Chapter-1 Networking and Telecommunication

Networking and Telecommunication

Communication
Communication is sending and receiving information between two or more persons or it is also
defined as process of exchange of information.

Telecommunication
Telecommunication is a system of transmission of sounds, images, texts or data in the form of
electronic signals.

Data Communication
Data communication is a process of exchanging of data or information electronically from one
place to other using different transmission mediums. E.g. E-Mail, Chat and phone calls.

Components of Data Communication.

i) Data ii) Sender iii) Medium iv) Receiver v) Protocol

Medium
A path through which the sender makes communication to the receiver is known as medium. It
can be either wired or wireless medium.

Protocol
Protocol is a set of rules and regulations by which computers on the network communicate with
each other. It also governs the data communication. E.g. TCP/IP, SMTP, HTTP etc.

Data Transmission Mode

Data transmission mode is the way or path of transmission of data from one location to another.
There are three types of transmission mode:
Simplex mode
Half Duplex mode
Full Duplex mode

Simplex mode
The transmission mode in which transmission of data can travel in one direction only is called
simplex mode. It is also called unidirectional or one-way communication mode.
E.g.: Newspaper, Radio and Television.

Half duplex mode

The transmission mode in which transmission of data can take place in both directions but only
in one direction at a time is called half duplex mode. It is bidirectional communication mode.
E.g.: Wireless handset and walkie-talkie, fax

Full duplex mode

The transmission mode in which data can be transmitted in both directions simultaneously is
called full duplex mode. It is also bidirectional communication mode.
E.g.: Telephone, internet etc.

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Bandwidth
Bandwidth can be defined as the maximum volume of data that can be transmitted through a
communication system.
We can measure bandwidth in digital devices by bits per second and in analogue devices by
cycles per second or Hertz (Hz).

Transmission medium / Communication media/ Channel

Transmission medium is a pathway that can transmit information from a sender to a receiver
through wired or wireless medium on a network.
The types of communication media are:
 Guided Media (Bounded or Wired)
 Unguided Media (Unbounded or Wireless)

Guided media
The transmission media which comprises of cables or wires through which data is transmitted
is called guided medium. They are called guided since they provide a physical channel from
the sender device to the receiver device. The signal travelling through these media are bounded
by the physical limits of the medium. E.g.: twisted pair cable, co-axial cable, fibre optics
cable, etc.
Features of guided media:
a) Data transmits through the physical cable or fixed path.
b) Data transmission rate is higher.
c) It uses physical medium for transmission of data such as wires or cables.

Unguided media
The transmission media which transfer data in the form of electromagnetic waves that do not
require any cables for transmission is called unguided medium. These media are bounded by
geographical boundaries. E.g.: radio wave, microwave, infrared etc.

Guided Media Unguided Media

Guided media is a medium that sends signals Unguided media is a medium that transmits signals
through a solid physical. through free space.
path.
There is a specific direction to send signals. There is no particular direction to send signals.
Used in wired transmission Helps in wireless
transmission.
Twisted pair, coaxial cable and fiber optics. Radio wave, microwave, and infrared

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Types of Guided Media:

Twisted pair cable

A pair of wires twisted with each other is known as twisted pair cable. A set of four pairs
of twisted wires are bundled to form cable. These are the most common medium for LAN.
Wires are twisted with each other so as to reduce crosstalk (A disturbance caused by
electromagnetic interference, along a circuit or a cable pair).
Its types are:
a) Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable
b) Twisted Pair Cable

Unshielded twisted pair (UTP)

Unshielded twisted pair is a popular type of cable that consists of two unshielded wires
twisted around each other which are used in telephone wiring and local area networks
(LANs). It is called unshielded because it has no additional foil wrap, or shield.
RJ-45 connector is commonly used with unshielded twisted pair.

Shielded twisted pair (STP)

Shielded twisted pair is a type of copper telephone wiring in which each of the two copper
wires are twisted together and coated with an insulating coating. The extra covering in
shielded twisted pair wiring protects the transmission line from electromagnetic
interference. D-shell connectors are used with shielded twisted pair.

