UNIT 1 Basic of Computer Network

Define network
A network is a group of two or more computers or other electronic devices that are interconnected
for the purpose of exchanging data and sharing resources

Computer Network
Computer network define as two or more computer are connected each other for sharing
information or data is called computer network

Computer network establish two ways

1.Wired Computer Network
2.Wireless Computer Network

1.Wired Computer Network

As we all know, “wired” refers to any physical medium made up of cables. Copper wire, twisted
pair, or fiber optic cables are all options. A wired network employs wires to link devices to the
Internet or another network, such as laptops or desktop PCs.

When group of computers are connected with help hub or switch

2.Wireless Computer Network
“Wireless” means without wire, media that is made up of electromagnetic waves (EM Waves) or
infrared waves. Antennas or sensors will be present on all wireless devices. Cellular phones,
wireless sensors, TV remotes, satellite disc receivers, and laptops with WLAN cards are all
examples of wireless devices. For data or voice communication, a wireless network uses
radiofrequency waves rather than wires.

❖ Characteristics of Computer Network

➢ Communication speed
Network provides us to communicate over the network in a fast and efficient manner.

➢ File sharing
File sharing is one of the major advantages of the computer network. Computer network
provides us to share the files with each other.

➢ Back up and Roll back is easy

Since the files are stored in the main server which is centrally located. Therefore, it is easy
to take the back up from the main server.
➢ Software and Hardware sharing

We can install the applications on the main server, therefore, the user can access the
applications centrally. So, we do not need to install the software on every machine.
Similarly, hardware can also be shared.
 ➢ Security

Network allows the security by ensuring that the user has the right to access the certain
files and applications.

➢ Scalability

Scalability means that we can add the new components on the network. Network must be
scalable so that we can extend the network by adding new devices. But, it decreases the
speed of the connection and data of the transmission speed also decreases, this increases
the chances of error occurring. This problem can be overcome by using the routing or
switching devices.

➢ Reliability

Computer network can use the alternative source for the data communication in case of
any hardware failure.

❖ Advantage of Computer Network

1. Sharing of resources and peripherals

2. Facilitates communication and collaboration

3. Cost-effective and efficient

4. Centralized data management and storage

5. Easy access to information and data

❖ Disadvantage of computer network

1. Security risks

2. Dependency on a single server

3. Network downtime and technical issues

4. Potential for unauthorized access

5. Complexity and maintenance requirements

 ❖ Application of Computer Network

1. Resource Sharing

Resource sharing is an application of a computer network. Resource sharing means you can share
one Hardware and Software among multiple users. Hardware includes printers, Disks, Fax
Machines, etc. Computing devices. And Software includes Atom, Oracle VM Virtual Box,
Postman, Android Studio, etc.

2. Information Sharing

Using a Computer network, we can share Information over the network, and it provides Search
capabilities such as WWW. Over the network, a single information can be shared among the many
users over the internet.

3. Communication

Communication includes email, calls, message broadcast, electronic funds transfer system etc.

4. Entertainment Industry
In Entertainment industry also uses computer networks widely. Some of the Entertainment
industries are Video on demand, Multiperson real-time simulation games, movie/TV programs,
etc.

5. Access to Remote Databases

Computer networks allow us to access the Remote Database of the various applications by the end-
users. Some applications are Reservation for Hotels, Airplane Booking, Home
Banking, Automated Newspaper, Automated Library etc.

6. Home applications
There are many common uses of the computer network are as home applications. For example,
you can consider user-to-user communication, access to remote instruction, electronic commerce,
and entertainment. Another way is managing bank accounts, transferring money to some other
banks, paying bills electronically. A computer network arranges a robust connection mechanism
between users.

7. Business applications
The result of business application here is resource sharing. And the purpose of resource sharing is
that without moving to the physical location of the resource, all the data, plans, and tools can be
shared to any network user. Most of the companies are doing business electronically with other
companies and with other clients worldwide with the help of a computer network.

8. Mobile users
The rapidly growing sectors in computer applications are mobile devices like notebook computers
and PDAs (personal digital assistants). Here mobile users/device means portable device. The
computer network is widely used in new-age technology like smartwatches, wearable devices,
tablets, online transactions, purchasing or selling products online, etc.

