MicroLink Information Technology College

Data communication and computer network

Hand-out 1

1. Introduction
1.1 What is a computer network?
A computer network is a system in which a number of independent computers are
linked together to share data and peripherals, such as files and printers. In the modern
world, computer networks have become almost indispensable. All major businesses,
and governmental and educational institutions make use of computer networks to such
an extent that it is now difficult to imagine a world without them.

1.2 Benefits of networking

Other benefits of networking :

file sharing - Network file sharing between computers gives you more
flexibility than using floppy drives or Zip drives. Not only can you share
photos, music files, and documents, you can also use a home network to save
copies of all of your important data on a different computer. Backups are one of
the most critical yet overlooked tasks in home networking.

Printer / peripheral sharing - Once a home network is in place, it's easy to

then set up all of the computers to share a single printer. No longer will you need
to bounce from one system or another just to print out an email message. Other
computer peripherals can be shared similarly such as network scanners, Web
cams, and CD burners.

Figure 1 A printer in a stand-alone environment (left) and in a networked

environment (right)

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Internet connection sharing - Using a home network, multiple family

members can access the Internet simultaneously without having to pay an ISP for
multiple accounts. You will notice the Internet connection slows down when
several people share it, but broadband Internet can handle the extra load with
little trouble. Sharing dial-up Internet connections works, too. Painfully slow
sometimes, you will still appreciate having shared dial-up on those occasions you
really need it.

Multi-player games - Many popular home computer games support LAN

mode where friends and family can play together, if they have their computers
networked.

Internet telephone service - So-called Voice over IP (VoIP) services allow

you to make and receive phone calls through your home network across the
Internet, saving you money.

Home entertainment - Newer home entertainment products such as digital

video recorders (DVRs) and video game consoles now support either wired or
wireless home networking. Having these products integrated into your network
enables online Internet gaming, video sharing and other advanced features.

Network configuration
All networks have certain components, functions and features in common, shown in
Figure 2. These include:
Servers - computers that provide shared resources for network users
Clients - computers that access shared resources provided by servers
Media - the wires that make the physical connections
Shared data - files provided to clients by servers across the network
Shared peripherals - additional hardware resources provided by servers

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Figure 2 A typical network configuration

2. Network Models

Peer-to-peer networks
Server-based networks

Peer to peer (p2p):

P2p networking type is most commonly used computer networks. This type of
network is very cost effective but supports lesser number of computers in network.
Ten to fifteen computers can be connected to each other using p2p networking model
without problem, more number of computers often create problems. All computers
possesses same status within the network and no computer control any other computer
but it self, this network does not have server to control and monitor. Security level is
not towards higher side and each work station it self is responsible for security. Using
p2p models files can be shared among computers. Files like, videos, audios, pictures,
spreadsheets and all digital media can be sent or received with in the network.
Printers, scanners and internet can be shared with in all computers. Below is the
picture showing three computers connected to each other with hub and switch. All
computers are connected to hub through Network adaptor card using Cable and hub or
switch is connected to internet to pass it on to connected computers.. You can see
there is no server involved in this diagram but all individual computers are connecting
to hub forming P2P network.

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Limitation of P2P networking model:

Before deciding to implement P2P model one must know the limitations of this type.
Getting to know later can be frustrating big time. It would highly be recommended to
get your organizational people site together and discuss the needs. Peer to Peer looks
very simple, quite cost effective and attractive, yet it can keep progress very limited.

Peer-To-Peer networks are designed for limited number computers, it will start
creating issues when exceed 15 number of computers

High security levels can not be achieved using p2p networks, so if

organization have concerns with security p2p will not be that great.

Organizational growth will outgrow p2p networks; it will not support growing
number of computers when increased above fifteen.

Regular training is required for computer users of p2p network. p2p network is
control by computers and computers are controlled by human, small mistake
by one of the user can hold the work for other users on same p2p network.

Client Server Network Model:

Choosing right kind of networking model is very important for organization. If you
are using lesser number of computer and do not see any need to increase the numbers
of computers to more than 15 then you are fine with peer to peer networking model,
but if you are bigger organization or seeing growth in network, client and server
model is designed for it.
The difference in p2p and client server model is that p2p does not have any device or
computer that controls computers on network whereas; client / server model has one
dedicated computer which is called server. It is called dedicated server. All computers
are connected to hub and hub is connected to dedicated server. Server is responsible
to perform according to the request sent to it by clients. For example server can act as
print server, if client request a print of document server will send print command to
printer and it will be printed. Same way all the files are stored on the server and not
on client computer, same client can retrieve data by using any other computer on the
same network. This concept is known as centralization, this enables server to keep
profile of users, data, and software etc completely in tacked and organized.
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Normal computer can also be configured as server and it should be alright and
perform server tasks efficiently, but if network growth is on seen and many computers
are required to attach to network thats where we might need proper server to take
over the network.
You can see in diagram below. All the workstations (Clients) are attached on server,
some times there is hub involved but in this case it is just clients and server.

