As per Term

wise
Syllabus
2021-22

Chapter 4
Computer
Networks

Informatics Practices
Class XII ( As per CBSE Board)
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 Computer Network
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
Disadvantages of computer network
Lack of robustness, security issue, cost of network
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 Evolution of
networking
ARPANET (Advanced Research Projects Agency NETwork): In 1969, The US govt.
formed an agency named ARPANET to connect computers at various universities
and defense agencies. The main objective of ARPANET was to develop a network
that could continue to function efficiently even in the event of a nuclear attack.

Internet (INTERconnection NETwork): The Internet is a worldwide network of

computer networks. It is not owned by anybody. The internet has evolved from
ARPANET. The internet is a globally connected network system that utilizes
TCP/IP to transmit information. following services are instantly available through
internet : Email, Web-enabled audio/video conferencing services, Online movies
and gaming , Data transfer/file-sharing, Instant messaging , Internet forums ,
Social networking , Online shopping ,Financial services

Interspace: is a client/server software program that allows multiple users to

communicate online with real –time audio, video and text chat in dynamic 3D
environments.
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 ● Data Communication
Terminologies (Not part of syllabus)
Communication Channel (Transmission media): A communication channel is either a physical
transmission medium such as a wire, or to a logical connection over a multiplexed medium
such as a radio channel in telecommunications and computer networking.
Bandwidth: The amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another.it is a
measure of the range of frequencies a transmitted signal occupies. In digital systems,
bandwidth is the data speed in bits per second. In analog systems, bandwidth is measured in
terms of the difference between the highest-frequency signal component and the lowest-
frequency signal component.Bandwidth is expressed in Hz, KHz, and MHz. The hertz (symbol:
Hz) is the derived unit of frequency in the International System of Units (SI) and is defined as
one cycle per second.It is named after Heinrich Rudolf Hertz. Hertz are commonly expressed
in multiples: kilohertz (103 Hz, kHz), megahertz (106 Hz, MHz), gigahertz (109 Hz, GHz)
Data transfer rate: DTR is the amount of data in digital form that is moved from one place to
another in a given time on a network. Data rates are often measured in megabits (million bits)
or megabytes (millionbytes) per second.
bps bits per second Bps bytes per second
Kbps kilobits per second KBps kilo bytes per second
Mbps megabits per second MBps megabytes per second
Gbps giga bits per second GBps giga bytes per second
Tbps tera bits per second TBps tera bytes per second

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 Transmission media
(Not part of syllabus)
Wired Networks - It is also known as Ethernet networks, that is most common type of LAN technology. A
wired network is simply a collection of two or more computers, printers, and other devices linked by
Ethernet cables/ any form of wired media. Ethernet is the fastest wired network protocol, with connection
speeds of 10 megabits per second (Mbps) to 100 Mbps or higher. Computer must have an Ethernet adapter
(sometimes called a network interface card, or NIC) to connect with wire. Most of the network topology
uses wired networks.
Cable Twisted pair Coaxial cable Fiber optic
Signal form electricity electricity Light
cost least moderate High
speed low moderate High
Ease of use Easy to install Professional installation Professional installation

reliability low moderate High

Real life application Telephone Tv cable Data transmission &
network telephone line
Data transmission rate 10Mbps – bps 100Mbps >100Gbps
Data transfer range 100m 185m - 500m -
image

