COMPUTER

NETWORKS
GROUP 5 PRESENTS
COMPUTER NETWORKING

-involves connecting two or more

computers to enable users to communicate,
share resources, and address the limitations
of standalone systems.
ADVANTAGES OF NETWORKING
The main advantages of networking are:

1. Hardware resource sharing: Network enables sharing of expensive resources.

2. Sharing of databases: The network permits concurrent access to the same data
file by many users in the network.
3. Sharing of Software: Any user in a network can load and use the software
installed on any of the computer of fileserver in the network.
4. Communication between users: The Network users can communicate between
them.
5. Decentralized data processing: In a network, the data processing can be
decentralized by enabling local offices to capture and store data, and generate
information to meet most of their requirements a local level itself.
6. Security of data: In a networked environment the data is backed up with
duplicate storage.
TYPES OF
NETWORK WIDE AREA NETWORK(WAN)
METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK(MAN)
LOCAL AREA NETWORK(LAN)
 WIDE AREA NETWORK (WAN)
• A Wide Area Network (WAN) consists of multiple independent computers spread across a broad
geographic region. WANs were first developed in the late 1960s to facilitate communication between
computer centers and enable the sharing of hardware, software, and other communication resources.
WANs can be established using either private or public networks. In a private network, an organization
leases telephone lines to connect different locations. Computers in separate areas can also be linked
through microwave or satellite transmission. Public networks, on the other hand, are installed by
government-owned telecommunication agencies. WANs cover vast geographic areas and are sometimes
referred to as long-haul networks. They typically operate at slower speeds than Metropolitan Area
Networks (MANs) and are subject to delays.
• Most organizations rely on private networks for communication. For example, the Society for Worldwide
Interbank Financial Telecommunication (SWIFT), a non-profit consortium of banks, runs a private network
that facilitates the exchange of financial transactions between over 3,000 financial institutions in more
than 60 countries. The terminals of these participating banks are connected to SWIFT’s access centers,
offering 24/7 data communication services.
FEATURES OF WIDE AREA NETWORK
A wide area network (WAN) is used to connect LANs and nodes that are separated
by great physical distance. Generally speaking, it is larger version of LAN with several
differences:
1. It operates by means of the international telephone network
2. Unlike LANs which owned by their users, WANs operate on public and leased telephone
lines provided by licensed common carriers, or by other means such satellite and
microwave, which are regulated by government agencies.
3. Data transmission is somewhere slower.
4. The WAN compose any of the following system configurations.
5. Single nodes
6. Clusters
7. LANS
ADVANTAGES OF WAN
The integration of the local nodes into the distributed database linked by the
WAN provides the following advantages:
1. The WAN allows access to database at remote sites, enabling ex- change of data.
2. If a remote node fails, remaining nodes on the network can still exchange data.
3. If the network fails, the local mode can still access its own database.
4. The data used on daily basis by the sales offices resides at the local site, making it
easier to retrieve quickly.
5. The local offices can maintain the data more effectively. The corporate office can
access the data as needed.
6. As a site's database grows larger, its system's storage capacity can be easily upgraded
without affecting the transfer of data between other nodes on network.
METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK
(MAN)

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) spans a larger

area than a Local Area Network (LAN), typically covering
an entire metropolitan city. It is essentially a smaller-scale
version of a Wide Area Network (WAN) but operates at
higher speeds over distances that are suitable for a
metropolitan region.
LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN)
A Local Area Network (LAN) connects multiple microcomputers, allowing them to
share common resources such as disks, printers, and other devices. This network links
several computer workstations, enabling multiple users to access the same software and
data files. Each user accesses the shared resources through their own workstation. The
network operating system integrates all components, ensuring smooth and seamless
operation. LANs typically operate within a limited geographical area, such as a large
building or within offices located a few kilometers apart.
A LAN facilitates communication between interconnected computers in a
confined area. It can include additional shared devices like fax machines, laser printers,
and copiers. The network also features a central facility with significant storage capacity
to meet the organization’s needs and is managed by a network operating system.
TYPES OF LAN
Local area networks are mainly of two types: Client/Server LAN and Peer-to-Peer LAN.