Co-axial cable
 Coaxial (or “coax”) cable is a common type of cable used for transmitting data over
long distances.
 They are most commonly used to transmit cable TV and Internet signals.
 The connectors used with co-axial cables are BNC, T-connectors and
terminators in bus topology.
 10 Mbps is the maximum speed of co-axial cable.

Fiber optic cable

 Fiber optics cable is one of the costlier cables used in data communication which
uses light to carry a data signal through the cable.
 The connectors used in fiber optics are Screw Mounted Adaptors (SMA), Spring-
loaded Twist (ST), SC and FC.
 It is costlier to maintain, produce and install.

Radio wave transmission

 The transmission making use of radio waves through air is called radio wave
transmission.
 It provides low bandwidth for data communication.
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 Radio, TV, cellular phones etc. uses radio transmission in one form or another.
 The radio waves can travel through walls and through an entire building.
 Depending upon the frequency, they can travel long distance or short distance.
 It does not require line of sight for data transmission.

Microwave transmission
 Microwave is a line-of-sight wireless communication technology that uses high
frequency beams of radio waves to provide high speed wireless connections that
can send and receive voice, video, and data information.
 Microwaves do not pass through buildings. So, indoor receivers cannot be used
effectively.
 It provides higher bandwidth for data communication.
 It requires line of sight for data transmission.
Infrared transmission
 Infrared Transmission is the transmission of data or voice information over infrared
(IR) light over short ranges.
 It requires line-of-sight and is unable to break through walls.

Computer network
A computer network is defined as interconnection of two or more computing devices
connected with each other to share data, hardware, software and other resources.

Advantages of computer network

 Hardware and software resources can be easily shared.
 Data in a network environment can be updated from any computer. Updated data can
be accessed by all computers on the network.
 Computers in a network system share different software packages.
 Information can be exchanged rapidly in computer network.
 Faster and reliable mean of communication.

Disadvantages of computer network

a) The sharing of information may leak the privacy of other clients.
b) The networking cost is high.
c) If hardware or software malfunctions, it affects the whole network.
d) Data and information may be stolen by computer hackers if the security of network is
not reliable.

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Reasons of keeping computers on the network

 To share hardware devices like printers, scanners, hard disks etc.
 To share data and information.
 To share software resources.
 To communicate with each other.

Hardware components of a computer network (Elements of Network)

The Physical parts and devices used to connect computers in the network environment are
called hardware components. The hardware components of computer network are
a) Computer system (Server or Workstation) b) Network connectors c) Network
cables
d) NIC Card e) MODEM f) Hub g) Bridge h) Switch
i) Router j) Gateway k) Repeater

Server
A server is the main computer that provides services, data and other resources to the other
computers in the network environment. Network operating software used by server is
Novell Netware, Linux, Unix etc. Different types of servers are file server, print server,
application server etc.

Network Cables
Cables are commonly used media of physical channel for transmitting data between computers
in network. Examples of cables are coaxial, twisted pair and fiber optic cable.

Network Connector
Connector is an interface between the NIC of the computer and the cable that passes data
between computers in network. Examples of connectors are BNC used with coaxial cable, RJ
45 used with UTP cable, ST used with fiber optic cable etc.

Workstation
Workstation is a computer network that utilizes network resources. Network operating
software used by workstation are Windows 98, Windows XP etc.

Node
Each computer or device of network is called node.

Router
Router is an intelligent device that connects two different networks which uses the address for
filtering and forwarding the data as well as it has an ability to determine the best route for
destination.

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Network Interface Card (NIC)

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is the adapter through which the computer is connected to
the network. The function of NIC is to convert data into electronic signals and transfer them
through cables and vice-versa. The advantage is to present the platform for a communication
between the computers within a network.

