CHAPTER 3 Networking Basics

Objectives
In this chapter, you will learn to:

Illustrate the different types of computer networks Describe LAN transmission media Discuss physical and logical LAN topologies

Explain the network services provided by LANs

Identify standards organizations and their role in setting standards Describe the Seven-Layer OSI Model

Types of Computer Networks

A computer network consists of:

Two or more computers, as well as

Other devices such as printers or faxes connected by some form of data transmission media such as a cable Network Operating Systems provide network services including: File management Security Resource management Computers and network devices use a Network Interface Card to connect with the network

Local Area Networks (LANs)

LANs Are limited to a small geographic area, such as an office or a building Have two basic architectures Peer-to-peer Client/server Each computer has its own processing capabilities, but can access files on other computers, network printers, and use network services

Each computer or destination device on the network is also known as a node

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Peer-to-Peer Networks
Usually consist of six or fewer general-purpose personal computers Computers communicate with each other and share the same files and devices Every computer on a peer-to-peer network is equal, that is, no one computer is in charge of the other computers Does not require a special Network Operating System

Peer-to-Peer Network
All computers are connected to one main cable (also called the backbone) Simplest option when connecting two or three devices

Peer-to-Peer Network with a Hub

All computers are connected through a common connection point (Hub) Can connect more computers and devices to a network than a backbone

Peer-to-Peer Network with a Hub

Peer-to Peer Network Advantages/Disadvantages

ADVANTAGES Simple and inexpensive network solution Does not require special Network Operating System Simplicity of administration DISADVANTAGES Not practical for more than five or six computers Limited or no security Business may quickly outgrow network

Client/Server Network
Consists of general-purpose personal computers which are called clients and special highperformance computers called servers Servers enable clients to:
share data store data provide support for network services, such as email

Requires a special network operating system such as Microsoft Windows 2000 Server, UNIX, or Novel NetWare
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Client/Server Network Architecture

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Client/Server Network Advantages/Disadvantages

ADVANTAGES
Centralizes management of network services in one location Increased security Support for greater number of computers, devices

DISADVANTAGES Requires more complex setup and management Administration requires higher level of technical expertise More expensive to implement
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Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A high-speed network connecting two or more LANs A MAN is usually confined to a single metropolitan area, such as a large city and its suburbs
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Wide Area Network (WAN)

Spans a larger area than a MAN and consists of two or more connected LANs The Internet is a very complex and extensive WAN
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LAN Transmission Media

Transmission media are the means for carrying data from one node on a LAN to another node
Transmission media is divided into two types: Cable Wireless

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Coaxial Cable (coax)

High-capacity communications and video cable Has an insulated solid or stranded wire surrounded by a solid or braided metallic shield, wrapped in a plastic cover Carries heavy network traffic at high speeds Provides resistance to interference called noise

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Twisted-Pair Cable
Consists of insulated copper wires twisted around each other in pairs and then enclosed in a plastic covering Two most commonly types are shielded and unshielded

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Fiber-optic Cable
Used to carry voice, video, and data signals for very long distances Contains one or more glass fibers at its core, surrounded by a layer of glass cladding and a protective outer jacket

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Infrared (IR) Transmission

Relies on electromagnetic waves with a frequency range above that of microwave but below the visible spectrum Infrared signals are transmitted through space in the same way a TV remote control device sends signals across a room

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Radio Frequency (RF) Transmission

Relies on signals sent over a specific frequency, like radio broadcast RF transmissions are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) which licenses frequencies by geographic location to ensure that multiple transmitters do not interfere with each others transmissions

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Traveling at the Speed of Data

Throughput Amount of data that can be transmitted within a specific time period
Measured in units of bits per second (bps) 1 Kbps = 1,000 bits per second 1 Mbps = 1,000,000 bits per second 1 Gbps = 1,000,000,000 bits per second

Throughput for most (Ethernet) networks is between 10 Mbps and 100 Mbps

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Physical Topologies of Local Area Networks

