What is computer networking?

Connecting two or more than two computers and enable them to communicate to each other over
the network is called computer networking. It consist two or more computers that are linked to share
resource such as printer and CD ROM, exchange files, or allow electronic communication.
What is Network?
A network is the collection of the similar items connected to each other to share resource over the
network.
PC on the network is called node.
If a pc is on the network is called ONLINE.
If a pc is not on network is called OFFLINE

What is the benefit of the networking?

Networking is the most important part of any business or organization to save money and time.
There is some benefit of networking.
1. Data sharing
2. Share hardware devices
3. Share a single Internet connection (ICS)
4. Data centralization
5. Security
Data sharing
In this process we can share the data and information from the different part of the network suppose
we have 250 computer and we want to share data to each other then we take the data different
device this process cause low costing and time saving.
Share hardware devices
Share a printer, CD ROM and other hardware devices. You may have a printer that is connected to
a computer in other lab. With networking you can print to this printer from your computer you no
longer have to copy a file on to a floppy disk and take it on to the computer that has the printer.

Share a single Internet connection

Windows XP has a feature called internet connection sharing (ICS) using ICS, One computer called
the ICS host Share the internet connection with the rest of the computer on the network, by Sharing
the internet connection you can serve the web on your computer while another user checks emails
on a different computer
Data centralization
This is the main part of the networking and provides necessary facilities. In this term all the data is
stored in a particular computer or server all the process related to the data is connected or launched
by the server.
Security
This is the most important task of the networking by help of networking we can provide security to
systems available in the networking. But it is very dangerous to data by sharing if the security policy
is not strong.
Equipment (devices) commonly used for networking
1. Network card
2. Networking cable (Transmission media)
3. Networking support operating system XP, win2003, win7 etc.
4. Central device HUB/switch
5. RJ-45 Connector Registered jack
Requirement for local area networking
1. At least two or more computer
2. O/s installed on each and every PC
3. LAN/Ethernet/NIC card must be installed properly
4. TCP/IP must be configured property
5. Transmission media that means wireless media or cable media.
6. RJ-45 connector required
7. If we have two or more than two computer then in that case we must required HUB and switch

Networking

According to operating System According to distance

Workgroup (Peer to Peer)

Client/server (Domain based)

1. LAN = local Area Network

2. CAN -=campus Area network
3. MAN =Metro Politian Area network
4. PAN =Personal Area network
5. WAN =Wide Area Network.

LAN
MAN
CAN
WAN

LAN (local area networking)

Local area network is spread over small area. It is used when we want to connect computer in a
building and a group of building.
The rate of data transfer over a LAN is very fast. The length is 100 mtrs
CAN (Campus Area network)
It is a type of network which is limited compare to metro Politian area network. It covers a group of
building such as campus. It is large than local area networking.
MAN (Metro Politian Area network)
Metro Politian area network is spread over a large geographical area as compare to LAN.
MAN is used to connect computers in a town or city. MAN provides very high speed
connection using fiber optic cable. It can be define as a network that covers a metro Politian area
which is a city or not more than 20 km.
PAN (personal area network)
In PAN we can use wire less device with the computer and direct link between two devices. Its
maximum distance can be 100 mtrs and only link between two computers.
WAN (Wide Area Networking)
Wide area network enable long transmission of data, voice, images, video and information.
WAN is larger than MAN network WAN is used to transfer data over large
Geographical area such as country or entire world. Computers are connected to WAN using Public
network.
1. Telephone lines
2. Satellites
3. Leased lines
The type of network depend on
Size of Organization
Level of security required
Type of business
Amount of network users
Network Budget
Level of administrative support available.

Characteristic of LAN
1. High data transfer rate.
2. Limited geographical area
3. Less expensive technology
4. Easy to install and manage
5. Not need for license.

Characteristic of WAN
1. There is no geographical Limit.
2. It is more costly technology compare to LAN and MAN
3. Complex to configure and manage and understand.