9. Social media
Social media is also a great example of a computer network application. It helps people to share
and receive any information related to political, ethical, and social issues.

Depending up on geographical area computer network classified as

1.LAN (local area network)

2.MAN (Metropolitan area Network)
3.WAN (Wireless area Network)

1.LAN (Local Area Network)

• A local area network may be a wired or wireless network or a combination of both.

• A LAN is a network that is use for communicating among the computer device usually
efficient within an office building or home.
• It allows user to share devices like printer and other network resources
• The ownership of LAN is generally private.
• Transfer the data at high speed approximately 1mbps to 1000 mbps.
• It is covered very less geographical area. (up to few kilo meters)
• LAN Have lower error rate.
• LAN Technology is less expensive.

❖ Features of LAN

• The network size is small, which consists of only a few kilometers.

• The data transmission rate is high, ranging from 100 Mbps to 1000 Mbps.
• LAN is included in bus, ring, mesh, and star topologies.
• Some network devices connected to the LAN will be limited.
• If more devices are added than prescribed network may fail.
 ❖ Advantage of LAN

• It offers a higher operating speed than WAN and MAN.

• It is less expensive and easy to install and maintain.
• It perfectly fulfills the requirement of a specific organization, such as an office, school, etc.
• It can be wired or wireless or a combination of both.
• It is more secure than other networks as it is a small set up that can be easily taken care of
it.

2.MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

• A Metropolitan area network is a large computer network usually covers a city or large
campus.
• The ownership of MAN network is private or public.
• The area covered by MAN is larger than the LAN but smaller than a WAN. Its network
ranges from 5 to 50 km.
• It is set up by connecting the local area networks using routers and local telephone
exchange lines.
• A MAN can support both data and voice.

Examples of MAN:

• Cable TV Network
• Telephone service provides that provide high-speed DSL lines
• Connected fire stations in a city
• Connected branches of a school in a city
Features of MAN

• The size of the MAN is in the range of 5km to 50km.

• The MAN ranges from the campus to the entire city.
• The MAN is maintained and managed by either the user group or the Network provider.
• Users can achieve the sharing of regional resources by using MAN.
• The data transmission rates can be medium to high

❖ Advantages of MAN:

• It is less expensive to set up a MAN and to connect it to a WAN.

• The speed of data transfer is more than WAN.
• It can send local emails fast.
• It allows you to share your internet connection, and thus multiple users can have access to
high-speed internet.
• You can easily set up a MAN by connecting multiple LANs.
• It is more secure than WAN.

❖ Disadvantage of MAN

• Installation cost is high

• Required accurate design and configuration

3.WAN (wide Area Network)

• A wide Area network is cover large geographical areas such as cities , states, countries
• Communication take place via telephone lines, fiber optic, or satellite links or microwave
transmission rather than physical cable.
• Generally, WAN is combination of LAN’S it works similar to LAN but on a larger scale
• A WAN works by using TCP/IP protocol in combination with networking devices such as
switches, routers, firewalls, and modems.
• The most well -known WAN is the internet.
❖ Features of WAN

• Has a much larger capacity.

• We can share the regional resources by using WAN.
• They have more bit-rate errors.
• The transmission delay is, and hence they need more communication speed.

❖ Advantages of a WAN:

o Large Network Range: It spans a large geographical area of 2000 km or more, e.g., from
one country to another countries.
o Centralized data: It allows your different office branches to use your head office server
for retrieving and sharing data.
o Get updated files and data: It provides an ideal platform for companies who need a live
server for their employees to exchange updated files within seconds.
o High bandwidth: It offers high bandwidth than a normal broadband connection. Thus, it
can increase the productivity of your company by offering uninterrupted data transfer and
communication.
o Workload Distribution: It helps distribute your workload to other locations. You can hire
employees in different countries and assign them to work from your office.

❖ Examples of WAN:

➢ Internet
➢ Railway reservation system
➢ Satellite systems
❖ Comparison between LAN, MAN, WAN

❖ LINE CONFIGURATION

A network is two or more devices connected through a link. A link is a communication

pathway that transfers data from one device to another. Devices can be a computer,
printer, or any other device that is capable to send and receive data .