Features of Server:
Servers are powerful machines when they are compared to normal desktop computers.
They are meant to provide strength to computing power within the entire network.
Controlling developed network can only be done by dedicated servers as they have
higher specifications to support network. Servers can have better processing speed
with multiple rocessors capability available. Server machine have higher RAM to load
and execute software with ease. They have more advance network cards installed for
faster data transfer. Hard drives are way bigger to store the data for entire clients.
Hardware can be plugged in and plugged out while server is on, this helps network
stable, and hardware like hard disk can be removed and attached accordingly.

3. Network Types
Depending on geographical span of coverage there are three types of network
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
A local area network (LAN) is the basic building block of any computer network. A
LAN can range from simple (two computers connected by a cable) to complex
(hundreds of connected computers and peripherals throughout a major corporation).
The distinguishing feature of a LAN is that it is confined to a limited geographic area.
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A Local Area Network (LAN)

A wide area network (WAN), on the other hand, has no geographical limit. It can
connect computers and other devices on opposite sides of the world. A WAN is made
up of a number of interconnected LANs. Perhaps the ultimate WAN is the Internet.

A Wide Area Network (WAN)

LANs typically have much higher transmission rates than WANS. Most LANs are
able to transmit data at around 100Mbps (million bits per second), whereas WANs
generally transmit at less than 10Mbps. Another difference is the error rates in
transmission: the likely number of errors in data transmission is higher for a WAN
than for a LAN.
This distinction between LANs and WANs is made because of the locality principle.
The locality principle in computer networking states that computers are much more
likely to want to communicate with other computers that are geographically close,
than with those that are distant. For example, if you want to request a printout from
your PC, it makes much more sense to use the printer in the next room rather than one
that is hundreds of kilometres away. Because of the locality principle network
designers tend to use higher performance hardware within a LAN compared to the
connections between different LANs that form a WAN.

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You may sometimes hear about other classifications of networks, apart from LANs
and WANs. Although these terms are less commonly used that LAN and WAN, it is
still useful to know them. A CAN is a Campus Area Network: this is a collection of
LANs linked together with high performance hardware within a university or college
campus. Similarly a MAN, or Metropolitan Area Network, is a collection of LANs
linked together within a town or city.

4. Network Topologies
The term topology, or more specifically, network topology, refers to the arrangement
or physical layout of computers, cables, and other components on the network.
"Topology" is the standard term that most network professionals use when they refer
to the network's basic design. In addition to the term "topology," you will find several
other terms that are used to define a network's design:
Physical layout
Design
Diagram
Map
A network's topology affects its capabilities. The choice of one topology over another
will have an impact on the:
Type of equipment that the network needs
Capabilities of the network
Growth of the network
Way the network is managed
Developing a sense of how to use the different topologies is a key to understanding
the capabilities of the different types of networks.
Before computers can share resources or perform other communication tasks they
must be connected. Most networks use cable to connect one computer to another.
However, it is not as simple as just plugging a computer into a cable connecting to
other computers. Different types of cablecombined with different network cards,
network operating systems, and other componentsrequire different types of
arrangements. To work well, a network topology takes planning. For example, a
particular topology can determine not only the type of cable used but also how the
cabling runs through floors, ceilings, and walls. Topology can also determine how
computers communicate on the network. Different topologies require different
communication methods, and these methods have a great influence on the network.
There are four basic types of computer topology: bus, star, ring and mesh.

4.1 Bus Topology

The bus topology is often referred to as a "linear bus" because the computers
are connected in a straight line. This is the simplest and most common method of
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networking computers. Figure 5 shows a typical bus topology. It consists of a single
cable called a trunk (also called a backbone or segment) that connects all of the
computers in the network in a single line.

