INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORK

A computer network is a group of interconnected nodes or computing devices that exchange

data and resources with each other. A group of two or more similar things or people
interconnected with each other is called network. A network connection between these devices
can be established using cable or wireless media. The network size may vary from small to
large depending on the number of computers it connects. A computer network can include
different types of hosts (also called nodes) like server, desktop, laptop, cellular phones. For
communication, data in a network is divided into smaller chunks called packets. These packets
are then carried over a network. Devices in a network can be connected either through wired
media like cables or wireless media like air. In a communication network, each device that is a
part of a network and that can receive, create, store or send data to different network routes is
called a node.
Types of Network
The network can be divided into geographical areas and fall into one of two major categories
• PAN ( Personal Area Network)
• LAN (Local Area Network)
• MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
• WAN (Wide Area Network)
1. PAN ( Personal Area Network) :- It is a network formed by connecting a few personal
devices like computers, laptops, mobile phones, smart phones, printers etc. A personal
area network may be wired or wireless. For example, a mobile phone connected to the
laptop through USB forms a wired PAN.

2. LAN (Local Area Network) :- A LAN is generally confined to a specific location, such
as floor, building or some other small area. The technology is less expensive to
implement than WAN because you are keeping all of your expenses to a small area, and
generally you can obtain higher speed. They, are widely used to connect personal
computers and workstations in company offices and factories to share recourses. LANs
often use a transmission all the machines are attached with each other. Traditional LANs
runs at speed of 10 to 100 mbps have low delay and make very few errors.
 3. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) :- Metropolitan Area Network is basically a bigger
version of LAN and normally uses same technology. It might cover a group of nearby
corporate offices or a city and might be either private or public. On other hand, MAN
is network running through out a metropolitan. MAN connects several LAN spread
over a city. Example :- Cable television network.

4. WAN (Wide Area Network) :- WAN is a network that connects computers over a very
long distances like cities, countries, continents or world wide. WAN uses public leased
or private communication links to spread over long distances. WAN uses telephone
lines, satellite links or radio links to connect. Internet is a common example of WAN
network.

NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
It is the physical way in which computers are interconnected. Five basic network structures are
:-
1. Star topology
2. Bus topology
 3. Ring topology
4. Mesh topology
5. Tree topology
6. Hybrid topology
Star Topology :- Devices are connected to central computer called Hub. A star network is
particularly appropriate for organizations that require a centralized data base or a centralized
processing facility. For example, a star network may be used in banking for centralized record
keeping in an on-line branch office environment.
ADVANTAGES
 It is easy to add new and remove nodes.
 A node failure does not bring let down the entire network.
 It is easier to diagnose through a central hub.
DISADVANTAGES
 Costly than another topologies.
 Central hub fails whole network fails.
Bus Topology :- In bus topology single network cable runs in the building or campus and all
nodes are linked along with this communication line with two endpoints called the bus or
backbone. This structure is very popular for local area network. Data sent from a node are
passed on to the bus and hence are transmitted to the length of the bus in both directions. That
means, data can be received by any of the nodes connected to the bus.
ADVANTAGES
 Reliable in very small networks as well as easy to use and understand.
 Requires the least amount of cable to connect the computers together and therefore is
less expensive than other cabling arrangements.
DISADVANTAGES
 Heavy network traffic can slow a bus considerably.
 Each connection between cables weakens the electrical signal.
Ring Topology :- In ring topology the network cable passes from one node to another until all
nodes are connected in the form of a “loop or ring”. The nodes connected with each other thus
forms a ring. The link in a ring topology is unidirectional. Thus, data can be transmitted in one
direction only (clockwise or counterclockwise). It transmits in only one direction. Used in
LAN’s and WANS’s.
ADVANTAGES
 Ring networks can span longer distances than other types of network.
 Ring networks are easily extendable.
DISADVANTAGES
  Relatively expensive and difficult to install.
 Failure of one computer leads to failure of entire network.

Mesh Topology :- A mesh topology is a type of computer network in which each node
(computer or other device) is connected to every other node in the network. This type of
network is often used in large organisations or companies because it can handle a large amount
of data traffic and can be easily expanded.
ADVANTAGES
 Failure during a single device won’t break the network.
 There is no traffic problem as there is a dedicated point to point links for every
computer.
 Fault identification is straightforward.
DISADVANTAGES
 It’s costly as compared to the opposite network topologies i.e. star, bus, point to point
topology.
 Installation is extremely difficult in the mesh.
 Power requirement is higher as all the nodes will need to remain active all the time and
share the load.
 Complex process.
Tree Topology :- A tree topology connects one star network to the other star network. Its is an
extension of star topology. Here, we divide the whole network into segment which can be easily
managed and maintained.
ADVANTAGES
 Each segment is provided with dedicated point-to-point writing to central hub.
 Error detection and correction is easy.
 Is one segment is damaged, other segment are not affected.
 Expansion of network is possible and easy.
DISADVANTAGES
 As multiple segments are connected to a central hub, the network depend heavily on
the hub. Its failure affects the entire network.
 Maintenance is not easy and cost are high.
 With increase in size beyond a point, the management becomes difficult.
Hybrid Topology :- A hybrid topology is a type of network topology that combines two or
more network topologies, including ring, bus, and mesh topologies. Its use and selection are
influenced by its deployments and specifications, including the required network's
performance, the number of computers, and their location.
ADVANTAGES
  This type of topology combines the benefits of different types of topologies in one
topology.
 Can be modified as per requirement.
 It is extremely flexible.
 Error detecting and troubleshooting are easy.
DISADVANTAGES
 It is a type of network expensive.
 The design of a hybrid network is very complex.
 Installation is a difficult process.
MCQ

1. Which network covers a larger area than a LAN but smaller than a WAN
A) PAN B) LAN C) MAN D) WAN (C)

2. Which type of network covers a small area, like a room or a building?

A) PAN B) LAN C) MAN D) WAN (A)

3. In which network topology do all devices connect to a central hub?

A) Bus B) Ring C) Star D) Mesh (C)

4. Which network topology resembles a web-like structure, where every device is connected to
every other device?

A) Bus B) Ring C) Star D) Mesh (d)

5. In a star topology, what happens if one device fails?

A) The entire network fails B) Only the failed device is affected C) Other devices continue to
function normally D) All devices slow down (c)

6. Which network topology forms a closed loop, where devices are connected in a circular
manner? A) Bus B) Ring C) Star D) Mesh (B)

7. Which network topology is known for its simplicity but can suffer if the main cable fails? A)
Bus B) Ring C) Star D) Mesh (A)

8. What does "ISP" stand for in the context of networking? A) Internet Service Provider B)
Internal System Protocol C) Intranet Security Policy D) Internet Security Protocol (A)

9. Which network address type is used to identify a device on a local network ? A) IP address B)
MAC address C) domain name D) URL (A)