1. Point-to-Point Connection
2. Multipoint Connection

• Point-to-Point Connection:
1. A point-to-point connection provides a dedicated link between two devices.
2. The entire capacity of the link is reserved for transmission between those two devices.
3. Most point-to-point connections use an actual length of wire or cable to connect the
two ends, but other options such as microwave or satellite links are also possible .

point to point connection

Example: Point-to-Point connection between the remote control and Television for
changing the channels.
There are three types of point-to-point connection
a. Unicasting
b. Multicasting
c. Broad casting

a.Unicasting: In Unicasting, the data traffic flows from a single source node to a single
destination node on the network. It is a 'one-to-one' type of data transmission between
the sender and receiver.

b.Multicasting: Multicast is a kind of transmission type in which a single source

communicates a message to a group of devices.
 c. Broad Casting: Broadcasting is a transmission type in which the data traffic flow from
a single source to all the devices on the network.

2.Multipoint connection

1. It is also called Multidrop configuration. In this connection, two or more devices

share a single link.
2. If more than two devices share the link then the channel is considered a ‘shared
channel’.

A B

Multi point link

B

• Transmission mode:
Transmission mode define the direction of data transmission it defines the direction of the
flow of information between two linked devices.

There are three types of transmission mode

1.Simplex
2.Half duplex
3.Full duplex
 1.Simplex

• In Simplex mode, the communication is unidirectional, i.e., the data flow in one direction.
• A device can only send the data but cannot receive it or it can receive the data but cannot
send the data.
• The radio station is a simplex channel as it transmits the signal to the listeners but never
allows them to transmit back.
• Keyboard and Monitor are the examples of the simplex mode as a keyboard can only accept
the data from the user and monitor can only be used to display the data on the screen.
• The main advantage of the simplex mode is that the full capacity of the communication
channel can be utilized during transmission.

• Advantages:
• Simplex mode is the easiest and most reliable mode of communication.
• It is the most cost-effective mode, as it only requires one communication channel.
• There is no need for coordination between the transmitting and receiving devices,
which simplifies the communication process.
• Simplex mode is particularly useful in situations where feedback or response is not
required, such as broadcasting or surveillance.

• Disadvantages:

• Only one-way communication is possible.

• There is no way to verify if the transmitted data has been received correctly.
• Simplex mode is not suitable for applications that require bidirectional
communication.
2.Half-Duplex Mode:
• In half-duplex mode, each station can both transmit and receive, but not at the same
time.
• When one device is sending, the other can only receive, and vice versa.
• The half-duplex mode is used in cases where there is no need for communication in
both directions at the same time.
• The entire capacity of the channel can be utilized for each direction.
•
Example: Walkie-talkie in which message is sent one at a time and messages are
sent in both directions
 ❖ Advantages:
• Half-duplex mode allows for bidirectional communication, which is useful in
situations where devices need to send and receive data.
• It is a more efficient mode of communication than simplex mode, as the channel can
be used for both transmission and reception.

• Half-duplex mode is less expensive than full-duplex mode, as it only requires one
communication channel.
❖ Disadvantages:
• Half-duplex mode is less reliable than Full-Duplex mode, as both devices cannot
transmit at the same time.
• There is a delay between transmission and reception, which can cause problems in
some applications.
• There is a need for coordination between the transmitting and receiving devices,
which can complicate the communication process.
3.Full-Duplex Mode
• In full-duplex mode, both stations can transmit and receive simultaneously. In
fullduplex mode, signals going in one direction share the capacity of the link
with signals going in another direction

• Full-duplex mode is used when communication in both directions is required

all the time. The capacity of the channel, however, must be divided between
the two directions.

Example: Telephone Network in which there is communication between two

persons by a telephone line, through which both can talk and listen at the
same time.
❖ Advantages:
• Full-duplex mode allows for simultaneous bidirectional communication, which is
ideal for real-time applications such as video conferencing or online gaming.
• It is the most efficient mode of communication, as both devices can transmit and
receive data simultaneously.
• Full-duplex mode provides a high level of reliability and accuracy, as there is no
need for error correction mechanisms.
❖ Disadvantages:
• Full-duplex mode is the most expensive mode, as it requires two communication
channels.
• It is more complex than simplex and half-duplex modes, as it requires two
physically separate transmission paths or a division of channel capacity.
• Full-duplex mode may not be suitable for all applications, as it requires a high level
of bandwidth and may not be necessary for some types of communication.

