Computer Networks

TOPIC -3
Computer Networks
Applications of Networking
Network Topologies- Mesh, Bus, Star, Ring,
Types of Network (LAN, MAN, WAN),
Network Cables- Optical Fiber, Twisted, Co-
axial,
 Network Devices- Hubs, Switch, Router,
Network Interface Card, Ethernet.
Computer Network
A network is a set of devices (often referred to as
nodes) connected by communication links.
A node can be a computer, printer, or any other device
capable of sending and/or receiving data generated by
other nodes on the network.
“Computer network’’ to mean a collection of
autonomous computers interconnected by a single
technology.
Two computers are said to be interconnected if they are
able to exchange information. The connection need not
be via a copper wire; fiber optics, microwaves, infrared,
and communication satellites can also be used.
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
Applications of Networking
1. Data Sharing
It is the capability of sharing data with multiple users over the
network. In order to share the data among multiple users, it is
generally stored on servers. Different applications can
therefore access the data from these servers easily. A special
software locking mechanism is maintained over the network,
so as to prevent multiple users from modifying the data. The
sharing of data among the multiple users in an interactive
way is known as data conferencing.
2. Remote Data Access
Remote data access is the process of accessing the data from
remote location in an efficient way. Different software
programs are used to provide an interface to the end users for
accessing the data remotely.
3. Resource Sharing
Resource sharing is the process of sharing the
resources such as storage devices, input/output
devices, etc. over the network. For example,
printer can be shared among the computers
connected in a network by attaching it to the
server computer. When the users want their
documents to be printed they can simply give
the print command from their computers and
get their document printed. network.
4. Communication
The far-reaching applications of network are
electronic mail and teleconferencing. These
applications allow individuals as well as organizations
to use networks for exchanging messages (written,
voice and video) extensively. Electronic mail enables
a person to send and receive instant messages over a
computer network with the help of Internet. On the
other hand, teleconferencing enables real-time
communication over a distance by allowing people at
different locations to communicate with each other by
seeing the video picture of people at other sites. This
is also referred as virtual meeting.
Network topology
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
Bus Topology
Bus Topology Nodes are connected through a
common communication media like diagram
given below.
Bus Topology is a network type in which
every computer and network device is
connected to a single cable. It is bi-
directional. It is a multi-point connection and a
non-robust topology because if the backbone
fails the topology crashes.
Advantages of Bus Topology
If N devices are connected to each other in a bus
topology, then the number of cables required to
connect them is 1, known as backbone cable, and
N drop lines are required.
Coaxial or twisted pair cables are mainly used in
bus-based networks that support up to 10 Mbps.
The cost of the cable is less compared to other
topologies, but it is used to build small networks.
Bus topology is familiar technology as installation
and troubleshooting techniques are well known.
Drawbacks of Bus Topology
A bus topology is quite simpler, but still, it
requires a lot of cabling.
If the common cable fails, then the whole
system will crash down.
If the network traffic is heavy, it increases
collisions in the network.
Adding new devices to the network would
slow down networks.
Security is very low.
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 i.e., not an
intelligent hub such as broadcasting devices, at
the same time the hub can be intelligent known as
an active hub. Active hubs have repeaters in them.
Coaxial cables or RJ-45 cables are used to
connect the computers.
Advantages of Star Topology
If N devices are connected to each other in a star
topology, then the number of cables required to
connect them is N. So, it is easy to set up.
Each device requires only 1 port i.e. to connect to
the hub, therefore the total number of ports required
is N.
It is Robust. If one link fails only that link will
affect and not other than that.
Easy to fault identification and fault isolation.
Star topology is cost-effective as it uses
inexpensive coaxial cable.
Drawbacks of Star Topology
If the concentrator (hub) on which the whole
topology relies fails, the whole system will
crash down.
The cost of installation is high.
Performance is based on the single
concentrator i.e. hub.
Ring Topology
In a Ring Topology, it forms a ring connecting devices
with exactly two neighboring devices.
A number of repeaters are used for Ring topology with
a large number of nodes, because if someone wants to
send some data to the last node in the ring topology
with 100 nodes, then the data will have to pass through
99 nodes to reach the 100th node.
Hence to prevent data loss repeaters are used in the
network.
The data flows in one direction, i.e. it is unidirectional,
but it can be made bidirectional by having 2
connections between each Network Node, it is
called Dual Ring Topology.
Advantages of Ring Topology
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.
Drawbacks of Ring Topology
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.
Mesh Topology

