July 16, 2014 [1.

0 INTRODUCTION TO NETWORKING]

By Md. Irshad (+91 9066753011) Page 1


1.1 What is a Network?


1.1.1 Define a Computer Network

A computer network is a set of electronically connected computers which can share information
and resources among themselves. There are communication protocols that define how this
sharing should take place.


1.1.2 List advantages of using a network


Files can be stored on a central computer (the file server) allowing data to be shared
throughout an organization.
Files can be backed up more easily when they are all on a central fileserver rather than
when they are scattered across a number of independent workstations.
Networks also allow security to be established, ensuring that the network users may only
have access to certain files and applications.
Software and resources can be centrally managed.
Network versions of software often allow for their speedy installation on workstations
from the file server.
Expensive devices such as laser printers or scanners can be shared.
Users can access their files from any workstation



1.1.3 Define LAN, MAN and WAN

LOCAL AREA NETWORK
Networks used to interconnect computers in a single room, rooms within a building or buildings
on one site are called Local Area Network (LAN). LAN transmits data with a speed of several
megabits per second (106 bits per second). The transmission medium is normally coaxial cables .
LAN links computers, i.e., software and hardware, in the same area for the purpose of sharing
information. Usually LAN links computers within a limited geographical area because they must
be connected by a cable, which is quite expensive. People working in LAN get more capabilities


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By Md. Irshad (+91 9066753011) Page 2

in data processing, work processing and other information exchange compared to stand-alone
computers. Because of this information exchange most of the business and government
organisations are using LAN.
Major Characteristics of LAN
every computer has the potential to communicate with any other computers of the network
high degree of interconnection between computers
easy physical connection of computers in a network
inexpensive medium of data transmission
high data transmission rate
Advantages
The reliability of network is high because the failure of one computer in the network does not
effect the functioning for other computers.
Addition of new computer to network is easy.
High rate of data transmission is possible.
Peripheral devices like magnetic disk and printer can be shared by other computers.
Disadvantages
If the communication line fails, the entire network system breaks down.
Use of LAN
Followings are the major areas where LAN is normally used
File transfers and Access
Word and text processing
Electronic message handling
Remote database access
Personal computing
Digital voice transmission and storage
METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK
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.


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By Md. Irshad (+91 9066753011) Page 3

Examples of metropolitan area networks of various sizes can be found in the metropolitan areas
of London, England; Lodz, Poland; and Geneva, Switzerland. Large universities also sometimes
use the term to describe their networks. A recent trend is the installation of wireless MANs.
WIDE AREA NETWORK
The term Wide Area Network (WAN) is used to describe a computer network spanning a
regional, national or global area. For example, for a large company the head quarters might be at
Delhi and regional branches at Bombay, Madras, Bangalore and Calcutta. Here regional centers
are connected to head quarters through WAN. The distance between computers connected to
WAN is larger. Therefore the transmission medium used are normally telephone lines,
microwaves and satellite links.
Characteristics of WAN
Followings are the major characteristics of WAN.
1.Communication Facility: For a big company spanning over different parts of the country the
employees can save long distance phone calls and it overcomes the time lag in overseas
communications. Computer conferencing is another use of WAN where users communicate with
each other through their computer system.
2.Remote Data Entry: Remote data entry is possible in WAN. It means sitting at any location you
can enter data, update data and query other information of any computer attached to the WAN
but located in other cities. For example, suppose you are sitting at Madras and want to see some
data of a computer located at Delhi, you can do it through WAN.
3.Centralised Information: In modern computerised environment you will find that big
organisations go for centralised data storage. This means if the organisation is spread over many
cities, they keep their important business data in a single place. As the data are generated at
different sites, WAN permits collection of this data from different sites and save at a single site.

Examples of WAN

1.Ethernet: Ethernet developed by Xerox Corporation is a famous example of WAN. This
network uses coaxial cables for data transmission. Special integrated circuit chips called
controllers are used to connect equipment to the cable.
2.ARPA NET: The Arpanet is another example of WAN. It was developed at Advanced
Research Projects Agency of U. S. Department. This Network connects more than 40
universities and institutions throughout USA and Europe.




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1.1.4 Give two examples of LAN Configurations

LAN : Local Area network Ex : 1) 2 or more computers connected
2) small office or a internet caf

1.1.5 Give two examples of WAN Configurations

WAN : Wide Area Network Ex : 1) Internet2) Ethernet

-------------------------------------------------- x ------------------------------------------------


1.2 Network Configuration

1.2.1 Explain Peer- to -Peer Network


Peer-to-peer network allow users to share resources and files located on their computers and to
access shared resources found on other computers. However, they do not have a file server or a
centralized management source. In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are considered equal;
they all have the same abilities to use the resources available on the network. Peer-to-peer
networks are designed primarily for small to medium local area networks. Nearly all modern
desktop operating systems, such as Macintosh OSX, Linux, and Windows, can function as peer-
to-peer network operating systems.




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1.2.2 Explain Server Based Network

Client/server network operating systems allow the network to centralize functions and
applications in one or more dedicated file servers (See fig. 2). The file servers become the heart
of the system, providing access to resources and providing security. Individual workstations
(clients) have access to the resources available on the file servers. The network operating system
provides the mechanism to integrate all the components of the network and allow multiple users
to simultaneously share the same resources irrespective of physical location. UNIX/Linux and
the Microsoft family of Windows Servers are examples of client/server network operating
systems.


1.2.3 List three factors that can influence of whether to implement to
implement a Peer-to-Peer Network or Server based Network
Configuration

The factors we need to examine include the:
Size of the network.
Level of security.
Type of business.
Level of administrative support available.
Amount of network traffic.
Needs of the network users.
Network budget.

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1.2.4 Describe the advantages of Peer - to - Peer Network

Advantages of a peer-to-peer network:
Less initial expense - No need for a dedicated server.
Easy to set up the network as compared to server based network
Less staffs required as each user sets own access permissions to files.

1.2.5 Describe the advantages of Server based Network

Advantages of a client/server network:
Centralized - Resources and data security are controlled through the server.
Scalability - Any or all elements can be replaced individually as needs increase.
Flexibility - New technology can be easily integrated into system.
Interoperability - All components (client/network/server) work together.
Accessibility - Server can be accessed remotely and across multiple platforms.

1.3 Network Topology

1.3.1 Define Topology

The topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers, and other
peripherals.

1.3.2 Define Physical Topology and Logical Topology

The shape of the cabling layout used to link devices is called the physical topology of the
network. This refers to the layout of cabling, the locations of nodes, and the interconnections
between the nodes and the cabling

The logical topology in contrast, is the way that the signals act on the network media, or the
way that the data passes through the network from one device to the next without regard to the
physical interconnection of the devices. . A network's logical topology is not necessarily the
same as its physical topology. For example, the original twisted pair Ethernet using repeater
hubs was a logical bus topology with a physical star topology layout. Token Ring is a logical
ring topology, but is wired a physical star from the Media Access Unit.



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1.3.3 Identify the four Standard Topologies

Ref: class notes

1.3.4 Describe the advantages and Disadvantages of each
Topology

Ref: class notes

1.3.5 State the factors to be considered in choosing a Network
Topology.

The following factors are considered while selecting a topology:
1. Cost
2. Reliability
3. Scalability
4. Bandwidth capacity
5. Ease of installation
6. Ease of troubleshooting
7. Delay involved in routing information from one node to another.