Hub
A hub is a network device with multiple points or ports which acts as a central point from
where different computers and other devices are connected. It broadcasts all network data
across each connection. Hub is mostly used in physical star topology.

Switch
A switch is a networking device that has multiple connecting ports which is often used
interchangeably with the bridge.

Bridge
A bridge is a device that connects two or more similar types of network which filters the data
or inspects incoming signals and decides whether to forward the signals or discard them.

Gateway
Gateway is an interconnecting device that connects two dissimilar networks

Repeater
Repeater is a device that amplifies the incoming signals, creates a copy of it and transmits the
signal on network.

MODEM
MODEM is a device which is used to transfer the data of one computer to another computer
using telephone lines.
The role of MODEM in data transmission is that it transfers data from one computer to another
through telephone line. It also converts the digital signal into analog and vice versa.

 Importance of MODEM
MODEM modulates the digital codes of the computer into analog signal, which then can travel
through the telephone cable. At the receiving end the MODEM kept there will demodulate the
analog signal to digital codes, which can be then understood and used by the receiving
computer. In this way a MODEM makes the computer network possible.

Modulation
The process of translating digital signals of a computer to analog signals, which are then
transmitted across the standard telephone lines, is known as modulation.

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Demodulation
The process of translating analog signals from a phone line and converts then into digital
signals for the computer is known as demodulation.

Software components of a computer network

 Network protocol
 Network operating system
 Device driver

Network operating system

Network operating system is a set of computer program that manages the resources on
network. E.g. Novell network, Microsoft Windows NT, Linux, Unix etc.

Device driver: Device driver is a system software that controls the functionality of the
hardware device connected to the computer system.

Types of Network
a. LAN (Local Area Network)
b. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
c. WAN (Wide Area Network)

LAN (Local Area Network)

A LAN is a type of private network which covers small area i.e. within a room, building, or
short distance by using cables or small wireless devices. It covers small geographical areas. It
is controlled by a single organization. It uses private connection media. E.g.: network in a
school, college or cyber cafe. The diameter is not more than a few kilometres (2-3 K.M). LAN
offers bandwidth of 10-100 Mbps.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

A MAN is a type of network which covers an entire city or valley. It is controlled by single
or group of organization. It uses private or public connection media. E.g.: interconnection
between different branches on same branch and ISP providing internet services. It offers a
number of network services compatible with bandwidth from 128 kbps to 1 Gbps.

WAN (Wide Area Network)

A WAN is a type of network which connects two or more computers generally across a wide
geographical area such as cities, districts, and countries. It is controlled by group of
organization. It uses public connections media like telephone lines, satellite links or
microwave system to connect several LANs and MANs. E.g. internet. Data transmission in
WAN is slower than LANs and WANs.

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Network Topology (LAN topology)

The arrangement or connection pattern of computers or nodes and other devices of the network
that forms geometrical structure is called network topology. The three basic topologies are
bus topology, ring topology and star topology.

Bus topology
The network topology in which computers and other devices are arranged in linear format
which uses a common backbone or wire to connect all the computers and devices is called bus
topology.

Figure showing bus topology

Advantages of bus topology

 It is easy to set up computers and other devices in bus topology, because all the devices
are connected through a single wire.
 It requires fewer cable media, so it is cheaper than other topologies.
 It is easy to add new node to the network.
 Failure of one workstation does not affect other computers on the network.

Disadvantages of bus topology

 The whole network system collapses if the cable or backbone is damaged.
 The network slows down if additional computers are connected.
 The limited length of the cable in a network may restrict to connect the workstation or
devices.
 It is difficult to find fault in this network topology.

Ring topology
The network topology in which computers are connected in the shape of a circle without any
end points is called ring topology. Each workstation contains two neighbours for
communication or an input and output connections.

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Figure showing ring topology

Advantages of ring topology

 It is easy to set up and configure.
 Each computer gets equal opportunity to access the network resources.
 It supports high data transmission rate.
 Performs better than a star topology under heavy network load.
Disadvantages of ring topology
 Failure of any cable or single computers may affect the entire network.
 It is difficult to detect the errors.
 Adding/removing the devices affect the entire network.
 Much slower than an Ethernet network under normal load.

