PAN African e-Network Project

PGDIT
Networking Fundamental
Semester - II
Session - 1
Dr. A.V Singh

Module I
Living in a Network Centric
World

Overview

Computer Networks
Recognize the components that comprise the computer.
Benefits of Computer Networks
Classification of Networks
Networking Devices

Networks
A network is a set of devices (often
referred to as nodes) connected by
communication links. A node can be a
computer, printer, or any other device
capable of sending and/or receiving data
generated by other nodes on the network.

Computer Network
A computer network is basically a
connection of computers and resources
like printers, scanners, etc.

Network Criteria
Performance
It can be measured in many ways, including transmit time and
response time. Transmit time is the amount of time required for a
message to travel from one device to another. Response time is the
elapsed time between an inquiry and a response.

Performance of a network depends upon the factors, including the

number of users, the type of transmission medium, the capabilities
of the connected hardware, and the efficiency of the software.

Performance is often evaluated by two networking metrics:

Throughput and delay.

 Reliability
Network reliability

is measured by the frequency of

failure, the time it takes to recover from a failure, and the
networks robustness in a catastrophe.

Security
It includes

protecting data from unauthorized access,

protecting data from damage and development, and
implementing policies and procedure for recovery from
breaches and data loses.

PC basics
Small, Discrete Components
Transistor Device that amplifies a
signal or opens and closes a circuit.
Integrated circuit (IC) Device made of
semiconductor material that contains
many transistors and performs a specific
task.
Resistor Device made of material that
opposes the flow of electric current.
Capacitor Electronic component that
stores energy in the form of an
electrostatic field that consists of two
conducting metal plates separated by an
insulating material.
Connector The part of a cable that
plugs into a port or interface.
Light
emitting
diode
(LED)

Semiconductor device that emits light

when a current passes through it.

PC basics
Personal Computer Subsystems
Printed circuit board (PCB)
CD-ROM drive
Central processing unit (CPU)
Floppy disk drive
Hard disk drive
Microprocessor
Motherboard
Bus
Random-access memory (RAM)
Read-only memory (ROM)
System unit
Expansion slot
Power supply

Backplane Components
Backplane
Network interface card (NIC)
Video card
Audio card
Parallel port
Serial port Mouse port
Power cord

Network interface card

When selecting a NIC, consider the following factors:

Protocols Ethernet, Token Ring, or FDDI
Types of media Twisted-pair, coaxial, wireless, or fiberoptic
Type of system bus PCI or ISA
10

Benefits of Computer Networks : A Case

Study

Let us say that you have six people in your family. Each has their
own computer and wants to be able to print and have internet
access. you don't want to pay for six modems (for internet
connections) and six printers. Why not have one internet connection
and one printer connected to one computer. This computer has all
other computers attached to it. They all share its internet and printer.
They can also each have some shared folders that everyone on the
network can access (upon providing a password). It also has a few
other benefits. The downside is that it can cost. Don't be fooled into
getting someone expensive in to set your network up. It's REALLY
easy on windows xp, harder on win98, 95 etc.

Benefits of Computer Network

(1) Computers which are connected through a network
can share resources as hard drives, printers, scanners
etc with each other.
(2) They can send file from one computer to another
quite easily.
(3) You can connect all the computers which are
connected through a network to the internet by using a
single line. So it means that you can save the connection
cost for each computer but you internet connection must
be fast.

(4) IF you want to access data from the other

computer which is the part of network then you
can access data from that computer.
(5) Users can run those programs which are not
installed on their computers but are installed on
any other user's computer.

Features/Advantages of Computer Networks

File Sharing: The major advantage of a computer network is that is allows

file sharing and remote file access. A person sitting at one workstation of a
network can easily see the files present on the other workstation, provided
he is authorized to do so. It saves the time which is wasted in copying a file
from one system to another, by using a storage device. In addition to that,
many people can access or update the information stored in a database,
making it up-to-date and accurate.

Resource Sharing: Resource sharing is also an important benefit of a

computer network. For example, if there are four people in a family, each
having their own computer, they will require four modems (for the Internet
connection) and four printers, if they want to use the resources at the same
time. A computer network, on the other hand, provides a cheaper alternative
by the provision of resource sharing. In this way, all the four computers can
be interconnected, using a network, and just one modem and printer can
efficiently provide the services to all four members. The facility of shared
folders can also be availed by family members.

Increased Storage Capacity: As there is more than one computer

on a network which can easily share files, the issue of storage
capacity gets resolved to a great extent. A standalone computer
might fall short of storage memory, but when many computers are
on a network, memory of different computers can be used in such
case. One can also design a storage server on the network in order
to have a huge storage capacity.