a. Client/Server LAN:
A Client/Server LAN consists of both servers and clients. The server is a computer responsible for
managing shared resources, including hardware, software, and data. It is typically a high-performance
machine with large amounts of RAM and substantial secondary storage. The LAN contains multiple
microcomputers, known as clients, that request services from the server. A LAN can have multiple servers,
each dedicated to specific services such as file storage, printing, or databases. A file server stores programs
and data, a database server manages data storage, and a printer server controls the printers within the
network.
b. Peer-to-Peer LAN:
In a Peer-to-Peer LAN, all computers are equal in terms of status and functionality. Each computer
on the network can communicate directly with any other computer without relying on a server. This allows
any computer to access data and programs stored on another computer. Peer-to-peer LANs are generally
more affordable than client/server LANs, but they may operate at slower speeds in comparison.
LAN TOPOLOGY
Designing a network involves choosing a specific topology and an
architecture for connecting the network components.

Topology refers to the physical arrangement of computers within the

network. Network architecture includes the specifications for the
components that can be connected. An example of vendor-developed
network architecture is IBM's Systems Network Architecture (SNA), which
outlines the components such as terminals, workstations, printers, cluster
controllers, host computers, and communication controllers. Several network
topologies exist, with ring, star, and bus being among the most commonly
used.
 A. STAR TOPOLOGY
In a star network, all nodes are connected to a central computer, known as the host
computer, which manages communication between them. The nodes cannot communicate
directly with each other; instead, each node sends messages to the host computer, which then
forwards them to the intended node or nodes.

The host is the main computer to which other nodes, such as microcomputers, terminals,
or devices like storage units and printers, are connected via communication links. The host
computer is responsible for overseeing the network's overall operations.

A star network makes it easy to centralize control over network resources. It also allows
the connection of minicomputers or mainframes with other microcomputers and dumb terminals.
The design prevents failure of the entire network from a single wire malfunction, as the failure of
one node does not impact the others. However, the hub becomes a critical point of failure—if the
host computer fails, the entire network goes down.
B. Ring Topology
In a ring network, computers can communicate directly with one another as well
as with a central computer. The nodes are linked in a circular configuration, forming a
closed loop. Ring networks are considered more reliable than star networks, as the other
computers can continue to communicate with one another even if the central computer
fails.

C. Bus Topology D. Hybrid Network

In a bus network, computers are Typically, a combination of topologies is
connected to a single, non-looping utilized to enhance flexibility and reliability
communication channel. All computers rather than relying on a single topology. A
on the network share the same bus or hybrid network integrates characteristics of
communication line. The wiring for a bus star, ring, and bus networks.
network is straightforward and requires
significantly less cabling for smaller
segments.
 FEATURES OF LAN
The features of LAN include the following:
a. Limited geographical area say within a few kilometers.
b. Common communication link for sharing information, software and peripheral devices without regard to proximity of user to
such resources on the network.
c. High transmission capability.
d. Low error rate as the network contains built-in component for detecting for system errors.
e. Private ownership by the user.
f. Not subject to regulation by the telecom service.

Any the communication network that meets most or all of the following characteristics can be classified as LAN,:
a. All the devices on the network share a common transmission medium, that is, the cable and/or the controller.
b. The devices connected to the network can operate independent of the network.
c. Any device connected to it can communicate with any other device on the network, and
d. The network is capable of supporting heavy data traffic over short distances compared to telecommunication network.
e. The network covers a limited area usually a few kilometers in radius or a single site like a university campus, an office or a
factory.
 LAN COMPONENTS
The components of LAN are File server, workstation, network operat- ing system, LAN cable, Active and
Passive hubs etc.