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 Transmission media
(Not part of syllabus)
Wireless Networks – It uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires to
communicate. Wireless allows for devices to be shared without networking cable
which increases mobility but decreases range.
Infrared Wave Transmission - Short Range Communication: Infrared waves can
travel from a few centimetres to several meters.(Approx. 5m ). Line of Sight
Propagation:Infrared uses point to point communication, both transmitter and
receiver should be placed in line of sight of each other and there should not be
any obstacle in between. Cannot Penetrate Solid object. It is Inexpensive mode of
Communication. Secure : At a time only two devices can communicate therefore
information passed to one device is not leaked to another device.
Radio Wave Transmission:- Long Range Communication : Radio waves can cover
distances ranging from a few meters (in walkie-talkies) up to covering an entire
city. Omnidirectional: Radio waves are propagated in all directions. Therefore
sending and receiving antennas do not have to be aligned. Penetrates Solid
Objects. Inexpensive mode of communication. Radio wave communication is
insecure communication.
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 Transmission media
(Not
Microwave radio, a form of radio transmission that partfrequencies.
use. Ultra-high of syllabus)
It is a point-
to-point, rather than a broadcast, transmission system. Additionally, each antenna must be
within line of sight of the next antenna. Frequency Bands Maximum Antenna Separation
Analog/Digital 4-6 GHz 32-48 km Analog 10-12 GHz 16-24 km Digital 18-23 GHz 8-11 km
Digital.
Satellite Communication It provide worldwide coverage independent to population
density.Satellite ommunication Systems offer telecommunication (Satellite Phones),
positioning and navigation (GPS), broadcasting, internet, Mobile, TV, etc.

It support Very Long Range Communication with Line of Sight Propagation . It Cannot
Penetrate Solid Objects.It is Very Expensive communication mode.

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 Computer Network
(Not part of syllabus)
Microwave link vs Optical fiber
Microwave which is also known as Radio links have been used by many companies
for decades. Most of the Mobile (Cellular) networks use microwave to connect their
cell towers to their backhaul networks.For mobile operators, a reason using
microwave is not the speed which microwave provides. It is used to connect their
remote sites (Rural areas) , because microwave is a faster and cheaper deployment
option compare to fiber.
When more capacity (bandwidth) is required, fiber becomes more economical.
Actual cost of fiber deployments is laboring cost. Digging a trench and laying the
fiber , getting the required permissions from the land owners and from the
municipalities.we have to dig a trench that’s hundreds (or thousands) of kilometers
long, or lease access to ducts that have already been laid by infrastructure
companies.Geography of the land is very important for the fiber deployments. For
example, when faced with a mountain or river, do we go straight across at great
expense, or do you make a diversion to the nearest bridge or tunnel? Combine all of
these factors and you’ll understand why most of the world’s terrestrial fibre
networks are deployed alongside existing roads and railways.
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 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 computer, like

Internal modem, NIC card or RJ45 connector, whereas
some are part of the network, like router, switch, etc.

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 Network devices
NIC – 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.

RJ-45 (Registered Jack – 45) is an eight wired connector that is used to connect
computers on a local area network (LAN), especially Ethernet.

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 Network devices
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.

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 Network devices

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.

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 Network devices
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.
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 Network devices
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.

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 Network devices
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.

