ATMINA 23UGCA603 1 23UGCgG03 — Network Administration @ Zz 5 B.C.A./ [Link], LT. — Semester 6" 5 i UNIT: 1 BASICS OF NETWORK COMPUTER NETWORK - DEFINITION/ WHAT IS A NETWORK? A computer network is a collection of two or more computers and other electronic devices that are interconnected through communication media to share data, information, resources, and services. These devices are connected using wired media (such as twisted pair cables, coaxial cables, and optical fiber) or wireless media (such as Wi-Fi, Bluctooth, and radio waves). The main objective of a computer network is to enable communication and resource sharing among users. A network enables computers to exchange data quickly and efficiently. allowing users to access information from remote locations. In modern organizations, networks form the backbone of information systems and play a crucial role in business operations, education, healthcare, banking, and government services. TYPES OF COMPUTER NETWORKS. Local Area Network (LAN) A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices wi small geographical area, such as an office, school, college, laboratory, or building. LANs are usually owned, controlled, and managed by a single organization LANs use high-speed communication media such as Ethernet cables or wireless access points. They allow users to share files, printers, software applications, and internet connections. Features of LAN: Covers a small area (room, building, campus) High data transfer speed Low cost of installation and maintenance High reliability and security Examples: Computer labs in schools Office networks connecting employees” systems Local Area Network FoS, Department of Computer Science, Atmiya University, Rajkot Page 1 of 42= 403 — Network Administ SCAGNS / 23UGCSE & 23UGCAGOS = AA BCA. / BSC. ET. ~ Semester Tce amma remem ae nena AN Gate work: WANS connect multiple LANS using communication links like telephone fines, optical fiber, satellites, and wireless links. The Tatars te ihe tect weunple of a WAN: WANS are generally managed by multiple organizations or service providers. Features of WAN: + Covers very large geographical areas * Connects LANs and MANs + Lower speed compared to LAN © High cost of setup and maintenance Examples: © Internet = * Bank networks connecting branches in different cities + Corporate networks connecting offices globally Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a network that covers a city or metropolitan area. It is larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN. MANs are often used to connect multiple LANs within a [Link] are usually owned by large organizations or government bodies and use high-speed fiber optic cables. Features of MAN: © Covers a city or town ‘+ High data transmission speed ‘+ Moderate installation cost ‘* More complex than LAN Examples: + Cable TV networks © City-wide university networks ‘+ Municipal networks connecting government offices EO mee Butding FoS, Department of Com| a Page 2 of 42 mS@ 23UGCAGNS /230GC: wie AT 603 — Network Administration ® BGA. BSe. LT. — Semester 6" yAAC Wireless Networks (Wi-Fi Networks) A Wireless Network allows devices to connect without physical eables using radio waves. Wi-Fi is the most common wireless networking technology. Wireless networks provide mobility and flexibility to users. Wireless networks are commonly used in homes, offices. schools, airports, cafes, and public places. Features of Wireless Networks: * No physical cables required © Easy to install and expand + Provides mobility ‘+ Slightly less secure than wired networks Examples: + Home Wi Office and campus Wi-Fi + Public Wi-Fi hotspots i networks Wises ; = \f ees USES OF NETWORK Computer networks are used in almost every field today. The major uses of networks are explained below: FoS, Department of Computer Science, Atmiya University, Rajkot Page 3 of 42& 23UGCAGD3 / 23UG) TCA. BSE. IT. — Semester 6" dL eesnece Suaeane ofa network is sharing resources. Hardware resources such One of the most important aa oes and internet connections can be shared among multiple inter rage devices. i improvi aaecency SeaeTS oma Aid ies ean also be shared, reducing cost and improving users. Software resources a efficiency. ata a ion Sharing . eee & Data and Information Sharint and information easily and quickly. Files, documents, Networks allow har a i inti Peers ew iusecelcley omputers. This is very useful in organizations A 7 « images, and videos can be transferred between a. where employces need to work on shared dat 3. Commi nication a js Networks provide fast and reliable communication facilities. Services such as email, instant mmesseel . Video conferencing, and voice ealls (VoIP) enable users to communicate with each other across the world in real time. 4. Access to Remote Informati . Through networks, users can access information stored at remote locations. The World Wide Web (WWW) allows users to retrieve data from remote servers such as online libraries, databases, and cloud storage. 5. Centralized Management and Security Networks allow centralized control of data and resources. System administrators can manage users, apply security policies, perform backups, and monitor network activities from a central location. This improves data security and system reliability. 6. Cost Effectiveness By sharing hardware and software resources, networks reduce the overall cost of computing. Organizations do not need to purchase separate resources for each user, which makes networking a cost-effective solution, 7. Support for Online Services Networks support various online services such as e-commerce, online banking, e-learning, e-governanee, and online booking systems. These services save time and increase convenience for users. 8. Reliability and Backup In a network, data can be stored at multiple locations. If one system fails, data can s accessed from another system. This improves reliability and ensures data availability. NETWORK MODEL: A network model defines how computers are connected and how they share resources and services in a network. OR A network model is a framework that describes how computers communicate and share resources in a network. According to the network structure there are two types of network models: © Client-Server Model + Peer-to-Peer Model Page 4 of 42 -c5003— Network Administration ®Cou 23UGCA603 / 23UGCs603 — Network Administration ® ame B.C.A./ [Link], LT. - Semester 6" NAAS 1, Client-Server Model In the Client-Server model, one computer acts as a server and other computers act as clients. The client requests for services and the server provides those services. Client © Aclient isa program that runs on the local mact # Itrequests services from the server. A client program is a finite program, which means it starts when the user requests a service and terminates after the service is completed. Server * A server is a program that runs on a remote machine. It provides services to the clients. The server never initiates the service. It waits for client requests and responds when requested. Advantages of Client-Server Network Centralized: Centralized backup is possible as all data is stored on the server. Security: These networks are more secure as all the shared resources are centrally administered. ‘+ Performance: The use of the dedicated server inereases the speed of sharing resources. ‘This increases the performance of the overall system, * Scalability: We can increase the number of clients i. network at any time. Disadvantages of Client-Server Network new element or a new node in a Traffic Congestion is a big problem in Client/Server networks. When a large number of clients send requests to the same server may cause the problem of Traffic congestion. Lack of Network Robustness: networks do not have high robustness. If the central server goes down or fails, client requests cannot be processed, and the entire network service may become unavailable. Requirement of High-End Server Hardware: Regular computer hardware may not be sufficient to handle a large number of client requests, In such cases, specialized and powerful server hardware is required, which increases the overall cost. Resource Dependency on Server: resources and applications exist only on the server. For example, in web-based applications, users cannot directly access local resources such as printers without opening a print-view interface, which reduces flexibility. Peer-to-Peer Network Model: FoS, Department of Computer Science, Atmiya Univer ty, Rajkot Page 5 of 42