Workgroup (Peer to Peer)

In peer to peer network the connected computer have no data centralization authority. All of these
computers are equal
1. Each computer in a peer to peer network can be both a client that request resources and a server
that provide resource.
2. No specialized server exist
3. Each pc is called a peer
4. Each pc is both as a client or server.
5. All computers in a peer to peer network are equal in terms of authority & usage.
6. This model is used only with small network
7. It is difficult to keep track of information on each computer.
Limitation
1. Each used is responsible for the local back up
2. Security consideration is minimum.
3. A Limited number of computer are involve
4. Users and password must be maintain separately on each machine
Client server network (Domain Based)
A client server network uses a network operating system designed to manage the entire network
from a point which is the dedicated server. Client makes request to the server and server response
with the information or access to a resource.
Client server networking has some
definite advantage over peer to peer network. The network is much more organized. It is easier to
find files and resource because they are stored on the server. Client server network has mush tighter
security. All users and password are stored in the same data base (on the server) and individual
users can not use the server as work station.
1. It consists of specialized server.
2. Server is mainly the most powerful Pc in a network and it has most of the power authority &
responsibility
3. Most business and organization today use client server model.
Hybrid network
Combination of peer to peer & server client network is known as hybrid network.
Server
Computer specially designed to provide service to the other computer on the network. Computer that
provide shored resources to network users.

Client
Computer that access the resources available on the server.
Computer that access shored network resources provided by a server.
Media
The wires that provide physical connection between the computers over the network. The wires that
provide physical connection
Shared data
Files provided to client by server across the network
Resources
Any service or device such as files, printer and other items made available for users by member of
the network
.
Share printer and other peripherals
Additional resource provided by the server.
Protocol
Common set of rules and regulation that computer on the network used to communicate.
1. What is a computer network?
A computer network is a system in which a number of independent computers are linked together to
share data and peripherals, such as hard disks and printers.
2. What are three advantages of using a computer network?
Three advantages of using a computer network are the ability to share information (or data), to share
hardware and software, and to centralize administration and support.
3. Give two examples of a LAN configuration.
The most basic version of a LAN is two computers that are connected by a cable. An example of a
more complex LAN is hundreds of connected computers and peripherals scattered throughout a
large organization, such as a municipality. In both cases, the LAN is confined to a limited geographic
area.
4. Give two examples of a WAN configuration.
Because a WAN has no geographical limitations, it can connect computers and other devices in
separate cities or on opposite sides of the world. A multinational corporation with linked computers in
different countries is using a WAN. Probably the ultimate WAN is the Internet

The Two Major Types of Networks: LANs and WANs

Computer networks are classified into one of two groups, depending on their size and function.
A local area network (LAN) is the basic building block of any computer network. A LAN can range
from simple (two computers connected by a cable) to complex (hundreds of connected computers
and peripherals throughout a major corporation). The distinguishing feature of a LAN is that it is
confined to a limited geographic area.

WAN (Wide area Network)

A wide area network (WAN), on the other hand, has no geographical limit it can connect computers
and other devices on opposite sides of the world. A WAN is made up of a number of interconnected
LANs. Perhaps the ultimate WAN is the Internet.
CHAPTER SUMMARY
Servers—Computers that provide shared resources to network users.
Clients—Computers that access shared network resources provided by a server.
Media—The wires that make the physical connections.
Shared data—Files provided to clients by servers across the network.
Shared printers and other peripherals—Additional resources provided by servers.
Resources—Any service or device, such as files, printers, or other items, made available for use by
members of the network.
The primary reasons for networking computers are to share information, to share hardware and
software, and to centralize administration and support
A local area network (LAN) is the smallest form of a network and is the building block for
Larger networks.
A wide area network (WAN) is a collection of LANs and has no geographical limitation.
Peer to Peer network = In peer to peer network the computer have no data centralized authority
from an authority viewpoint all of these computer are equal in other words they are peer if a user of
any computer wants access to a resource on another computer .
The security
check for access right is the responsibility of the computer holding the resource. Each computer in
peer to peer network can be client that request resource and a server that provide resource.
There are two type of resource
Hardware resource: When we share a printer, CD ROM and other hardware devices so that other
pc on the network can access the resource it is an example of sharing hardware resource. A PC has
Printer attached and shared and other pc on the network can access the share resource
Software resource: When we provide the application software like ms office, SQL from one pc to
another pc. It is an example of sharing software resource.