Increased Cost Efficiency: There are many softwares available in

the market which are costly and take time for installation. Computer
networks resolve this issue as the software can be stored or
installed on a system or a server and can be used by the different
workstations.

Disadvantages of Computer Networks

Security Issues: One of the major drawbacks of computer networks

is the security issues involved. If a computer is a standalone,
physical access becomes necessary for any kind of data theft.
However, if a computer is on a network, a computer hacker can get
unauthorized access by using different tools. In case of big
organizations, various network security softwares are used to
prevent the theft of any confidential and classified data.

Rapid Spread of Computer Viruses: If any computer system in a

network gets affected by computer virus, there is a possible threat of
other systems getting affected too. Viruses get spread on a network
easily because of the interconnectivity of workstations. Such spread
can be dangerous if the computers have important database which
can get corrupted by the virus.

 Expensive Set Up: The initial set up cost of a computer

network can be high depending on the number of
computers to be connected. Costly devices like routers,
switches, hubs, etc., can add up to the bills of a person
trying to install a computer network. He will also have to
buy NICs (Network Interface Cards) for each of the
workstations, in case they are not inbuilt.
Dependency on the Main File Server: In case the main
File Server of a computer network breaks down, the
system becomes useless. In case of big networks, the
File Server should be a powerful computer, which often
makes it expensive.

Classification of Networks

Based on Size
Networks play an extremely important role in todays business,
school, and home communications needs. Designed for
communication, networks allow data transfer between two or
more computers over long distances. Installing a network in a
home, school or business would be a vital move because it will
allow a user to transfer information via the network instead of
being physically transferred. In turn allocating more useful time
for other important factors in the days assigned task. Knowing
which network to install is essentially the most important factor
when making the transition to a communication based network.
Several different types of networks exist in technology today but
the three major types of networks are LANS, MANS, and
WANS.

Local Area Network

Local-Area Network (LAN) designed to cover
small geographical area.
Multiaccess bus, ring, or star network.
Speed 10 megabits/second, or higher.
Broadcast is fast and cheap.

LAN an Example

Advantages of connecting computers in a LAN

Workstations can share peripheral devices like printers.
This is cheaper than buying a printer for every
workstations.
Workstations do not necessarily need their own hard
disk or CD-ROM drives which make them cheaper to buy
than stand-alone PCs.
User can save their work centrally on the networks file
server. This means that they can retrieve their work from
any workstation on the network. They dont need to go
back to the same workstation all the time.

 Users can communicate with each other and

transfer data between workstations very easily.
One copy of each application package such as a
word processor, spreadsheet etc. can be loaded
onto the file and shared by all users. When a
new version comes out, it only has to be loaded
onto the server instead of onto every
workstation.

Disadvantages of connecting computers in a LAN

Special security measures are needed to stop

users from using programs and data that they
should not have access to.
Networks are difficult to set up and need to be
maintained by skilled technicians.
If the file server develops a serious fault, all the
users are affected, rather than just one user in
the case of a stand-alone machine.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network that
interconnects users with computer resources in a
geographic area or region larger than that covered by
even a large local area network (LAN) but smaller than
the area covered by a wide area network (WAN). The
term is applied to the interconnection of networks in a
city into a single larger network (which may then also
offer efficient connection to a wide area network).
It is also used to mean the interconnection of several
local area networks by bridging them with backbone
lines. The latter usage is also sometimes referred to as a
campus network.

Advantages of a metropolitan area network

sharing of resources such as printers;

hence cost effective.
Can send local emails

Wide-Area Network (WAN)

Wide-Area Network (WAN) links geographically
separated sites.
Point-to-point connections over long-haul lines (often leased
from a phone company).
Speed 100 kilobits/second.
Broadcast usually requires multiple messages.

WAN: an Example

Based on Medium
Wired Networks
Wireless Network

Wired Network Technologies

Twisted pair wire is the most widely used medium for

telecommunication. Twisted-pair wires are ordinary telephone wires
which consist of two insulated copper wires twisted into pairs and
are used for both voice and data transmission. The use of two wires
twisted together helps to reduce crosstalk and electromagnetic
induction. The transmission speed ranges from 2 million bits per
second to 100 million bits per second.

Coaxial cable is widely used for cable television systems, office

buildings, and other worksites for local area networks. The cables
consist of copper or aluminum wire wrapped with insulating layer
typically of a flexible material with a high dielectric constant, all of
which are surrounded by a conductive layer. The layers of insulation
help minimize interference and distortion. Transmission speed range
from 200 million to more than 500 million bits per second.