Star topology
The network topology in which all computers or other devices are connected through a central
device called hub or switch is called star topology. Hub provides centralized control.

Figure Showing Star Topology

Advantages of star topology
 Easy to set up and configure.
 Failure of single computer or cable doesn’t affect the entire network.
 It is easy to find the fault.
 It is easy to extend to network by attaching new devices to the central devices.
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Disadvantages of star topology

 It requires more cables in comparison to bus topology so it is costlier.
 Failure of central devices (hub or switch) break down the whole system.

Network architecture (Models of Computer Network)

The arrangement of the computers on the network which is based on the computing model is
called network architecture. Its types are
a) Centralized computing network
b) Client / Server Network
c) Peer to Peer Network

Centralized computing network

A centralized computing network is a network in which a central host computer performs data
processing and storage on behalf of clients. It is different from client server network as client
server network consists of at least one server and one or more client as well as client server
provides high security of data and other resources.

Client/server network
Client/ server network is a type of network architecture that consists of at least one server and
one or more clients or workstations, where users do their work. It provides central security
administration and the network administrator is responsible for data security and other
resources management of the network. In this architecture, Client will make request to the
server for some information and server will response back as per the client request.

Peer-to-peer network
Peer-to-Peer network is a group of computers, which function both as servers and workstations
to share data, information and other resources of the network. It lacks centralized network
administration, where the network administrator needs to manage security on each computer.
It provides no reliable security and might put data in higher risks.

Client/server network Peer-to-peer network

There is a specific server and specific Clients and server are not distinguished; each node
clients
connected to the server. act as client and server.

The client request for service and server respond Each node can request for services and can also
with the service. provide the services.

The data is stored in a centralized server. Each peer has its own data.

The client-server are expensive to Peer-to-peer are less expensive to implement.

implement.

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Internet and Its Services

Internet
Internet is an interconnection of several thousands of computers of different types belonging
to the various networks all over the world in order to share data and information.
In other words, network of networks is called Internet.

Who controls internet?

Different organization like ISOC (Internet Society), W3C (World Wide Web Consortium),
IAB (Internet Architecture Board), IEFT (Internet Engineering Task Force), IRTF (Internet
Research Task Force), IESG (Internet Engineering Steering Group) and INIC (Internet
Network information Centre) gives directive and guideline for the proper use of internet.

Internet is called Network of networks?

The internet is called “network of networks” because all the smaller networks of organizations
are linked together into the one giant network called the internet.

Protocol used by the internet

TCP/IP is the communication protocol used by the internet.

Components required for internet connection

 A TCP/IP enabled computer with web browser
 An account with an ISP
 Router / MODEM (necessary if you are using a telephone line to access the Internet)
 Connection (ISDN, Satellite, cable and dial-up)

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line)

ADSL is a technology for transmitting digital information at a high bandwidth on existing
phone lines to homes and businesses. Unlike regular dialup phone service, ADSL provides
continuously-available, "always on" connection.

Services of internet
1. WWW (World Wide Web)
2. E-mail (Electronic mail)
3. FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
4. IRC (internet Relay Chat)
5. Newsgroup
6. Telnet
7. E-commerce

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Advantages of Internet
 Internet has an endless knowledge supply which anyone can access that too for free of
cost.
 Selling and buying has become so easy with the use of internet and it has helped
millions to sell and buy their goods online.
 Internet has given us E-Mail which is fast, secure and reliable mode of communication.
 It makes easy to transfer the file or information.
Disadvantages of Internet
 Increasing virus and threats not only steals your sensitive data but also damages your
computer.
 People using too much of internet get disconnected from the real world.
 Pornography that can get in the hands of young children too easily.
 Addiction to online games affects health leading to obesity and serious health issues.