Figure 5 The bus topology

Computers on a bus topology network communicate by addressing data to a particular

computer and sending out that data on the cable as electronic signals. To understand
how computers communicate on a bus, you need to be familiar with three concepts:
Sending the signal
Signal bounce
Terminator
4.1.1 Sending the signal
When sending a signal from one computer on the network to another, network data in
the form of electronic signals is in fact sent to all the computers on the network.
However, only the computer whose address matches the address encoded in the
original signal accepts the information. All other computers reject the data. Because
only one computer at a time can send data on a bus network, the number of computers
attached to the bus will affect network performance. The more computers there are on
a bus, the more computers will be waiting to put data on the bus and, consequently,
the slower the network will be. Computers on a bus either transmit data to other
computers on the network or listen for data from other computers on the network.
They are not responsible for moving data from one computer to the next.
Consequently, if one computer fails, it does not affect the rest of the network.

4.1.2 Signal bounce

Because the data, or electronic signal, is sent to the entire network, it travels from one
end of the cable to the other. If the signal is allowed to continue uninterrupted, it will
keep bouncing back and forth along the cable and prevent other computers from
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sending signals. Therefore, the signal must be stopped after it has had a chance to
reach the proper destination address.

4.1.3 Terminator
To stop the signal from bouncing, a component called a terminator is placed at each
end of the cable to absorb free signals. Absorbing the signal clears the cable so that
other computers can send data.
In a bus topology, if a break in the cable occurs the two ends of the cable at the break
will not have terminators, so the signal will bounce, and all network activity will stop.
This is one of several possible reasons why a network will go "down." The computers
on the network will still be able to function as stand-alone computers; however, as
long as the segment is broken, they will not be able to communicate with each other
or otherwise access shared resources.

Advantages

Disadvantages

Compared to other

There might be network disruption when computers

topologies, a bus is cheap and are added or removed.
easy to implement.
Requires less cable than other Because all systems on the network connect to a
topologies.
single backbone, a break in the cable will prevent all
systems from accessing the network.
Does not use any specialized
network equipment.

4.2 Star topology

In the star topology, all computers and other network devices connect to a central
device called a hub or switch. Each connected device requires a single cable to be
connected to the hub, creating a point-to-point connection between the device and the
hub.

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Using a separate cable to connect to the hub allows the network to be expanded
without disruption to the network. A break in any single cable will not cause the entire
network to fail. Figure 1.5 provides an example of a star topology.

The star topology is the most widely implemented network design in use today, but it
is not without its shortcomings. Because all devices connect to a centralized hub, this
creates a single point of failure for the network. If the hub fails, any device connected
to it will not be able to access the network. Because of the number of cables required
and the need for network devices, the cost of a star network is often higher than other
topologies. Table 1.4 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the star
topology.
Table 1.4. Advantages and Disadvantages of the Star Topology
Advantages

Disadvantages

Star networks are easily expanded without Requires more cable than most of the
disruption to the network.
other topologies.
Cable failure affects only a single user.

A central connecting device allows for a

single point of failure.

Easy to troubleshoot and isolate problems. More difficult than other topologies to
implement.

4.3 Ring topology

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The ring topology is actually a logical ring, meaning that the data travels in circular
fashion from one computer to another on the network. It is not a physical ring
topology. Figure 4 shows the logical layout of a ring network.
Logical design of the ring network.

In a true ring topology, if a single computer or section of cable fails, there is an

interruption in the signal. The entire network becomes inaccessible. Network
disruption can also occur when computers are added or removed from the network,
making it an impractical network design in environments where there is constant
change to the network.
Ring networks are most commonly wired in a star configuration. In a Token Ring
network, a multistation access unit (MSAU) is equivalent to a hub or switch on an
Ethernet network. The MSAU performs the token circulation internally. To create the
complete ring, the ring in (RI) port on each MSAU is connected to the ring out (RO)
port on another MSAU. The last MSAU in the ring is then connected to the first, to
complete the ring. Table 3 summarizes the advantages and disadvantages of the ring
topology.

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Advantages

Disadvantages

Cable faults are easily located, making

troubleshooting easier.

Expansion to the network can cause

network disruption.

Ring networks are moderately easy to

install.

A single break in the cable can disrupt

the entire network.

4.4 Mesh topology

A mesh topology network offers superior redundancy and reliability. In a mesh
topology, each computer is connected to every other computer by separate cabling.
(See Figure 8.) This configuration provides redundant paths throughout the network
so that if one cable fails, another will take over the traffic. While ease of
troubleshooting and increased reliability are definite benefits, these networks are
expensive to install because they use a lot of cabling. Often, a mesh topology will be
used in conjunction with other topologies to form a hybrid topology.