Physical topology refers to a networks physical layout or the pattern in which its devices and cabling are organized Three basic physical topologies:
Bus Ring Star

Modern LANs generally combine these topologies into a hybrid topology

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Bus Topology
Used on peer-to-peer LANs Consists of a single coaxial cable called a trunk (or backbone) to which all devices are connected Because the cable is shared, it carries only one transmission at a time
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Bus Topology

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Data Transmissions
Data transmissions involving one sending and receiving node are called point-to-point transmissions

Transmissions that involve one sending node and multiple receiving nodes are called broadcast transmissions

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Ring Topology
Each node is connected to the next node via a single circle of twisted-pair or fiber-optic cable Data transmissions travel around the circle in a clockwise direction, passing through each node When a node receives a transmission, it accepts the data addressed to it and then forwards the transmission on to the next node
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Star Topology
Each node is connected to a central hub by a separate twisted-pair or fiber-optic cable Data is transmitted from one node, through the hub, and out again to the destination node

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Star Topology

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Hybrid Topology
Contains elements of two or more physical topologies Star-wired ring topology is the most common hybrid

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Choosing topology?
Money Length of cable needed

Future growth (expandability)

Cable type (UTP is most common) Stability

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Logical Topologies of Local Area Networks

Logical topology defines the way in which the data is transmitted between computers Specifies several network characteristics including: The access methods, or rules, the nodes follow to access the transmission media The networks physical topology The networks transmission media Logical topologies commonly used on LANs are Ethernet and Token Ring
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Ethernet
Uses Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) access method, which directs transmission traffic over the network All stations attached to the Ethernet are "listening" and the station with the matching destination address accepts the frame and checks for errors Collisions: If two nodes simultaneously check and then transmit, their two transmissions collide In this case, both nodes immediately stop transmitting, wait a random interval, recheck, and then rebroadcast
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Token Ring
A network access method that uses a continuously repeating 3-byte frame (the token) that is transmitted onto the network by the controlling computer The token moves clockwise in a circle from node to node When a node wants to send a message, it waits for an empty token; then fills it with the address of the destination node and some or all of its message Every node on the network constantly monitors passing tokens to determine if it is the recipient of a message, in which case it "grabs" the message and resets the token status to empty
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Network Services
Programs that manage data and operations on a network, and provides services to multiple users Network services include: File services (storing data or files on a file server) Print services (enable network printing)

Mail services (mail server mailing activities)

Communications services (enable remote employees to connect and access data files and e-mail messages) Internet services (provide external Internet access, extranet services, mgt of Web servers, browsers, etc) Management services (managing network resources)
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The Role of Standards Organizations

www.iec.ch, www.ieee.org, www.iso.ch, www.itu.int

A standard is a rule, description, or design approved by an established organization or accepted by an industry through common usage
Networking standards that cover the formatting and transmission of data are set by third-party organizations that include government agencies, scientists, research institutions, consumer groups, engineers, manufacturers, vendors, and other interested parties

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International Organization for Standardization (ISO)

A global alliance drawn from approximately 140 countries
Establishes and publishes standards that help make possible the international trade of goods and services Standards govern areas such as: photographic equipment and film speed, quality management, environmental management, freight container, and paper size

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International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC)

Promote international standards in fields of electronics, magnetics and electromagnetics, electroacoustics, multimedia, and telecommunications

Works with ISO to develop standards for the IT industry

ANSI - American National Standards Institute

Non-profit organization that represents the U.S. to international organizations such as ISO and IEC Promotes adoption of U.S. and international standards that make U.S. businesses more competitive in global markets

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Additional Standards Organizations

Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA)
Develops standards for electronic components, consumer electronics, and telecommunications Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. (IEEE) Internal authority on biomedical technology, consumer electronics, computer engineering, electric power, aerospace, and telecommunications

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Additional Standards Organizations

International Telecommunications Union (ITU)
International forum for government agencies and industry representatives Develops standards for telecommunications European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) European standards organization in the areas of telecommunications, broadcasting, and information technology
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