 Optical fiber cable consists of one or more filaments of

glass fiber wrapped in protective layers. It transmits light
which can travel over extended distances without signal
loss. Fiber-optic cables are not affected by
electromagnetic radiation. Transmission speed may
reach trillions of bits per second. The transmission speed
of fiber optics is hundreds of times faster than for coaxial
cables and thousands of times faster than for twistedpair wire.

Wireless Network
Wireless network refers to any type of computer
network that is wireless, and is commonly associated
with
a
telecommunications
network
whose
interconnections between nodes is implemented without
the use of wires. Wireless telecommunications networks
are generally implemented with some type of remote
information
transmission
system
that
uses
electromagnetic waves, such as radio waves, for the
carrier and this implementation usually takes place at the
physical level or "layer" of the network.

Types of Wireless Network

Wireless PAN
Wireless MAN
Wireless WAN
Mobile devices networks

Wireless PAN
Wireless Personal Area Networks (WPANs)
interconnect devices within a relatively small
area, generally within reach of a person. For
example, Bluetooth provides a WPAN for
interconnecting a headset to a laptop.

Wireless MAN
Wireless Metropolitan area networks are a type
of wireless network that connects several
Wireless LANs.
WiMAX is the term used to refer to wireless
MANs and is covered in IEEE 802.16d/802.16e.

Wireless WAN
Wireless Wide Area Networks are wireless networks that
typically cover large outdoor areas. These networks can
be used to connect branch offices of business or as a
public internet access system. They are usually
deployed on the 2.4 GHz band.

Mobile devices networks

With the development of smart phones, cellular telephone networks routinely carry data
in addition to telephone conversations:

Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM): The GSM network is divided into
three major systems: the switching system, the base station system, and the operation
and support system. The cell phone connects to the base system station which then
connects to the operation and support station; it then connects to the switching station
where the call is transferred to where it needs to go. GSM is the most common standard
and is used for a majority of cell phones.

Personal Communications Service (PCS): PCS is a radio band that can be used by
mobile phones in North America and South Asia. Sprint happened to be the first service
to set up a PCS.

D-AMPS: Digital Advanced Mobile Phone Service, an upgraded version of AMPS, is

being phased out due to advancement in technology. The newer GSM networks are
replacing the older system.

Physical & Logical Topologies

 Physical Topologies define the actual layout

of the wire (media).
For example, this classrooms wiring is laid out in
an extended star

Logical Topologies define how the media is

accessed by the hosts.
For example, in this classroom hosts access the
media on a first come, first served basis

Physical Topologies
Bus

Extended
Star

Ring

Hierarchical

Star

Mesh

Bus Topology
Single backbone
All hosts directly
connected to backbone
Each end of the bus
must be properly
terminated

Ring Topology
No backbone
A host is directly
connected to each of its
neighbors
Used for token passing
logical topologies

Star Topology
All devices connected to
a central point
Center of star is usually
a hub or a switch
Used for Ethernet
technologies

Extended Star Topology

Connects individual star
topologies together.
At the center of the star
is a hub or a switch.
Extends the length and
size of the network.
This is the topology we
are using in our lab!

Hierarchical Topology
Server

Like the extended star

except a computer
controls trafficnot a
hub or a switch.

Mesh Topology
Each host has its own
connection to every
other host
Used in situations where
communication must not
be interrupted.

Network Environments

Peer-to-Peer

In a peer-to-peer network
networked computers act as equal partners, or peers
individual users control their own resources

Peer-to-peer networks are relatively easy to install and operate

A peer-to-peer network works well with 10 or fewer computers
peer-to-peer networks do not scale well, their efficiency
decreases rapidly as the number of computers on the network
increases
Security is difficult to maintain

Client/Server

In a client/server arrangement, network services are located on

a dedicated computer called a server

The server is a central computer that is continuously available to

respond to requests from clients for file, print, and application
services

Servers are designed to handle requests from many clients

simultaneously

The aggregation of resources on server systems brings greater

security, simpler access and coordinated control, the server
introduces a single point of failure

Peer-to-Peer vs. Client/Server

Advantages
Advantages of a Peer-to-Peer
Network

Advantages of a Client/Server
Network

Less expensive to implement

Provides for better security

Does not require additional specialized

network administration software

Easier to administer when the network is

large due to centralized administration

Does not require a dedicated network

administrator

All data can be backed up on one central

location

Networking Devices

Network Structure

Define the elements of communication

3 common elements of communication

message source

the channel

message destination

Define a network
data or information networks capable of carrying many different types
of communications

Describe how messages are communicated

Data is sent across a network in small chunks called segments

Define the components of a network

Network components

hardware

software

End Devices and their Role in the Network

End devices form interface with human network & communications network
Role of end devices:

client
server
both client and server

Identify the role of an intermediary device in a data network and be able

to contrast that role with the role of an end device
Role of an intermediary device
provides connectivity and ensures data flows across network

Define network media and criteria for making a network media choice
Network media

this is the channel over which a message travels

LAN Device SymbolsLayer 1

Repeater

Transceiver

Hub

LAYER 1Repeater

Cleans up (regenerates) and repeats the signal.