There are two type of Operating system

1. Client operating system
2. Server operating system
Client Operating System = client o/s are those o/s who can access the resource provided by the
server some of the example of client o/s like win 95 , win 98, 2000 and windows Xp professional and
vista etc. it is also known as simple operating system.
Server operating system = server o/s are those o/s who can provide the resource to the client o/s
some of the example of server based o/s like win NT , win 2000 server, 2003 and windows 2008
server etc. it is also known as network operating system .
What are the advantages to installing a LAN?
1. Speed = Network provide a very rapid method for sharing and transferring files without a
network , files are shared by coping them to floppy disk, then carring or sending the disk from
one computer to another it is really very time consuming .
2. Cost = networkable versions of many popular software programmes are available at
considerable saving when compared to buying individually licensed copies for each
workstation. Sharing a programme on a network allows for easier upgrading of the
programme the changes has to be done once (on the server) instead of on all the individual
workstation.
3. Security = files and programme on a network can be server to provide security to them so
that you don’t have to worry about illegal copying of programme also access
can be restricted to various directories so that only authorized users can access them .
4. Resource sharing – sharing Resource is another area in which a network exceeds. Most
of the origination cannot afford a laser printer and other devices.
5. Flexible access =LAN can allow staff to access files from computer throughout the library
staff also work cooperatively through the network.

What are the disadvantages of LAN?

1. Expensive to install =A LAN will generally save money over time, the initial costs of
installation can much more cable, routers, network cards, and software are expensive, and
the installation may requires the services of a technician.
 2. Require administrative time =proper maintenance of a LAN requires considerable time and
expertise. Many libraries considerable time and expertise. Many libraries have installed a
network only to find that they did not budget for the necessary administrative time and
technical support.
3. File server may fail = a file server in no more susceptive to failure than any other computer,
when the files server goes down the entire network may lose access to necessary
programme and files.
4. Cable may break = there are a few chances to break and damage a cable , but if the cable
is broken then network may be effective .
5. Data security =it is possible for unauthorized person to excess the data in case of weak
security and poor implementation.
6. Privacy = any one with the right access network privilege may be in a position to access
your private information.

Line configuration
Communication devices such as computers, modems and printer transport the data to each other
with the help of a link. A link helps as a physical path way to transfer the data between the
connected devices

Point to point configuration

In point to point configuration a dedication link exists between two devices.
Multipoint configuration
In multipoint configuration more than two devices share a link.
Topology is the way that defines how to communicate computer to each other there are two
types of Topologies.
1. 1. Physical topology
2. 2. Logical topology

Physical topology = physical topology represent the physical layout of the devices on a network
example Bus, Ring, Tree, Mesh, Hybrid, Tree etc.

Logical topology = Logical topology represent the way that the data is transmitted from one device
to next device of the physical inter connection of the device.

Bus topology
In the Bus topology all the devices are connected to a single cable with the help of BNC connector or
t type connector in a single line. Both ends are terminated with 50 ohm terminator to end the
data.
Bus topology is easy to install and less cabling is required. The bus topology is cost effective in this
topology we use BNC connector.
A bus topology connector all the computer together using a single wire it uses coaxial cable that
passes electricity over a copper Core that all devices transmit data and recessive from all devices
hear all the communication over the BUS.

Feature
1. linear transmission
2. T- type connector
3. Coaxial cable
4. BNC ( British novel connector)

Advantage
1. It is simple to install
2. It is cheaper because require less cable.
Disadvantage
1. Network speed is show
2. It is cheaper because less cable require.
Note = This topology is not used today.

Star topology
In this topology all the devices are connected to a central devices hub/switch these devices are not
connected to each other directly. When a devices transfer data one device to another device the
data passes throw the central devices switch and hub to each destination. Star topology is easy to
install and manage all devices is network it is easy to detect fault which are directly connected to
central devices. Star topology is expensive in compare to bus and ring topology because it needs
more cabling and central devices.
Features
1. UTP cable used in this topology.
2. RJ -45 connector
3. Central devices.

