1/23/2009

Introduction to Computer Networks

Computer Networks
Computer network
connects two or more
autonomous computers.

INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTER NETWORKS

The computers can be

geographically located
anywhere.

This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha

Introduction to Computer Networks Introduction to Computer Networks

LAN, MAN & WAN Applications of Networks

Network in small geographical Area (Room, Building Resource Sharing
or a Campus) is called LAN (Local Area Network)
Hardware (computing resources, disks, printers)
Software (application software)
Network in a City is call MAN (Metropolitan Area Information Sharing
Network) Easy accessibility from anywhere (files, databases)
Search Capability (WWW)
Communication
Network spread geographically (Country or across Email
Globe) is called WAN (Wide Area Network)
Message broadcast
Remote computing
Distributed processing (GRID Computing)
This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha

Introduction to Computer Networks Introduction to Computer Networks

Network Topology Bus Topology

The network topology Commonly referred to
defines the way in as a linear bus, all the
which computers, devices on a bus
printers, and other topology are connected
devices are connected. by one single cable.
A network topology
describes the layout of
the wire and devices as
well as the paths used
by data transmissions.

This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha

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Introduction to Computer Networks Introduction to Computer Networks

Star & Tree Topology Ring Topology

The star topology is the most A frame travels around the ring,
commonly used architecture in stopping at each node. If a node
Ethernet LANs. wants to transmit data, it adds the
When installed, the star data as well as the destination
topology resembles spokes in address to the frame.
a bicycle wheel.
The frame then continues around
Larger networks use the the ring until it finds the
extended star topology also destination node, which takes the
called tree topology. When data out of the frame.
used with network devices that
filter frames or packets, like Single ring – All the devices on
bridges, switches, and routers, the network share a single cable
this topology significantly
reduces the traffic on the wires Dual ring – The dual ring topology
by sending packets only to the allows data to be sent in both
wires of the destination host. directions.
This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha

Introduction to Computer Networks Introduction to Computer Networks

Mesh Topology Network Components

The mesh topology Physical Media
connects all devices
(nodes) to each other Interconnecting Devices
for redundancy and
fault tolerance. Computers
It is used in WANs to Networking Software
interconnect LANs and Applications
for mission critical
networks like those
used by banks and
financial institutions.
Implementing the mesh
topology is expensive
and difficult.
This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha

Introduction to Computer Networks Introduction to Computer Networks

Networking Media Networking Devices

Networking media can HUB, Switches, Routers,
be defined simply as Wireless Access Points,
the means by which Modems etc.
signals (data) are sent
from one computer to
another (either by cable
or wireless means).

This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha

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Introduction to Computer Networks Introduction to Computer Networks

Computers: Clients and Servers Networking Protocol: TCP/IP

In a client/server
network arrangement,
network services are
located in a dedicated
computer whose only
function is to respond
to the requests of
clients.

The server contains the

file, print, application,
security, and other
services in a central
computer that is
continuously available
to respond to client
requests.
This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha

Introduction to Computer Networks

Applications
E-mail
Searchable Data (Web Sites)
E-Commerce
News Groups
Internet Telephony (VoIP)
Video Conferencing
Chat Groups
Instant Messengers
Internet Radio

This document is prepared for use in classroom discussions. It has been prepared from many sources. M.A.L Nilantha