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Computer Networks and their Uses Network Models Network Categories Network Topologies Networking Devices Network Standards
Computer Networks
A network is a set of devices (often referred to as nodes) connected by communication links
A node can be a
computer Printer or any other device
Computer Networks;
A simple definition
A computer network is a set of two or more computers connected together in order to share information and resources
The computers in a network are also called nodes, clients, workstations or servers.
Network Models
Networks Models
Networks can be categorized by the roles the servers and PCs play in Network Some networks use servers (ClientServer Models) and some do not (Peer-to-Peer Models)
The client computer requests a service from the server computer Server responds to the request by providing the requested service This arrangement requires special software for the nodes and the server This model is not Network type specific.
It can be used in LAN, WAN, MAN etc.
2. Peer-to-Peer Network
Each computer has same status There is no server computer to control the network Each computer stores its data and software independently normally deployed in LANs.
Network Categories
Network Categories
Into which category a network falls is determined by
its size ownership the distance it covers and physical architecture.
Uses of LANs
Software sharing Hardware sharing Easy to manage data Security as data can be stored on central computer in the network Data Sharing
A MAN may be wholly owned and operated by a private company, or it may be a service provided by a public company,
such as local telephone company.
covers larger area then LAN but a small geographical area then WAN A MAN often acts as a high-speed network.
Uses of WAN
Communication Facility Remote data entry Information sharing
Network Topologies
Network Topologies
The Term physical topology refers to the way in which a network is laid out physically The Physical layout or arrangement of connected devices in a network is called topology.
It is also called shape of a Network.
Bus Topology
It In Bus topology, all computers or network nodes are connected to a common communication medium.
This medium is often central wire known as bus. The terminators are used at the end of a bus to absorb signals.
Disadvantages
Difficult to troubleshoot Only supports small number of computers Increased number of nodes reduces the speed
2. Star Topology
All computers in star topology are connected with central device called hub Mostly used in client-server networks
Disadvantages:
If central hub fails, the whole network is lost Expensive
3. Ring Topology
In Ring Topology, each computer connected to the next computer with the last connected to the first Thus a ring of computers is formed.
Disadvantages:
Failure of one computer in the ring affect the whole network It is difficult to troubleshoot Difficult to modify the network
4. Mesh Topology
In a Mesh Topology, every device in the network is physically connected to every other device in the network A message can be sent on different possible paths form source to destination provides improved performance and reliability mostly used in WANs.
Disadvantages:
Very Expensive Difficult to install Difficult to troubleshoot
Networking Devices
1. Bridge
A device that connects two network segments using similar protocol When a bridge receives a signal
it determines the segment where the signal should be sent It reads the addresses of sending and receiving computers If both computers are in the same segment, bridge does not pass the signal to the other segment.
2. Gateway
A device that connects two or more networks with different types of protocols Two different types of networks require a gateway to communicate with each other It receives data from one network and converts it according to the protocol of other network.
3. Router
A device that connects multiple networks that use similar or different protocols It manages the best route between any two communication networks It consists of hardware and software
The hardware can be a network server or a separate computer The software includes Operating system and routing protocol.
Network standards
Network standards
The standards are the documents that contain technical and physical specifications about the network being designed There are two types of network standard as follows:
1. De-Facto 2. De-Jure
1. De-Fact
De-Facto means by tradition or by facts These are the standards which were developed without any formal planning. These standards come into existence due to historical developments.
2. De-Jure
De-Jure means according to law or regulation These standards are developed with proper research to fulfill the requirement of data communication.
References
1. Data Communication and Networks by Behrouz A. Forouzan 2. Computer Applications in Business by Tasleem Mustafa 3. Introduction to Computers by Peter Norton