Unit 1

Chapter1: Overview of Computer Networks

Introduction to computer networks

A computer network is a collection of interconnected devices, such as
computers, servers, printers, and other devices, that are linked together to share
resources and information.
The primary purpose of a computer network is to enable communication and
collaboration between these devices. Networks can vary in size and complexity,
ranging from small local area networks (LANs) within a single building to vast global
networks that connect people and resources across the world.

Classification of computer networks

There are mainly five classification of Computer Networks
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
4. WLAN (Wireless LAN)

1. Local Area Network (LAN): LAN is the most frequently used network. A LAN is
a computer network that connects computers through a common
communication path, contained within a limited area, that is, locally. A LAN
encompasses two or more computers connected over a server. The two
important technologies involved in this network are Ethernet and Wi-fi. It
ranges up to 2km & transmission speed is very high with easy maintenance
and low cost.LANs are designed to connect computers and devices within
this localised area, allowing them to share resources and communicate with
each other.

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a

type of network that spans a larger geographic area than a Local Area
Network (LAN) but is smaller than a Wide Area Network (WAN). It typically
covers a metropolitan area, which is a city or a large campus with multiple
buildings. MANs are designed to provide connectivity and communication
services to organisations and businesses within a specific urban or
metropolitan region. This network mainly uses FDDI, CDDI, and ATM as the
technology with a range from 5km to 50km. Its transmission speed is
average. It is difficult to maintain and it comes with a high cost.

Examples of MAN are networking in towns, cities, a single large city, a large
area within multiple buildings, etc.
 3. Wide Area Network (WAN): A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a type of computer
network that spans a large geographic area, connecting multiple LANs (Local
Area Networks) and MANs (Metropolitan Area Networks). WANs are designed
to facilitate communication and data exchange over long distances, linking
networks across cities, countries, or even continents. It ranges above 50 kms.
Example of WAN is the Internet.

4. WLAN (Wireless LAN): A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) is a type of

local area network (LAN) that uses wireless communication to connect
devices within a limited geographic area, such as a home, office, or campus.
WLANs eliminate the need for physical cables and allow devices to connect to
the network using radio frequency (RF) signals. It is a type of computer
network that uses radio waves instead of physical cables to connect devices.
It is used in homes and offices.
Ex: wi-fi

Intranet:
An intranet can be defined as a private network used by an organisation. Its
primary purpose is to help employees securely communicate with each other, to
store information, and to help collaborate.An intranet is a private computer network
that is used within an organisation to facilitate communication, collaboration, and
the sharing of information among its members. Unlike the internet, which is a global
network accessible to the public, an intranet is restricted to a specific organisation or
enterprise.

Extranet:
An extranet is a private network that allows organisations to securely share
information and collaborate with external partners, suppliers, customers, or other
stakeholders. It extends the capabilities of an organisation's intranet (internal
network) to include selected external users, providing a controlled and secure
environment for communication and data exchange.Extranets are similar to
intranets, but intranets are created for an organisation's own employees. Extranets
are designed for select partners or customers.

Internet:
The Internet is a global network that connects millions of computers and
other devices worldwide. It's a vast infrastructure composed of interconnected
networks using standardised communication protocols. This network allows these
devices to communicate, share information, and access resources and services
regardless of geographic location. Essentially, it's a system that enables the
exchange of data and information through various means such as websites, emails,
instant messaging, video calls, online gaming, and much more. The Internet is a vast
and decentralised network that connects millions of private, public, academic,
business, and government networks.

Chapter 2: Networks Topology

Network topology refers to the arrangement of different elements (links,

nodes, etc.) of a computer network. It defines how the different components of a
network are connected and how data is transmitted from one node to another.

Types of network topologies are:

1. Mesh
2. Tree
3. Star
4. Ring
5. Bus

1. Mesh Topology:
Mesh topology is a type of network topology where each device in the network
is connected to every other device. In a mesh network, every node has a direct link to
every other node, creating a highly redundant and fault-tolerant infrastructure.
If one link or node fails, alternative paths are available for data transmission.
This makes the network more robust and resilient to failures.Mesh networks
generally provide good performance because of the multiple paths available for data
transmission.

2. Tree Topology:
Tree topology, also known as hierarchical topology, is a network topology that
combines characteristics of the star and bus topologies. In a tree topology, devices
are arranged in a hierarchical structure, resembling a tree with a root node, branches,
and leaves. The tree structure is created by connecting star-configured networks to a
central bus backbone. This type of topology is commonly used in larger networks to
provide scalability and organisation. Tree topology is commonly found in large-scale
networks, such as corporate networks, academic institutions, and some wide-area
networks (WANs). It provides a structured and scalable approach to network design,
allowing for the expansion of the network without compromising overall
performance and manageability.

3. Star Topology:
Star topology is a type of network topology in which all devices (such as
computers, printers, or other peripherals) are connected to a central device, typically
a hub or a switch. In a star topology, each device has a dedicated connection to the
central hub, forming a shape that resembles a star. All communication between
devices in the network passes through the central hub.Star topology is widely used in
LAN environments due to its simplicity, ease of management, and scalability. It is
suitable for situations where the focus is on centralised control and the ability to add
or remove devices without disrupting the entire network.
4. Ring Topology:
Ring topology is a type of network topology in which each device in the
network is connected to exactly two other devices, forming a closed loop or ring.
Data travels in one direction around the ring until it reaches its destination. Ring
topology can be implemented using both wired and wireless connections. Ring
topology is simple and easy to manage.

5. Bus Topology:
Bus topology is a type of network topology in which all devices are connected
to a single central communication channel, called a bus. In a bus topology, a single
cable serves as the backbone for the entire network, and all devices share this
common communication medium.Bus topology was more common in the early days
of networking but has become less popular in modern environments. Ethernet
networks, for example, initially used bus topology with coaxial cables.

Chapter 3: Network Devices

Repeater:
A repeater is a network device that is used to extend the
range of a network by regenerating or amplifying signals. It
operates at the physical layer (Layer 1) of the OSI (Open Systems
Interconnection) model, and its primary purpose is to boost the
strength of a signal to overcome the loss of signal strength that
occurs over long distances in a network.
Hub:
A hub is a basic networking device that connects
multiple devices together. It broadcasts data to all
devices connected to it, regardless of which device sent
the data.

Bridge:
A network bridge, unlike its physical counterpart, is a networking device that
connects two or more separate Local Area Networks (LANs) into a single, larger
network. It operates at the data link layer of the OSI model, forwarding data packets
based on their MAC addresses.

Switch:
A switch connects multiple devices on the same network together. It allows devices
to communicate with each other without having to go through the router.
Switches are used to improve network performance by reducing congestion and
improving data flow.
They can be managed or unmanaged. Managed switches offer more features and
can be configured to meet specific network requirements.

Gateway:
A gateway is a crucial component in the world of networking, acting as a guardian
that controls the flow of data between different networks. Think of it as a translator that
speaks the languages of two different networks, allowing them to communicate and share
information.

Router:
A router connects multiple networks together and
directs data traffic between them. It acts as a gateway
between your home network and the internet.
When you connect to a website, your router sends your
request to the website's server and then relays the server's
response back to you.
Routers can be wired or wireless. Wireless routers allow
you to connect devices to the network without using cables.
Network Interface Card (NIC):
A NIC is a hardware component that allows a computer
to connect to a network. It is installed in the computer's
expansion slot and provides a physical connection to the
network cable.
NICs can be wired or wireless. Wired NICs connect to
the network using Ethernet cables, while wireless NICs
connect to the network using radio waves.