the network, as well as the software that can be shared by
the computers attached to the network.
Metropolitan Area Network
A metropolitan area network (MAN) traditionally refers

to a private data network used by a single organization in
several buildings or by several organizations interconnected
in the same geographic vicinity.
Spread over a city.

Wide Area Network
Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect larger geographic areas,

such as India, the United States, or the world.
Dedicated transoceanic cabling or satellite uplinks may be used

to connect this type of network.
Usage of Networking
Resource sharing -Through a network , data resources can be

shared irrespective of the physical location of the resources and the
user.
Reliability – A file can have its copies on two or more computers
of the network.
Reduced Cost – Sharing resources reduces the cost
Fast Communication – Information can be exchanged at a very
fast speed
Topologies
The pattern of interconnection of nodes in a network is

called the topology.
Bus Topology
A linear bus topology consists of a

main run of cable with a terminator
at each end .
All nodes (file server, workstations,

and peripherals) are connected to
the linear cable.
Bus Topology
Advantages of a Linear Bus Topology
• Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.
• Requires less cable length than a star topology.
Disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology
• Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.
• Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.
• Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
•Nodes must be intelligent . Each node is directly connected to the central bus.
Star Topology
A star topology is designed with each
node (file server, workstations, and
peripherals) connected directly to a
central network hub or concentrator
Data on a star network passes through the

hub or concentrator before continuing to its
destination.
The hub or concentrator manages and

controls all functions of the network. It also
acts as a repeater for the data flow.
Star Topology
Advantages of a Star Topology
• Easy to install and wire.
• No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.
• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.
Disadvantages of a Star Topology
• Requires more cable length than a linear topology.
• If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.
• More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of
the concentrators.
Tree Topology
A tree topology combines

characteristics of linear bus an d star
topologies.
It consists of groups of star-
configured workstations connected to
a linear bus backbone cable.
Tree topologies allow for the expansion
of an existing network, and enable
schools to configure a network to meet
their needs
Tree Topology
Advantages of a Tree Topology
• Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.
• Supported by several hardware and software venders.
Disadvantages of a Tree Topology
• Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling
used.
• If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.
• More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

Considerations When Choosing a Topology:
Money. A linear bus network may be the least expensive way to install a
network; you do not have to purchase concentrators.
Length of cable needed. The linear bus network uses shorter lengths of
cable.
Future growth. With a star topology, expanding a network is easily done by
adding another concentrator.
Cable type. The most common cable in schools is unshielded twisted pair,
which is most often used with star topologies.

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Communication and

is an inter connected collection of autonomous

When two or more computers are joined together so

 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable

 Fiber Optic Cable

Twisted pair cabling

 Shielded twisted pair

• Fiber optic cabling consists of a

•Not all networks are connected

 Local Area Network - LAN

 Wide Area Network – WAN

 Personal Area Network- PAN

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined

In a typical LAN configuration, one computer is designated

A metropolitan area network (MAN) traditionally refers

Spread over a city.

Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect larger geographic areas,

Dedicated transoceanic cabling or satellite uplinks may be used

Resource sharing -Through a network , data resources can be

The pattern of interconnection of nodes in a network is

A linear bus topology consists of a

All nodes (file server, workstations,

• Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.

• Requires less cable length than a star topology.

Disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology

• Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.

• Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.

• Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.

Data on a star network passes through the

The hub or concentrator manages and

• If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.

• More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of

A tree topology combines

• More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

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