❖ Network topology
• In Computer Network, there are various ways through which different components are
connected to one another. Network Topology is the way that defines the structure, and
how these components are connected to each other .
❖ Types of Network Topology
• The arrangement of a network that comprises nodes and connecting lines via sender and
receiver is referred to as Network Topology. The various network topologies are

• Bus Topology
• Mesh Topology
• Star Topology
• Ring Topology
• Tree Topology
• Hybrid Topology

❖ Bus Topology:

• In this arrangement, the nodes (computers) are connected through interface

connectors to a single communication line (central cable) that carries the message in
both the directions.
• The central cable to which all the nodes are connected is the backbone of the network.
It is called a bus.
 • The signal in this arrangement travels in both directions to all the machines until it
finds the recipient machine.
• It is easy to set up than other topologies as it uses only a single central cable to
establish the network.

❖ Advantages:

• Configuration of the network is easy.

• Less costly because a single cable is used to connect all nodes.
• The Bus topology supports a maximum of 10 Mbps speed by using the network's coaxial
or twisted pair cables.

❖ Disadvantages

• Due to the multipoint communication model, it is difficult to identify and isolate the faulty
terminals.
• The reconfiguration will affect the network and slows down the performance.
• Signal interference is another drawback of the bus topology; if two or more nodes transmit
the messages simultaneously, their signals will collide.
• A single node failure also causes the breakdown of the whole network.

❖ Mesh Topology
• The mesh topology is a type of topology in which every device or computer is connected
to every other device.
• Each device not only sends its signals but also receives signals from other devices.
• The nodes in a mesh topology are connected using a dedicated link and the information is
passed from nodes to nodes.
• This topology has N * (N - 1) / 2 links in total where N represents the total number of
nodes.
There are two types of Mesh
1. Full Mesh Topology:
• All the nodes within the network are connected with every other If there are n number of
nodes during a network, each node will have an n-1 number of connections. A full mesh
provides an excellent deal of redundancy, but because it is expensive to implement, it’s
usually reserved for network backbones.
• Total number of links required for the mesh topology is [n(n-1)]/2.
2. Partial Mesh Topology:
• The partial mesh is more practical as compared to the full mesh. In a partially connected
mesh, all the nodes are not necessary to be connected with one another during a network.
Peripheral networks are connected using partial mesh and work with a full-mesh backbone
in tandem.
❖ Advantages of a mesh topology

• Manages high amounts of traffic, because multiple devices can transmit data
simultaneously.
• A failure of one device does not cause a break in the network or transmission of data.
• Adding additional devices does not disrupt data transmission between other devices.

❖ Disadvantages of a mesh topology

• The cost to implement is higher than other network topologies, making it a less desirable
option.
• Building and maintaining the topology is difficult and time consuming.
• The chance of redundant connections is high, which adds to the high costs and potential
for reduced efficiency.

❖ Star Topology

• in Star Topology, all the devices are connected to a single hub through a cable.
• This hub is the central node and all other nodes are connected to the central node.
• The hub can be passive in nature
• Coaxial cables or RJ-45 cables are used to connect the computers.

Passive hub: - passive hub not amplify received signal but it is forwarded that signal as it
is. And passive hub does not required electric power

Active hub: active hub amplify the received signal and forwarded to that signal next device
active required the electrical power to run. active also called multiport repeater.
❖ Advantages of star topology

• Centralized management of the network through the use of the central computer, hub, or
switch.
• Easy to add another computer to the network.
• If one computer on the network fails, the rest of the network continues to function
normally.

❖ Disadvantages of star topology

• It may have a higher cost to implement, especially when using a switch or router as the
central network device.
• The central network device determines the performance and number of nodes the network
can handle.
• If the central computer, hub, or switch fails, the entire network goes down, and all
computers are disconnected from the network.