In a mesh topology, every device is connected

to another device via a particular channel.
Advantages of Mesh Topology
Communication is very fast between the nodes.
Mesh Topology is robust.
The fault is diagnosed easily. Data is reliable because
data is transferred among the devices through
dedicated channels or links.
Provides security and privacy.
Drawbacks of Mesh Topology
Installation and configuration are difficult.
The cost of cables is high as bulk wiring is required,
hence suitable for less number of devices.
The cost of maintenance is high.
Types of 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 players a PAN between the two.
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.
Advantages of LAN
• Resource Sharing
• Software Applications Sharing
• Easy and Cheap Communication
• Centralized Data
• Data Security
• Internet Sharing
Disadvantages of LAN
• High Setup Cost
• Privacy Violations
• Data Security Threat
• LAN Maintenance Job
• Covers Limited Area Computer Network
Examples: A networked office building, school or home.
Sometimes one building can contain a few small LANs (Like
some schools have independent LANs in each computer lab.).
3. Metropolitan Area Network(MAN):–
Spread within a city . Cover an area of a few
kilometers to a few hundred kilometers 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.
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 connection.

Examples: A network of ATMs, BANKs, National

Government Offices, International Organizations' Offices
etc., spread over a country, continent, or covering many
continents
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 major issue when many different people have
the ability to use information
Network Cables
Twisted
Co-axial
Optical Fiber,
Twisted Pair
Twisted Pair Cable: Twisted pair is a copper wire
cable in which two insulated copper wires are twisted
around each other to reduce interference or crosstalk.
It uses 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T, and some other newer
Ethernet variants. It uses RJ-45 connectors.

Design: A twisted pair cable usually contains two or

more conducting wires either shielded by an insulator
or not and, further these twisted pairs of wires are
coated for protection from any damage.
Types of twisted pair cable:
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable: In STP the
wires are covered by a copper braid covering or a foil
shield, this foil shield adds a layer that protects it
against interference leaking into and out of the cable.
Hence, they are used for longer distances and higher
transmission rates.
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable: Unshielded
twisted pair cable is one of the most commonly used
cables in computer networks at present time. UTP
consists of two insulated copper wires twisted around
one another, the twisting of wires helps in controlling
interference.
Coaxial Cables
 A coaxial cable is used to carry high-frequency electrical
signals with low losses.
It uses 10Base2 and 10Base5 Ethernet variants. It has a
copper conductor in the middle that is surrounded by a
dielectric insulator usually made of PVC or Teflon.
The dielectric insulator is surrounded by a braided
conducting metallic shield which reduces EMI
(Electromagnetic Interference) of the metal and outside
interference; and finally, the metallic shield is covered by
a plastic covering called a sheath usually made of PVC
or some other fire-resistant plastic material. Its maximum
transmission speed is 10 Mbps. It is usually used in
telephone systems, cable TV, etc.
Design: Coaxial cable design choices affect
physical size, frequency performance,
attenuation, power handling capabilities,
flexibility, strength, and cost.
It consists an inner conductor which might be
solid or stranded surrounded by an insulator
and, to provide flexibility, it is further
surrounded by a copper mesh and which is
further surrounded by a plastic or insulating
jacket.
Sheath
This is the outer layer of the coaxial cable. It protects the cable
from physical damage.
Braided shield
This shield protects signals from external interference and
noise. This shield is built from the same metal that is used to
build the core.
Insulation
Insulation protects the core. It also keeps the core separate from
the braided shield. Since both the core and the braided shield
use the same metal, without this layer, they will touch each
other and create a short-circuit in the wire.
Conductor
The conductor carries electromagnetic signals. Based on
conductor a coaxial cable can be categorized into two types;
single-core coaxial cable and multi-core coaxial cable.
Types of Coaxial cables:
Hardline coaxial cable is used in applications
where high signal strength is required; this type
is most commonly used. They are used in
internet lines and telephone lines.
RG-6 Coaxial Cable is used where better signal
quality is required; it has a thicker dielectric
insulator, they are used in broadband internet,
cable TV, etc.
Tri-axial Cable They offer more bandwidth and
interference rejection; they use an additional
copper braid shield. Commonly used in
connecting cameras and cable TVs. Etc.
 Fiber optic cables use optical fibers which are
Fiber optic cable