Gateway – A networking device capable to convert

protocols so that two different network architecture based
system can communicate with each other. It works as
protocol convertor.
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 Network devices
Hub Vs. Switch
A hub works on the physical layer (Layer 1) of OSI model while Switch works
on the data link layer (Layer 2). Switch is more efficient than the hub. A
switch can join multiple computers within one LAN, and a hub just connects
multiple Ethernet devices together as a single segment. Switch is smarter
than hub to determine the target of the forwarding data. Since switch has a
higher performance, its cost will also become more expensive.
Switch Vs. Router
In the OSI model, router is working on a higher level of network layer (Layer
3) than switch. Router is very different from the switch because it is for
routing packet to other networks. It is also more intelligent and sophisticated
to serve as an intermediate destination to connect multiple area networks
together. A switch is only used for wired network, yet a router can also link
with the wireless network. With much more functions, a router definitely
costs higher than a switch.
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 Network devices
Router vs Gateway
Gateway regulates traffic between two dissimilar networks, while router
regulator traffic between similar networks. A router is a hardware device
that forwards data packets between computer networks. Routers perform
the traffic directing functions on the Internet.
 Connection In One Network With Router - For example, there are 30
computers connected inside Network A. All these computers
communicate with each other. In this situation, no gateway is needed.
Because a router with a routing table that defines the hops within those
30 computers is enough.
 Connection Between Different Networks With Gateway - In another
hand, we suppose that there are two networks, that are Network A and
Network B. Computer X from Network A wants to send data to
Computer Y from Network B, then there need to have both a Gateway A
and a Gateway B so that the two networks will be able to communicate.
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 Network devices
Wi-Fi cards - are
(Not part of syllabus)
small and portable cards that allow your
computer to connect to the internet through a wireless network. Wi-
Fi transmission is through the radio waves, these signals are picked
up by Wi-Fi receivers such as computers and cell phones equipped
with Wi-Fi cards. The devices need to be within the range of a Wi-Fi
network to receive the signals and produces a wireless internet
connection. Once a connection is established between userand the
network, the user is prompted with a login screen and password for
establishing is a secure connection.Wi-Fi cards can be external or
internal. If a Wi-Fi card is not installed inside your computer, you
may purchase an external USB antenna attachment and connect it to
your device. Many computers and mobile devices are now adays
equipped with wireless networking capability and do not require a
Wi-Fi card.
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 Computer Network

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
• Hybrid Topology
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 Computer Network

Bus Topology
Nodes are connectednodethrough a common
node communication
node
media
like diagram given below.
Communication media

node node node

Advantages of a Bus topology

• Easy to install
• Minimal Cable
Disadvantages of a Bus topology
• Difficult reconnection
• Difficult to find the problem
• Difficult to add new devices
• Break stops all transmission of data

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 Computer Network

Star Topology
The star topology uses a separate cable for each
node/workstation.The cable connects the node to a central
device typically a HUB.
Advantages of a Star topology node
node

• Less expensive than mesh

• Easy to install, easy to configure
Hub/
• If one link fails the network can still switch
node
function node

Disadvantages of a Star topology

• Everything depends on the hub node

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 Computer Network

Ring Topology
In ring topology every computer is connected to the next
computer in the ring and each transmit the signal ,what it
receives from the previous computer. The messages flow around
the ring in one direction.
node
Advantages of a Ring topology node

• Easy to install
• Easy to reconfigure
• Easy to detect a problem node
node
Disadvantages of a Ring topology
• Break means the whole system is dead
node

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 Computer Network

Mesh Topology
In mesh topology , separate cable is used to connect each device
to every other device on the network, providing a straight
communication path.
Advantages of a Mesh topology
node
• Avoid traffic since each link can carry its own data and node

none are being shared

• If one link breaks, the rest of the network is still
functional
• Easy to detect a problem in the network by discovering node
node
which device is having problems and examining the link
that connects to it.
Disadvantages of a Mesh topology node

• A lot of cables are needed

• Too many cables means too much cost
• Too many cables means complex network
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 Computer Network

Tree Topology
In which a central root node (the top level of the hierarchy) is
connected to one or more other nodes that are one level node lower

in the hierarchy
Advantages of a Mesh topology
• It is scalable. node
node
• Easier fault identification and isolation.
Disadvantages of a Mesh topology
node
• Maintenance of the network may be an issue node

when the network spans a great area.

• if the backbone fails, the entire network is
crippled.

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 Computer Network

Hybrid Topology
use a combination of any two or more topologies in such a way
that the resulting network does not exhibit one of the standard
topologies (e.g., bus, star, ring, etc.).
node

node
node

node node

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 Computer Network

Types of network
1. Personal Area Network (PAN) – communication between two-
three mobile devices or PC for personal purpose.
2. Local Area Network (LAN) – limited area (within building)
3. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) – within city
4. Wide Area Network (WAN) – within multiple city/state/
countries

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 Computer Network
(Not part of syllabus)
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 playeris a PAN between the two.

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 Computer Network
(Not part of syllabus)
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.

