1 Computer Networks

Overview

Part 1
Introduction

1
 What is a Computer Network?

A computer network is a collection of

computers and other devices (nodes)
that use a common network protocol
to share resources with each other
over a network medium.
(Gallo & Hancock, 2001)

Part1 - Introduction 2
Idea of Networks

What is the idea

of a network?

Part1 - Introduction 3
Idea of Networks

The idea is to
communicate!

Part1 - Introduction 4
 Idea of Networks
To share information or receive a service
via a network, group members must be
able to communicate with each other.

Part1 - Introduction 5
 A Communications Model
 Source

Generates data to be transmitted
 Transmitter

Converts data into transmittable signals
 Transmission System

Carries data
 Receiver

Converts received signal into data
 Destination

Takes incoming data
Part1 - Introduction 6
Simplified Communications
Model - Diagram

Part1 - Introduction 7
Simplified Data
Communications Model

Part1 - Introduction 8
 1

Key Communications Tasks

 Transmission System Utilization

 Interfacing
 Signal Generation
 Synchronization
 Exchange Management
 Error detection and correction

Part1 - Introduction 9
 2

Key Communications Tasks

 Flow control
 Addressing and routing
 Recovery/ reliability
 Message formatting
 Security
 Network Management

Part1 - Introduction 10
 Types of Computer Networks 1
Classification based on perspectives:
 Message Capacity

Baseband, carrierband, broadband
 Range

LAN, MAN, WAN
 Node Relationships

peer-to-peer, server-based, and client/ server.
 Topology

Logical topologies: bus and ring.

Physical topologies: bus, star, ring, and star-wired
ring.

Part1 - Introduction 11
 Types of Computer Networks 2
 Architecture

Common LAN architectures: Ethernet (and the
very closely related 802.3), Token Ring,
ARCnet, and FDDI.
 Access Possibilities

shared-media networks

switching networks

Part1 - Introduction 12
 Geographical Area: 1
Local Area Network (LAN)

 Smaller scope

Room, building or campus
 IEEE quantifies LAN length as 10 km or
less in radius
 Usually owned by same organization as
attached devices

Part1 - Introduction 13
 Geographical Area: 2
Local Area Network (LAN)
 Typically a medium- to high-speed
connection

line speed is traditionally measured in
megabits/sec (Mbps), not megabytes/sec
(MB/sec). A megabit is 1,000,000 bits, not
1,048,576 (220) bits.
 Usually broadcast systems
 Examples: Ethernet/802.3, token ring and
FDDI
Part1 - Introduction 14
 Geographical Area: 3
Local Area Network

Staff printer N. Pillay J. Tapamo A. Pillay T. Reinhardt

H. Murrell

D. Moodley
VULTURE
(LAN-Manager)

J. Meyerowitz

A. Sartori-Angus G. Fenner-Barbour E. Dube J. Kinyua Secretary

Part1 - Introduction 15
 Geographical Area: 1
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

 New class of networks

 Connects computing resources that span a
metropolitan area, (in-between LAN and
WAN)

Local county or city
 Example: university with buildings located
throughout a city

each building has their independent LAN

LAN's are connected  MAN
Part1 - Introduction 16
 Geographical Area: 2
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
 not generally owned by a single company
 often high speed network to allows
sharing of regional resources
 often provides a shared connection to
other networks

Part1 - Introduction 17
 Geographical Area: 3
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Local Area Network

Maritzburg

DC-LANs

Local Area Network

Metropolitan
Area Network
Local Area Network
Edgewood

Shepston-LANs

Part1 - Introduction 18