Computer is a programmable machine.

This means it can execute a programmed

list of instructions and respond to new instructions that it is given.
A packet is one unit of binary data capable of being routed through a computer network.
To improve communication performance and reliability, each message
sent between two network devices is often subdivided into packets by the underlying hardware and
software.

Campus Area Network - a network spanning multiple LANs but smaller than a MAN,
such as on a university or local business campus.

Storage Area Network - is a number of computers and storage devices, attached over a high-speed
optical network and specialized in the task of storing and protecting data and documents.

Metropolitan Area Network - a network spanning a physical area larger than a LAN but smaller than
a WAN, such as a city. A MAN is typically owned an operated by a single entity such as a government body
or large corporation.
WAN - Wide Area Network
As the term implies, a WAN spans a large physical distance. The Internet is the largest WAN,
spanning the Earth. A WAN is a geographically-dispersed collection of LANs. WANs tend to use
technology like ATM, Frame Relay and X.25 for connectivity over the longer distances.

LAN and WAN were the original categories of area networks, while the others have gradually emerged over
many years of technology evolution.
LAN - Local Area Network
A LAN connects network devices over a relatively short distance. A networked office building, school, or
home usually contains a single LAN, though sometimes one building will contain a few small LANs
(perhaps one per room), and occasionally a LAN will span a group of nearby buildings.
What is Network Cabling?

Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network device to another.
There are several types of cable which are commonly used with LANs. In some cases, a network will
utilize only one type of cable, other networks will use a variety of cable types. The type of cable chosen
for a network is related to the network's topology, protocol, and size. Understanding the characteristics of
different types of cable and how they relate to other aspects of a network is necessary for the development
of a successful network.

Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cabling consists of a center glass core surrounded by several layers of protective materials
(See fig. 5). It transmits light rather than electronic signals eliminating the problem of electrical
interference.
This makes it ideal for certain environments that contain a large amount of electrical interference. It has also
made it the standard for connecting networks between buildings, due to its immunity to the effects of
moisture and lighting. Fiber optic cable has the ability to transmit signals over much longer
distances than coaxial and twisted pair. It also has the capability to carry information at vastly greater
speeds. This capacity broadens communication possibilities to include services such as video conferencing
and interactive services.
The cost of fiber optic cabling is comparable to copper cabling; however, it is more difficult to install
and modify. 10BaseF refers to the specifications for fiber optic cable carrying Ethernet signals. The outer
insulating jacket made of teflon or PVC.

There are two common types of fiber cables:

- Multimode cable has a larger diameter; however, both cables provide high bandwidth at high speeds.
- Single mode can provide more distance, but it is more expensive.

1. High Bandwidth
Optical fiber has a relatively high bandwidth in comparison to other transmission media.
This permits much longer transmission distances and much higher signal rates than most media.
For example, all undersea long-haul telecommunications cable is fiber-optic.

2. No Electrical Interference
Because different cables do not interact or pick up environmental noise, fiber optic cables are not affected
by electrical interference. This makes them particularly valuable in locations where high voltage or
lightening is often present. Lightning protection is one of the key reasons for utilizing fiber optics.
Unlike copper wire, the fiber itself is made from dielectric (non conducting) materials, cannot conduct
electrical current, and is immune to EM radiation. Also, optical cables do not require electricity
and therefore do not pose a fire hazard.
UTP cable is also the most common cable used in computer networking. Modern Ethernet, the most
common data networking standard, utilizes UTP cables. Twisted pair cabling is often used in data networks
for short and medium length connections because of its relatively lower costs compared to optical fiber
and coaxial cable. UTP is also finding increasing use in video applications, primarily in security cameras.
Many middle to high-end cameras include a UTP output with setscrew terminals. This is made possible by
the fact that UTP cable bandwidth has improved to match the baseband of television signals. While the
video recorder most likely still has unbalanced BNC connectors for standard coaxial cable, a balun is
used to convert from 100-ohm balanced UTP to 75-ohm unbalanced. A balun can also be used at the camera

end for ones without a UTP output. Only one pair is necessary for each video signal.

Tips in using and installing UTP cables:

1. Always use a bit more cable than you need, especially if you’re running cable through walls. For
example, when you run a cable up a wall, leave a few feet of slack in the ceiling above the wall. That way,
you’ll have plenty of cable if you need to make a repair later on.

2. When running cable, avoid sources of interference such as fluorescent lights, big motors, X-ray
machines, and so on. Fluorescent lights are the most common source of interference for cables run behind
fake ceiling panels. Be sure to give light fixtures a wide berth as you run your cable. Three feet should do it.

3. The maximum allowable cable length between the hub and the computer is 100 meters (about 328 feet).
Network Topologies

Star - All devices revolve around a central hub, which is what controls the network communications,
and can communicate with other hubs. Range limits are about 100 meters from the hub.

Ring - Devices are connected from one to another, as in a ring. A data token is used to grant permission
for each computer to communicate.

Bus Topology - Bus networks use a common backbone to connect all devices. A single cable, the
backbone

functions as a shared communication medium that devices attach or tap into with an interface connector.
Both ends of the network must be terminated with a terminator. A barrel connector can be used to extend it.
A device wanting to communicate with another device on the network sends a broadcast message onto the
wire that all other devices see, but only the intended recipient actually accepts and processes the message.
Ethernet bus topologies were popular Ethernet cabling options many years ago for bus topologies. However,

bus networks work best with a limited number of devices. If more than a few dozen computers are added
to a network bus, performance problems will likely result. In addition, if the backbone cable fails, the
entire network effectively becomes unusable.

Ring Topology - In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes.
All

messages travel through a ring in the same direction (either "clockwise" or "counterclockwise").
A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take down the entire network.

Star Topology - Many networks use the star topology. A star network features a central connection point
called a "hub" that may be a hub, switch or router. Devices typically connect to the hub with
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Ethernet. Compared to the bus topology, a star network generally requires
more cable, but a failure in any star network cable will only take down one computer's network access
and not the entire LAN. (If the hub fails, however, the entire network fails)