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 Computer Network
(Not part of syllabus)
Advantages of LAN Examples: A networked
• Resource Sharing office building, school or
• Software Applications Sharing home. Sometimes one
• Easy and Cheap Communication building can contain a few
• Centralized Data small LANs (Like some
• Data Security schools have independent
• Internet Sharing LANs in each computer
Disadvantages of LAN lab.).
• High Setup Cost
• Privacy Violations
• Data Security Threat
• LAN Maintenance Job
• Covers Limited Area
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 Computer Network
(Not part of syllabus)
3. Metropolitan Area Network(MAN):– Spread within a city .
Cover an area of a few kilometres to a few hundred kilometres
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.

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 Computer Network
(Not part of syllabus)
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.
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 Computer Network
(Not part of syllabus)
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 mazor issue when many different people have
the ability to use information

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 Computer Network

Network Layout –
The plan or design or arrangement of network wings and nodes
to be laid out is known as network layout.

A good network layout provides the following features

❖ Communication speed
❖ File sharing
❖ Back up and Roll back is easy
❖ Software and Hardware sharing
❖ Security
❖ Scalability
❖ Reliability

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 Computer Network

How to decide Network Layout –

The network layout can be best which provide

less installation and maintenance cost as well as
easy installation and maintenance. It is only
possible when it is properly designed, design
with shortest cable length and fulfill our
network requirements.

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 Computer Network
How to decide Network Layout – Example
Freya Tech Corporation (FTC) is a professional consultancy company. The
company is planning to set up their new offices in India with its hub at
Udaipur. As a network adviser, you have to understand their requirement and
suggest them the best network layout.

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 Computer Network
How to decide Network Layout – Example

-> Possible bus topologies

a) Human Resource -> Conference -> Finance = 110+80 =190m

b) Conference -> Finance -> Human Resource = 80+40 =120m

c) Finance -> Human Resource -> Conference = 40+110=150m

All can be arranged in round robin manner
Ring topology will be discarded as it will increase the cable length
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 Computer Network
How to decide Network Layout – Example

-> Possible Star topologies

❖ Here best layout is
a) Human Resource = 110+40 =150m b) finance to
conferece and
Conference Finance finance to Human
resourse as it
b) = 80+40 =120m require minimum
Finance
cable length
Conference Human Resource ❖ Tree topology will
be also same due to
Conference only three blocks
c) = 80+110=190 m are here
Finance Human Resource
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 Computer Network
How to decide Server location– Example

Server location can be decided by seeing the number of

computers/nodes required in each block of network.
Server must be installed at the wing/block with Maximum
number of Computers due to maximum load/requirement
of services in that block in whole network .So in above
example Server can be installed at Finance block.
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 Computer Network
How to decide Repeater location
❖ We need a repeater when the total length of a single span of
network cable(Twisted pair) exceeds 100 meters (328 feet).
❖ We need a repeater when the total length of a single span of
network cable(Coaxial cable) exceeds 500 meters.
❖ maximum distance of a fiber optic link can be 80-100 km but it
depends on varying factors like the bit rate and the quality of the
splices and the total attenuation of distance. It also depends on
the power of the transmitter and receiver quality.
Satellite link is required when network blocks/wings are too much
far from each other or where installation of cable is hard.
For data security firewall can be installed in network.
For economic internet connection – dialup internet connection
would be preferred but for faster internet broadband internet
connection would be preferred.
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 Computer Network

How to decide hub/switch location

The answer is always switch when we can afford it. A Hub
is always half-duplex, and simply acts as a repeater. The
resulting packet collisions, even with only 2 devices, will
make it slower than simply using a cable, whereas a switch
intelligently directs traffic based on the Ethernet
address(MAC address), and is full duplex, resulting in full
speed between any devices on the network at the same
time.
In general sense Hub or switch any device can be installed
when there are more than one computer in a wing/block.
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