Advantage:-
1. A new station can add easily and quickly.
2. A single cable broke cannot fail the entire network
3. It is easy to troubleshoot.
4. It allows better control and enhanced security.
5. Addition and delectation of node is very easy.

Disadvantage:-
1. Total installation cost is very high .
2. It requires separately wires for all the nodes and a central devices which increase the cost of
installation
3. It has a single point of failure central devices.

Ring Topology:-
In this topology all the devices are connected in a close loop each device is connected through point
to point line configuration to another device. The fault search is easy than bus topology.
In this topology data move one by one computer Ring topology is expensive as lot of cabling is
required.
Advantage:-
1. It is simple to install.
2. Point to point configuration.
3. Data move one by one computer.

Disadvantage:-
1. It is more costly because require more cable and LAN card.
2. Network disconnect from the broken Point.

Mesh topology:-
In this mesh topology has a dedicated link to every other device .In same network the link has to
carry the data traffic only between the devices which are connected in the mesh topology. It is most
commonly used in wide area network and seen in public network like internet.
Advantage:-
1. Data is secure.
2. Communication is faster.
3. It is reliable broken down any link does not affect entire network.

Disadvantage:-
1. It is difficult to trouble shoot.
2. It is costly because require to more cable and LAN card.
3. Additional link requires more links to be setup.

Tree topology:-
It has a group of star configured workstation .The different between tree and star. In tree topology all
the devices are not connected to central device secondary hubs are present which are connected to
a central hub.
Advantage:-
1. Point to point wiring for individual segment.
2. Supported by several hardware & software.

Disadvantage:-
1. More cable require & costly then other topology.
2. If the unlinking cable is broken down entire network divide into two networks.

Hybrid topology:-
It is the combination of the different topologies like Star, Bus, and Ring etc. It is called Hybrid
Topology.
Advantage:-
1. It is flexible.
2. It is very reliable.

Disadvantage:-
1. It is expensive.

SAN (Storage area network)

In this type of network we can store the data on the network drive in the particular system server. In
this concept we have to create a network drive that particular drive will show on the user’s computer.
NAS (Network attached storage)
In this type of network a dedicated storage device is connected to the network more than one
network can store the data in the network device. It is basically used in WAN technology.

What are the Reasons of request time out?

1. Wire is disconnected from the switch then it will display a cross icon on the notification area.
2. It may be happen that the computer you are going to ping is switched off.
3. The IP you are trying to ping is not present on the network.
4. The wire is lose or out from the LAN card RJ-45 connecter.
5. The firewall is on.
6. LAN card may be out of order.

NETWORK DEVICES
Network device increase the rate of data transfer within the network. The network device also helps
reducing of data traffic on the network. Some network devices are given below.

1. Hub
2. Switch
3. Repeater
4. Router
5. Bridge

Hub:-
A hub is a central device. It joints multiple network segments together to form of a single network.
The number of ports in a hub is form 4 to 24 (4, 8, 16, and 24). The port is used or connecting
different devices or unlinking. Unlinking refers to the process of connecting a hub to a hub or
networking devices. The main function of a hub is to transmit signal. Signal may have data packets
and tokens which is required when data is transferred.
There are three types of hubs:-
1. Active hub
2. Passive hub
3. Hybrid hub

Active hub:-
It requires electricity to run. These hubs regenerate signals send over the network and active hub
restore the signal and retransmit signal over the network.
Passive hub:-
Transmit the received signals over the network. Passive hubs do not regenerate the signals but pass
them to all the ports on the network. Passive hub does not require electricity for operating they are
cheaper than active hub.

Hybrid hub:-
It allows you to create a hub based network. Hybrid hub support various type of networking cables
such as coaxial, twisted pair and fiber optic network cables are used to connect different networking
devices.
Switch:-
Switches are data link layer device that connect multiple LAN segment to form a single network.
Switch examines the data packets for source and destination address. The switch then forwards the
data packet to appropriate destination. The forwarding of data only to the specified destination
enable you conserve bandwidth.

Bandwidth:-
It is the amount of the data that is transmitted in a particular time.