Used when a networks cabling extends beyond its
capability.

LAYER 1Transceiver
Cat 5 UTP

Fiber

Transmitter and Receiver of electronic signals

specialized repeater.
Connects different media technologies
Also called a MAU (Media Attachment Unit)

LAYER 1Hub

The Cloud

Simply a multi-port repeater.

Used to connect multiple devices to the
same network drop.

Hubs are multiport repeaters

The difference between the two devices is the number of ports
While a repeater has just two ports, a hub generally has from four to twentyfour ports
Sometimes hubs are called concentrators

Hubs come in three basic types:

Passive A passive hub serves as a physical connection point only.
Passive hub does not need electrical power.

Active An active hub must be plugged into an electrical outlet because it

needs power to amplify the incoming signal before passing it out to the
other ports

Intelligent Intelligent hubs are called smart hubs. These devices

function as active hubs and include a microprocessor chip and diagnostic
capabilities

LAN Device SymbolsLayer 2

Bridge

Switch

LAYER 2Bridge

Connects two LAN segments.

Keeps traffic local by filtering traffic
based on MAC Addresses.

 The bridge makes decisions about whether or not to

pass signals on to the next segment of a network
When a bridge receives a frame on the network, the
destination MAC address is looked up in the bridge
table to determine whether to filter, flood, or copy the
frame onto another segment

LAYER 2Switch

The Cloud

Connects multiple LAN segments.

Can be called a multi-port bridge.
Provides full bandwidth out each port.

A switch is sometimes described as a multiport bridge

A bridge may have just two ports linking two network segments

All switching equipment performs two basic operations.

Switching data frames
Building and maintaining switching tables

Switching alleviates congestion and reduces traffic by increasing

the number of collision domains.

Switches micro segment a network

Layer Three Devices

Router

The Cloud

LAYER 3Router

Can be used to connect different Layer 2

devices and different topologies.
Makes decisions based on network addresses
(IP Addresses).

How the Internet Works

The World Wide Web is the most

popular part of the Internet by far.
The Web allows rich and diverse
communication by displaying text,
graphics, animation, photos, sound
and video. The Web physically
consists of your personal computer,
web browser software, a connection
to an Internet Service Provider,
computers called servers that host
digital data, and routers and switches
to direct the flow of information.

Components of the Internet

The Internet is comprised of many components such a Email, FTP and
Usenet News. The World Wide Web is simply one of these
components.
World Wide Web (World Wide Web is like an Internet
Library with millions of books)
FTP
E-mail & E-mail Discussion Groups
Telnet
Usenet News
HTTP
Chat & Instant Messenging

Multiple Choice Questions

Q1. The device used in a data communication network to perform the
conversion between analogue and digital signals, is called a ....
a) Front end processor.
b) Modem.
c) Decoder.
d) Multiplexer.

Q2. The Internet offers different services. Which one listed below is
incorrect?
a)
b)
c)
d)

Chat room
Electronic mail
Off line shopping
World Wide Web

Q. A router:
a) Determines on which outgoing link a packet is to be forwarded
b) Forwards a packet to all outgoing links
c) Forwards a packet to the next free outgoing link
d) Forwards a packet to all outgoing links, except the link upon which the
packet originated.
Q. The Internet is an example of a:
a) Cell switched network
b) Packet switched network
c) Circuit switched network

Q. The device operating at Data link layer is

a) Bridge
b) Router
c) Repeater
d)

None of the above

Q. Which portion of LAN management software restricts access, records user

activities and audit data etc.
a) Configuration management
b) Security management
c) Performance management
d) None of these.

Q. What is the central device in star topology?

a) STP server
b) Hub/switch
c) PDC
d) Router
Q. Which server allows LAN users to share computer programs and data?
a) Communication server
b) Print server
c) File server
d) None of these

Q. If a computer on the network shares resources for others to use, it is

called...
a) Server
b) Client
c) Mainframe
d) None of these
Q. For large networks which topology is used?
Bus
Star
Ring
None of these

Thank You
Please forward your query
To: avsingh@amity.edu
CC: manoj.amity@panafnet.com