Intranet
An intranet is a private computer network that uses the internet protocol to securely share any
part of information of an organization. It is owned by a single organization or company. It can
only be used by the employees of the owned organization.

Extranet
An extranet is a computer network that allows controlled access from outside for specific
business or educational purposes.

ISP (Internet Service Provider)

An Internet service provider (ISP) is an organization that provides services for accessing and
using the Internet. World Link, Subisu, Mercantile, Classitech, Vianet, NTC, NCELL etc. are
the ISPs of Nepal.

E-mail (Electronic Mail)

E-mail (Electronic mail) is one of the most popular services provided by the internet which
exchanges messages between the computers through a network. It is the soft copy service of
the internet. E-mail can be sent using a computer with modem, e-mail program and internet
facility. E.g. [email protected]
Four sites that provide e-mail services are:
www.yahoomail.com
www.hotmail.com
www.gmail.com
www.outlook.com

Advantages of E-mail
 It allows to send and receive message across the world at very low cost.
 E-mail is faster, cheaper, more reliable than traditional mail.
 The image, sound, video and documents can be attached to e-mail message.
 Email can be accessed from anywhere in the world.

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Disadvantages of E-mail
 Minor mistakes in e-mail address may deliver the mail to wrong address.
 Since it passes through a vast electronic network, it may be seized in between.

Newsgroup
Newsgroups are discussion groups that focus on a particular topic such as politics, health,
computer, etc. The interested people on the particular field write the information or articles.
Then these articles are posted to the newsgroup so that other people can read them.

Telnet
A telnet is a program that allows a user to log in to a remote computer on internet as a user on
that system. It is a remote login service provided by the internet.

FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

File Transfer Protocol is the internet tool that allows the user to transfer the file from one
computer to another computer. It helps to upload and download the files.

Use / Function of FTP

File Transfer protocol helps to transfer (download or upload) files from one computer to
another computer.

Uploading
Uploading refers to copying files or documents, programs or data from the user computer to
the internet server.

Downloading
Downloading refers to the copying files or document or program or data from the internet
server to the user computer.

IRC (Internet Relay Chat)

Internet Relay Chat is one of the important services provided by the internet which allows the
user to communicate with other people in real time. It uses the browser software without using
special chat software. It communicates only text. For e.g.: chatting on Facebook.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) is an online document that possesses series of common
questions and answers on a specific topic.

Video conferencing
Video conferencing is an important and interesting service provided by the internet which
makes communication using sounds as well as pictures. It requires necessary hardware and
software to see and speak to each other. It enables virtual face-to-face communication among
people sitting at different locations. For e.g.: video call on messenger.

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Web browser
Web browser is a computer program that access web pages and displays them on the user
computer. Examples of web browsers are Mozilla Firefox, Google chrome, Internet Explorer,
opera etc. Browsing/ Surfing means searching information on the internet.

URL (Uniform Resource Locator)

URL is a unique address that provides location of a webpage on the internet. Example of URL:
https:// www.moonlight.com.np /mainpage/first.html
 https: protocol name
 www.moonlight.com.np : server name or domain name
 mainpage: path
 first.html: filename

Search engine
A search engine is a software program or script available through the Internet that searches
documents and files for keywords and returns the results of any files containing those
keywords. They are used to locate specific sites and information. Examples of search engines
are Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc.

Blog (weblog)
A blog is a time-stamped online journal that appears on a website. A blog is a frequently
updated online personal journal or diary. A place to share your thoughts and your passions to
the world.

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)

Wi-Fi is the name of a popular wireless networking technology that uses radio waves to
provide wireless high-speed Internet and network connections.

WWW (World Wide Web)

The World Wide Web (abbreviated WWW or the Web) is an information space where
documents and other web resources are identified by Uniform Resource Locators (URLs),
interlinked by hypertext links, and can be accessed via the Internet.

DNS (Domain Name System)

Domain Name System is an Internet service that translates domain names into IP address.

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