Unit 2: NETWORKS

A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via

communications devices and transmission media. Many businesses network their
computers together to facilitate communications, share hardware, share data and
information, share software, and transfer funds.
A network can be internal to an organization or span the world by connecting to the
Internet. Instead of using the Internet or an internal network, some companies hire a
value-added network provider for network functions. A value-added network (VAN) is a
third-party business that provides networking services for a fee.
Networks facilitate communications among users and allow users to share resources
with other users. Some examples of resources are data, information, hardware, and
software.

LANs, MANs, and WANs

Networks usually are classified as a local area network, metropolitan area network, or
wide area network. The main differentiation among these classifications is their area of
coverage, as described in the following paragraphs.
LAN A local area network (LAN) is a network that connects computers and devices in a
limited geographical area such as a home, school computer laboratory, office building,
or closely positioned group of buildings. Each computer or device on the network, called
a node, often shares resources such as printers, large hard disks, and programs. Often,
the nodes are connected via cables. A wireless LAN (WLAN) is a LAN that uses no
physical wires. Very often, a WLAN communicates with a wired LAN for access to its
resources.
MAN A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a high-speed network that connects local
area networks in a metropolitan area such as a city or town and handles the bulk of
communications activity across that region. A MAN typically includes one or more LANs,
but covers a smaller geographic area than a WAN.
A MAN usually is managed by a consortium of users or by a single network provider
that sells the service to the users. Local and state governments, for example, regulate
some MANs. Telephone companies, cable television operators, and other organizations
provide users with connections to the MAN.
WAN A wide area network (WAN) is a network that covers a large geographic area
(such as a city, country, or the world) using a communications channel that combines
many types of media such as telephone lines, cables, and radio waves (Figure 8-8). A
WAN can be one large network or can consist of two or more LANs connected together.
The Internet is the world’s largest WAN.

Network Architectures
The design of computers, devices, and media in a network, sometimes called the
network architecture, is categorized as either client/server or peer-to-peer.
CLIENT/SERVER On a client/server network, one or more computers act as a server;
the other computers on the network request services from the server (Figure 8-9). A
server controls access to the hardware, software, and other resources on the net- work
and provides a centralized storage area for programs, data, and information. The clients
are other computers and mobile devices on the network that rely on the server for its
resources. For example, a server might store a database of customers. Clients on the
network (company employees) access the customer database on the server.
Some servers, called dedicated servers, perform a specific task and can be placed with
other dedicated servers to perform multiple tasks. For example, a file server stores and
manages files. A print server manages printers and documents being printed. A
database server stores and provides access to a database. A network server manages
network traffic (activity).
A client/server network typically provides an efficient means to connect 10 or more
computers. Most client/server networks require a person to serve as a network
administrator because of the large size of the network.

PEER-TO-PEER One type of peer-to-peer network is a simple, inexpensive network

that typically connects fewer than 10 computers. Each computer, called a peer, has
equal responsibilities and capabilities, sharing hardware (such as a printer), data, or
information with other computers on the peer-to-peer network. Each computer stores
files on its own storage devices. Thus, each computer on the network contains both the
network operating system and application software. All computers on the network share
any peripheral device(s) attached to any computer. For example, one computer may
have a laser printer and a scanner, while another has an ink-jet printer and an external
hard disk. Peer-to-peer net- works are ideal for very small businesses and home users.

INTERNET PEER-TO-PEER Another type of peer-to-peer, called P2P, describes an

Internet network, on which users access each other’s hard disks and exchange files
directly (Figure 8-11). This type of peer-to-peer network sometimes is called a file
sharing network because users with compatible soft- ware and an Internet connection
copy files from someone else’s hard disk to their hard disks. As more users connect to
the network, each user has access to shared files on other users’ hard disks. When
users log off, others no longer have access to their hard disks.
Examples of networking software that support P2P are BitTorrent, Gnutella, Kazaa, and
LimeWire which allow users to swap music and other files via the Web.
Network Topologies

A network topology refers to the layout of the computers and devices in a

communications network. Three commonly used network topologies are bus, ring, and
star. Networks usually use combinations of these topologies.
BUS NETWORK A bus network consists of a single central cable, to which all
computers and other devices connect. The bus is the physical cable that connects the
computers and other devices. The bus in a bus network transmits data, instructions, and
information in both directions. When a sending device transmits data, the address of the
receiving device is included with the transmission so that the data is routed to the
appropriate receiving device.
Bus networks are popular on LANs because they are inexpensive and easy to install.
One advantage of the bus network is that computers and other devices can be attached
and detached at any point on the bus without disturbing the rest of the network. Another
advantage is that failure of one device usually does not affect the rest of the bus
network. The greatest risk to a bus network is that the bus itself might become
inoperable. If that hap- pens, the network remains inoperative until the bus is back in
working order.
RING NETWORK On a ring network, a cable forms a closed loop (ring) with all
computers and devices arranged along the ring. Data transmitted on a ring net- work
travels from device to device around the entire ring, in one direction. When a computer
or device sends data, the data travels to each computer on the ring until it reaches its
destination.
If a computer or device on a ring network fails, all devices before the failed device are
unaffected, but those after the failed device cannot function. A ring network can span a
larger distance than a bus network, but it is more difficult to install. The ring topology
primarily is used for LANs, but also is used in WANs.
STAR NETWORK On a star network, all of the computers and devices (nodes) on the
network connect to a central device, thus forming a star. Two types of devices that
provide a common central connection point for nodes on the network are a hub and a
switch. All data that transfers from one node to other passes through the hub/switch.
Star networks are fairly easy to install and maintain. Nodes can be added to and
removed from the network with little or no disruption to the network.
On a star network, if one node fails, only that node is affected. The other nodes
continue to operate normally. If the hub/switch fails, however, the entire network is
inoperable until the device is repaired.

Intranets
Recognizing the efficiency and power of the Internet, many organizations apply Internet
and Web technologies to their own internal networks. An intranet (intra means within) is
an internal network that uses Internet technologies. Intranets generally make company
information accessible to employees and facilitate working in groups.
Simple intranet applications include electronic publishing of organizational materials
such as telephone directories, event calendars, procedure manuals, employee benefits
information, and job postings. Additionally, an intranet typically includes a connection to
the Internet. More sophisticated uses of intranets include groupware applications such
as project management, chat rooms, newsgroups, group scheduling, and video
conferencing.
An intranet essentially is a small version of the Internet that exists within an
organization. Users update information on the intranet by creating and posting a Web
page, using a method similar to that used on the Internet.
Sometimes a company uses an extranet, which allows customers or suppliers to access
part of its intranet. Package shipping companies, for example, allow customers to
access their intranet to print air bills, schedule pickups, and even track shipped
packages as the packages travel to their destinations.