made of glass cores surrounded by several layers

of cladding material usually made of PVC or
Teflon, it transmits data in the form of light
signals due to which there are no interference
issues in fiber optics.
Fiber optics can transmit signals over a very long
distance as compared to twisted pairs or coaxial
cables. It uses 10BaseF, 100BaseFX, 100BaseBX,
100BaseSX, 1000BaseFx, 1000BaseSX, and
1000BaseBx Ethernet variants. Hence, it is
capable of carrying information at a great speed.
Design: An optical fiber consists of a core and
a cladding, chosen for their total internal
reflection due to the difference in refractive
index between the two.
In real optical fibers, the cladding is usually
covered with a layer of acrylate or polyimide
polymer. The coating protects the fiber from
damage and several layers of protective
sheathing, depending on the application, are
added to form the cable.
Types of Fiber Optics:
SMF (Single-mode fiber)- it uses one single
ray of light to transmit data, it is used for long-
distance transmission.
MMF (Multi-mode Fiber)- it uses multiple
light rays to transmit data, it is comparatively
less expensive.
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 device, like
Internal modem, NIC card or RJ45 connector,
whereas some are part of the network, like router,
switch, etc.
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 all ports(nodes).
There are two types of HUB
Passive 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 available as
ports in such HUB.
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.
NIC(Network Interface Card)
This is at top among other networking devices and
mostly used networking device.
This is also known as network adapter card,
Ethernet Card and LAN card.
It allows our PC to communicate with other PCs.
A PC uses parallel data transmission to transmit data
between its internal parts where as the media that
connects this PC with other device/PCs uses serial
data transmission.
A NIC converts parallel data stream into serial data
stream and vice versa.
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.
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.
Router
Routers operate in the 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.
Ethernet
Ethernet is the traditional technology for
connecting devices in a wired local area network
(LAN) or wide area network. It enables devices
to communicate with each other via a protocol,
which is a set of rules or common network
language.
Ethernet is used to connect devices in a network
and is still a popular form of network
connection. Specific organizations with local
networks, such as company offices, school
campuses and hospitals, use Ethernet for its high
speed, security and reliability.
Advantages of Ethernet
Ethernet has many benefits for users, which is why
it grew so popular. Here are some of the common
benefits of Ethernet:
Relatively low cost.
Backward compatibility.
Generally resistant to noise.
Good data transfer quality.
Speed.
Reliability.
Data security, as common firewalls can be used.
Disadvantages of Ethernet
Despite its widespread use, Ethernet does have its share
of disadvantages, such as the following:
Intended for smaller, shorter-distance networks.
Limited mobility.
Use of longer cables can create cross-talk.
Doesn't work well with real-time or interactive
applications.
Speeds decrease with increased traffic.
Receivers don't acknowledge the reception of data
packets.
Troubleshooting is hard when trying to trace which
specific cable or node is causing the issue.
THANK
YOU