2 Mb Data 1 second
Transmit = 2 Mbps
2 mega byte per second = Amount of Data
Amount of time

Note
Switches minimize the possibility of collision of data packets by reducing collision domain.
Collision domain:-
 Collision domain is the network segment between the two network devices. When two network
devices at the same time try to transmit a data packet over the same route on the network, a
collision occurs. In such cases both devices stop transmitting data for a particular time. After that
they try to retransmit the data after the specified time.

Type of switch:-
1. Manageable Switch
2. Non manageable Switch

Manageable switch:-
A switch is said to be a managed switch if it supports SNMP (Simple Network Management
Protocol). It allows you to set the communication parameters as per your requirement to control the
network.
In this type of switch have its own IOS so that you can configure VLAN, inter VLAN and WAN
configuration and also configure security it comes in series.

Non manageable switch: -

Switch if it enable the Ethernet devices to communicate once you connect the Ethernet devices to
the unmanaged switch, they start communicating. The switch has status LED’s that provide
feedback on the activity.
In this type switch there is no IOS so that you cannot manage the switch. There is no VLAN
configuration and security it is simple switch and cheaper than manageable switch.

Functioning of switch
1. Listening and learning:-
In this process they learn which device is connected to which port, as the frames into the port. The
switch examines source Mac address & compares it to the switching table. It works when we switch
on our switch at first time.
2. Forwarding:-
In this process switch forward frame to the port where destination is located.
3. Filtering:-
In this process switch blocks all the ports where the destination is not present. It sends frames
directly source to destination

Difference between hub and switch

Hub

Switch

1. Hub is physical layer device.

Switch is data link layer device.

2. Hub does not examine the data packet source

To destination.

Switch examines the data packet source to destination.

3. Hub broadcast the data to all ports.

Switch broadcast the Mac address to all the ports

4. Hub does not transmit the data packets to

Point to point device.

Switch transmits the data point to point device.

5. Hub does not have facility to break collision

Domain.

Switch minimizes the possibility of collision of data packet by reducing collision domain.

6. Transfer data to all the connected ports.

Transfer the data to the port for which it is addressed.

7. Less expensive than the switch.

More expensive than the hub.

8. Hubs are connected to the system via the half

Duplex connection.

Switch is connected to the system via full duplex connection.

9. We cannot configure hub.

We can configure switch.

10. The rate of data transmission is slow.

The rate of data transmission is fast.

11. Hub cannot create any table.

Switch creates a table that is called switching table.

Repeater:-
A repeater is a device that increases the strength of the data signals sent across the
network. The signals weaken as they travel along large network segments. A repeater obtain weak
signal from the network, amplifies it and passes it on the next network segment. A repeater does not
filter data as it travels along the network there by it does not help in reducing network traffic.

Note:-
Switch = to connect LAN segment.
Router = to connect WAN segment.
Switch = Data link layer.
Router = Network layer.
Hub = Physical layer.

Router:-
Routers are devices that forward data to their desire destination. The router decides the
best possible route that a packet needs to take to reach its destination. The routers maintain a
routing table to decide the route for the data.
A router is capable of joining multiple networks using different
networks protocol. Router operates at the network layer of the OSI model. The router is the only
device in the network that sees all the data passing through the network. When a data packet needs
to be transmitted. The router verifies the address of the destination computer and picks the optimal
route for transmission.

The function of router

1. Provide traffic management.

2. Do not pass broadcast traffic.
3. Connect different network segment.
There are following type of network:-
1. Modular router:-
In this type of router we can change the physical configuration of our router like memory, interface
etc.
Example: - 1700, 2600 series.

2. Non modular router:-

In this type of router we cannot change the physical configuration of our router like memory interface
etc.
Example: - 2500, 2501 series.

Software router:-
It is not the dedicated hardware device. Win 2003 provides LAN routing service in routing and
remote access service it is basically used in LAN network.
 Hardware router:
It is dedicated hardware device and more designed for both LAN , MAN and WAN network. It is
responsible to provide communication between two or more different IP network.

Comparison between Switch and Router

Switch

Router

1. The switches determine the destination address with the help of hardware configured MAC
address and transfer the data.