The mesh topology

4.5 Hybrid topologies

Many working topologies are hybrid combinations of the bus, star, ring, and mesh
topologies. Two of the more common are described below.

4.5.1 Star bus topology

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The star bus is a combination of the bus and star topologies. In a star-bus topology,
several star topology networks are linked together with linear bus trunks. Figure 9
shows a typical star-bus topology.
If one computer goes down, it will not affect the rest of the network. The other
computers can continue to communicate. If a hub goes down, all computers on that
hub are unable to communicate. If a hub is linked to other hubs, those connections
will be broken as well.

The star bus hybrid topology

4.5.2 Star ring topology

The star ring (sometimes called a star-wired ring) appears similar to the star bus. Both
the star ring and the star bus are centred in a hub that contains the actual ring or bus.
Figure 10 shows a star-ring network. Linear-bus trunks connect the hubs in a star bus,
while the hubs in a star ring are connected in a star pattern by the main hub.

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Figure 10 The star ring hybrid topology

4.5 Physical vs. logical topologies

Until now we have assumed that the word topology is used to refer only to the
physical layout of the network. In fact, we can talk about two kinds of topology:
physical and logical. A network's physical topology is the wire itself. A network's
logical topology is the way it carries signals on the wire. This is an important
distinction that will become clearer in the following discussion of the token ring
topology.
4.5.2 Example: Token ring LANs
One method of transmitting data around a ring is called token passing. (A token is a
special series of bits that travels around a token-ring network. Each network has only
one token.) The token is passed from computer to computer until it gets to a computer
that has data to send. Figure 11 shows a token ring topology with the token. The
sending computer modifies the token, puts an electronic address on the data, and
sends it around the ring.
The data passes by each computer until it finds the one with an address that matches
the address on the data.
The receiving computer returns a message to the sending computer indicating that the
data has been received. After verification, the sending computer creates a new token
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and releases it on the network. The token circulates within the ring until a workstation
needs it to send data.
Therefore the token ring network uses a logical ring topology the token travels
around in a circle from computer to computer. However, the physical topology of a
token ring network is a star the wires connecting the computers to each other are
connected via a central hub. This is sometimes referred to as a star-shaped ring
network.

Figure 11 The token ring topology

The token ring avoids a common problem with bus topologies. If there are many
computers on the network a bus will often be busy, seriously affecting network
performance. However, with a token ring the network is never busy each computer
must simply wait for the token to arrive and add its message.

Summary of Key Points

The following points summarize the key concepts in this handout:
What Is a Network?
The primary reasons for networking are to share information, to share
hardware and software (reducing cost), and to centralise administration and
support

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Potential disadvantages of computer networks are lack of security when

dealing with sensitive information, and the danger of computer viruses
infecting the system
A local area network (LAN) is the smallest form of network and is the
building block for larger networks
A wide area network (WAN) is a collection of LANs and has no geographical
limitation
The locality principle in computer networking states that a computer is more
likely to communicate with a computer that is nearby, than with one that is
distant
A campus area network (CAN) is a collection of LANs linked together on a
university or college campus
A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a collection of LANs linked together
within a town or city

Network Configuration
Networks are classified into two principal groups based on how they share
information: peer-to-peer networks and server-based networks
In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are equal. They can either share their
resources or use resources on other computers
In a server-based network, one or more computers act as servers and provide
the resources to the network. The other computers are the clients and use the
resources provided by the server
Features of the two major network types are summarized as follows:
Comparison of Network Types
Consideration Peer-to-Peer Network
Size
Good for 10 or fewer
computers
Security
Security established by the
user of each computer
Administration Individual users responsible
for their own administration;
no full-time administrator
necessary

Server-Based Network
Limited only by server and
network hardware
Extensive and consistent
resource and user security
Centrally located for network
control; requires at least one
knowledgeable administrator

Network Topologies

The physical layout of computers on a network is called a topology

There are four primary topologies: star, bus, ring, and mesh
Topologies can be physical (actual wiring) or logical (the way they work)
In a bus topology, the computers are connected in a linear fashion on a single
cable
Bus topologies require a terminator on each end of the cable
In a star topology, all computers are connected to a centralized hub
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Mesh topologies connect all computers in a network to one another with

separate cables
Hybrid topologies combine one or more of the primary topology types.
Common examples of hybrid topologies are the star bus and star ring
topologies
In a token-ring topology, the computers are connected physically in a star
shape, but logically in a ring or circle. The data is passed from one computer
to another around the circle

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