A. Workstation

A workstation is a high-performance microcomputer designed for single-user operation, equipped

with advanced communication capabilities. It can exchange messages with other workstations or file servers.
There are two types of workstations: user workstations and server workstations. A user workstation is a
microcomputer on the network that allows access to network resources, while a server workstation provides
services to process requests from other workstations. Typically, user workstations do not handle requests
from other workstations. The server workstation offers all shared network resources to other workstations,
and multiple server workstations, such as printer servers and file servers, can be added to the network.
Generally, the server workstation is the most powerful among them. Server workstations can be either
dedicated or non-dedicated. A dedicated workstation is reserved solely for server tasks and is not available
for user applications, while a non-dedicated server workstation can function as an individual workstation
while also performing network-related functions.
B. File Server

A file server is essentially a process operating on a computer that allows clients to access files
stored on that machine. The term is often used to refer to the computer that runs file server software. In
this context, it refers to a powerful computer equipped with specialized software designed to serve files to
other workstations on the network. These files, which can include both program files and data files, are
shared simultaneously among multiple workstations. Novell NetWare is a widely used network operating
system in this capacity.

C. Gateway D. Network Interface Unit

The network interface is a printed circuit
A gateway facilitates communication board installed in the microcomputer, often referred
between Local Area Networks (LANs). A to as a network card, network adapter, or network
workstation can be specifically designated to interface unit. It serves to connect workstations both
function as a gateway, which is especially functionally and physically to the network.
necessary when two networks using different
technologies need to interact. Additionally, a
gateway can be employed to connect a LAN
with a mainframe computer.
E. Active Hub

A hub is an electronic device that connects multiple computers, typically using twisted pair cables.
An active hub serves as a powered distribution point equipped with active devices that can support distant
nodes up to one kilometer away. It can connect as many as eight nodes on the network, with a maximum
transmission distance of approximately 2,000 feet.

F. Passive Hub
This hub acts as a distribution point that does not require power or active devices to connect up to
four nodes within a limited distance. The maximum range of a passive hub is approximately 300 feet.

G. LAN Cable
A Local Area Network (LAN) necessitates high-quality cables that can transfer data at high speeds.
Coaxial cables or fiber optic cables can be utilized for networking computers.
H. Network Operating System (NOS)

The Network Operating System (NOS) integrates all components of the network and enables functions such as
file and print serving, as well as communication and email between workstations. In most Local Area Networks (LANs),
the NOS operates alongside the computer's operating system. The operating system handles system requests first,
processing them if they can be fulfilled using the workstation's resources. If a request involves network resources, it is
then forwarded to the NOS for execution. Consequently, the NOS is responsible for managing access to data, storage
space, and the sharing of other peripheral resources.

I. Applications Software
Another component of a Local Area Network (LAN) is the application software, which must be compatible with
a multi-user environment to function effectively.

J. Protocols
Data transmission between devices relies on protocols, which are sets of rules and procedures governing
how data is transmitted between computers and other devices. These protocols serve as common technical
guidelines for communication, specifying the order in which signals are transferred, as well as the signals indicating
the completion of transmission. Only devices that use the same protocol can communicate directly; both the
sending and receiving devices must adhere to the same protocol for effective communication. When devices
operate on different protocols, an intermediary interpretation device or software is needed for communication .
The protocol performs the following functions:
a. Set up a link with the other device in the communication.
b. Identify the component to other components in the communica tion (sending device's channel ID)
c. Send and interpret the data
d. Provide a continuous feedback on data transmission like data is not being received and understood.
e. Request for retransmission of garbled data.
f. Engage recovery procedure when error occurs.
g. Provide an acceptable way of terminating transmission so that all devices have completed the process.

The protocol is integrated into communication software that is specifically designed to utilize a
particular protocol. Users do not need to worry about the protocol, as the components involved in the
communication handle the protocol matching automatically. There are two primary types of data
communication protocols: asynchronous and synchronous. Synchronous protocols allow for continuous data
transmission, requiring the communicating devices to be synchronized with one another. In this case, the
transmission is regulated by a time interval rather than by start-stop bits. For instance, in modern systems, a
clock sets the time interval for synchronization.
 PAN(PERSONAL AREA NETWORK)
Personal Area Network is a network arranged within an individual person, typically within a
range of 10 meters.

Personal Area Network is used for connecting the computer devices of personal use is known as
Personal Area Network.

Thomas Zimmerman was the first research scientist to bring the idea of the Personal Area
Network.

Personal Area Network covers an area of 30 feet.

Personal computer devices that are used to develop the personal area network are the laptop,
THANK YOU
FOR LISTENING