Routers use software configured network address to determine the address.

2. Switches transfer the data between LAN segments.

Routers transfer the data between WAN and LAN segment.

3. Switches operate at the data link layer or some time at the network layer of the OSI model.

Router operates at the network layer of the OSI model.

4. Switch cannot share or transfer the data using internet connection.

Routers are capable of sharing internet connection.

5. Switches offered wired connection in the network.

Routers offered both wired and wireless connectivity in the network.

Bridge:-
Bridges are devices that divide the network into different segments. It enables you to reduce
traffic on the network. The bridge decides the network segments where the data has travel in order
to reach its destination. The bridge verifies the source and destination address of the packet with the
help of routing table which is created by it. If the destination is present in the routing table, the bridge
forwards the data packet to the destination.
If the destination address is not present in the routing, the bridge
sends the data packet to all network segments. The bridge operates at the data link layer of the OSI
model
Comparison between Router and Bridge

Router
Bridge

1. Routers use software configured network

Address to determine the address.

Bridge determines the destination address with the help of MAC address of the device.

2.Routers use the router table to route the data to

The destination.

Bridge does not use any device to transfer the data to the destination address.

3. Router communicate with other router to

Decide the best way to transfer the data.

With the help of MAC address of the devices the bridge listens to the network traffic and then
decides the way to send the data.

4. Routers are used to connect LAN and WAN

Links.

Bridges are used to connect the LAN links.

Comparison between Firewall and Routers:-

Firewall

Router

1. Firewall protects the data in the network from outer network.

Router route the data or packets in the network.

2. Firewalls operate at the network and the

Transport layer of the OSI model.

Router operates at the network layer of the OSI model and in gateway, the place where two or more
network meet.

3. Firewall encrypts the data before transmission.

Router does not encrypt the data before routing to the network.

4. Firewall cannot share two networks , instead

Can protect the networks.

Router are capable of sharing an internet connection between LAN and WAN.

Ethernet card:-
Ethernet card is used to transmit the data packet from one place to another place. It was
manufactured by Bob met calf in 1973. It was first used in 1979 in Bus topology.
The NIC card as its name suggest , is the expansion card you install in your computer to connect or
interface your computer to the network this device provide the physical , electrical and electronic
connection to the network media NIC card are either an expansion card or build onto the
motherboard of a computer. In most cases a NIC connect to the computer through expansion slot,
an expansion slot connects expansion card that are plugged into a slot in the main computer.
1. MAC address is LAN card address.
2. Transmission chip sends data.
3. Buffer chip equalize the speed of data transfer.

RJ-45 connecter (Registered jack)

The little clip connecter of the telephone line cable that connects most home phones to the wall jack
is an RJ-11 connecter. RJ-45 connecters are most commonly used or found on 10 base T and token
ring network , but they can found on any network that use four pair UTP cable an RJ-11 connecters
is smaller than RJ-45 connecters and use four ( or six ) wires , RJ-45 eight wires has used in its
case.

Broadcast: =To send data or message to all the users and groups.
Multicast: =To send message a particular group of users.
Unicast: = To send message to a particular user.

Directions of Transmission:-
The mode of transmission defines direction of signal flow between connected devices. It depend on
the direction of flow of data, the transmission can be of the following type.
1. Simplex 2. Half Duplex and Full Duplex

1. Simplex-
In this type of communication data flow only in one direction. One device can transmit the data
whears the other device can only receive the data communication between a mouse and computer
is example of simplex.
2. Half duplex:-
In this type of communication data can flow in both the directions but only in one direction at a time
multiple devices can not transmit data at the same time while one device is sending data other
device receives the data.
Example:-Wally talky is an example of this type communication.
1. 3. Full duplex:-
In the full duplex mode both the connected devices can send as well as received data at the same
time. It is comparatively faster and more efficient telephone lines and mobile phones are example of
full duplex communication.
What is a workstation?
 All of the computers connected to the file server or server on the network are called workstation. A
workstation is a computer with a NIC, networking software and cables, workstation does not require,
floppy drive large hard disk drives because files can be saved on the file server almost any computer
can be server as a network workstation.