❖ Ring Topology

• In a ring topology, each node is linked with its neighbor to form a closed network.
• This configuration see the data move from one node to another, either unidirectionally or
bidirectionally.
• Such network topology is used in smaller networks, like those in schools.
• Token passing is a method of sending data in ring which system has token then server send
packet to that system. After completion of data transfer token passing to another device
those system want to transfer data it wait for token.
❖ Advantages
• The data transmission is high-speed.
• The possibility of collision is minimum in this type of topology.
• Cheap to install and expand.
• It is less costly than a star topology.
❖ Disadvantage
• The failure of a single node in the network can cause the entire network to fail.
• Troubleshooting is difficult in this topology.
• The addition of stations in between or the removal of stations can disturb the whole
topology.
• Less secure.

❖ Tree Topology
• A tree topology combination of bus and star topologies.
• It is consisting of group of star configured network connected to bus backbone cable
❖ Advantages
• It allows more devices to be attached to a single central hub thus it decreases the
distance that is traveled by the signal to come to the devices.
• It allows the network to get isolated and also prioritize from different computers.
• We can add new devices to the existing network.
• Error detection and error correction are very easy in a tree topology.

❖ Disadvantage

• The cost is high because of the cabling.

• If the central hub gets fails the entire system fails.
• If new devices are added, it becomes difficult to reconfigure.

❖ Hybrid Topology

• A hybrid network topology, as the name suggests, features characteristics of multiple

other topologies. The creation of such a configuration depends on the requirement of
the network.

❖ Advantages
• This topology is very flexible.
• The size of the network can be easily expanded by adding new devices.
 ❖ Disadvantage
• It is challenging to design the architecture of the Hybrid Network.
• Hubs used in this topology are very expensive.
• The infrastructure cost is very high as a hybrid network requires a lot of cabling and
network devices.

❖ Protocol

• in Order to make communication successful between devices, some rules and

procedures should be agreed upon at the sending and receiving ends of the system.
Such rules and procedures are called as Protocols. Different types of protocols are
used for different types of communication.

❖ Key elements of Protocol

8-bit Sender Address 8-bit Destination Address 8-bit Message

Syntax of protocol

Example: IP, TCP

❖ Application and feature of different types of Servers

1. File server
2. Print server
3. Mail server
4. Web server
5. Proxy server

1.File server
• The central server in a computer network that is responsible for the storage and
management of data files is called a File Server.
• In a File Server, users access a central storage space that acts as a medium to store the
internal data. The users can share information over a network without having to
physically transfer files.
• The server administrator has given strict rules that which users have the access to the
files. These rules include opening, closing, adding, deleting, and editing a file .

❖ Advantages:
• Helps in resource and information sharing.
• Helps in central storage of data.
• Helps in connecting with multiple computers for sending and receiving information
when accessing the network.
• Faster-problem-solving.
• Boots Storage Capacity.
• Highly flexible and reliable.
❖ Disadvantages:
• Costly setup.
• The risk from viruses and malware.
• It lacks independence.
• Requires time for constant administration.
• It lacks Robustness.

2.Print Server

• A print server is a computer that manages one or more printers

• A print server is a computer that connected to one or more printers and client
computers over a network and can accept print jobs from the computers and send
the jobs to appropriate printers.
• Print servers allows printers to be shared by other users on the network
• A print server accepts print jobs from any person on the network.

❖ Advantage
• Makes maximum use of a high performance, expensive printer
• Everyone can share the network printer

❖ Disadvantage
• If the server is fails then no one can access printer.

3.Mail Server

• A mail server is a computer that stores electronics mail for clients or local users.
• it is like a post office where mail is stored and sorted before being sent its destination.
• When the user requests his or her email contact is established with mail server which
then delivers all email to client computer.
 4.WEB Server
• A web server is a computer that delivers web pages
• Every web server has an ip address a domain name
• Web server is computer program that responsible for accepting HTTP request from web
clients known as wed browser and response via HTTP with webpages.
5.proxy server
• A proxy server is which service the requests of its client by forwarding requests to other
server
• A client connects to the proxy server requesting some service such as file connection,
webpage, or other resource available from a different server.
• A proxy server provides the resource by connecting to the specified server and
requesting the service on behalf of the client.
• A server that sits between a client application such as a web browser and a real server.
• Proxy server is a computer that acts as getaway between a local network and internet
with in company

❖ Advantage
• Provide a fast internet experience
• Reduce the bandwidth consumed over the internet link
❖ Disadvantage
• Not cost effective for low bandwidth internet use.
• Can be sticky setup