Networking Basics

(DATA101)

Objectives
At the end of this module, participants should be
able to:
Enumerate the different parts of a data network.
Explain the functions of each component.
Connect/assemble a simple office data network.

LAN Benefits

Resource Sharing with local area network, workers share access

to peripherals such as printers, platters, fax, disk storage, etc.

LAN Benefits

Programs LAN is the reason why we can send e-mail, participants

in netmeeting or share calendar.
You can install your office softwares through a network installer.

LAN Benefits

LAN

Processing Power an authorized person can have

access from his computer a location of database and
process data remotely.
It increases the manpower productivity as compared to
stand-alone machine

LAN Benefits

E-mail programs can transfer word processing documents to

another persons Computer

Bus Topology

Bus topology is a method of connectivity where

computers use a single cable all throughout the network.
A single cable runs through all computers.

Bus Topology
Advantages
One cable connects computer-to-computer.
Uses T-Connectors at the back to allow the cable to run to the next
computer
Disadvantages
The entire network shuts down if there is a break in the cable
Require less cable length than a star topology.
Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.
Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.

Star Topology

Star topology is designed with each node (file server,

workstation, peripheral) connected directly to a central
hub or concentrator.

Star Topology
Advantages
Easy to install and wire.
No disruptions to the network when connecting or
removing devices.
Easy to detect faults and remove parts.
Disadvantages
Requires more cable length than a linear topology.
If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached are
disabled.
More expensive than linear bus because of the cost of
the concentrator.

Tree Topology

Tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star

topologies.
It consists of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus
backbone cable.

Tree Topology
Advantages
Point-to-Point wiring for individual segments.
Supported by several device and software vendors.
Disadvantages
Overall length each segment is limited by the type of
cabling used.
If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes
down.
More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

Star-Wired Ring Topology

Star-wired ring topology may appear (externally) to be

the same as a star topology.
Internally, the MAU (Multistation Access Unit) of a starwired ring contains wiring that allows information to pass
from one device to another in a circle or ring.

Test
1. Resource sharing is the primary benefits of data networking.
Please give an example.

Ans: Processing power

2. A topology that uses a single cable throughout the network.

Ans: Bus Topology

3. A topology that allows you to connect or remove workstations w/o

disruption.

Ans:Star Topology

4. It passes information from computer to computer before reaching

the destination.

Ans: Token-Passing

5. A topology thats easy to install.

Ans: Star Topology

Media Access Control Protocol

Media Access Control is a protocol that establishes rules for sending
and receiving messages over the network cabling. Below is the
definition of a protocol.

Protocol
Protocol it is a set of rules that governs the
communications between computers on a network.
These rules include guidelines that regulate the following
characteristics of a network such as:
Allowed physical topology
Types of cabling
Speed of data transfer

Ethernet MAC

Ethernet was one of the first LAN MAC protocols.

It uses a technique known as broadcasting or carrier sense multiple
access/collision detection (CSMA/CD) to transmit messages.
A message is broadcast down the cabling pipe that connects the computers.

All of the LAN stations hear the message, but only the addressee
responds.

Ethernet
Advantages
Speed is fast from 10 Mbps, 100 Mbps to 1Gbps.
Supports coaxial, UTP and fiber optic cables.
Each station has equal access to the cable.
Supports a variety of LAN applications.
Disadvantages
Wait time to transmit is unpredictable
Network congestions may result in more frequent
collisions.

Token-Passing MAC

Token passing is a MAC protocol that uses a token to pass

messages.
A token is an electronic flag that carries a frame of data.
The token is passed from computer to computer.

Token-Passing
Advantages
Can use fiber optic cabling for high speeds.
Equal access to all users.
Can handle many users.
Messages do not collide.
Disadvantages
Computer must wait for the token before sending, a delay which can
be long in large rings.
A token can be lost.

LAN Components
1. Network Adapter
2. Network Media
1.
2.
3.
4.

Twisted Pair
Coaxial
Fiber
Wireless

3. Concentrator

Network Adapter

Network interface card (NIC) is also referred to as LAN adapter.

LAN adapters are installed in each networked computer and in the
server.
The LAN adapter moves data to and from the random access
memory (RAM) to the network cabling.

Twisted Pair

UTP is an unshielded twisted pairs of wires inside an insulating

outer jacket.
Each pair is twisted with a different number of twists per inch.

RJ45 Connector

It uses RJ45 connector which is determined by the LAN

adapter.

STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)

STP shielded twisted pair (STP) wire encases the twisted pairs in a foil
wrap and then in a woven copper braid.
The foil wrap and copper braid give STP more shielding protection which
reduces electrical noise.

It uses D-Shell connectors. IBM has successfully marketed a wiring

using STP fro their Token Ring installations.

Coaxial Cable

Coaxial cable is used for because it provides high speeds and low
error rates.
The coaxial cable consists of a solid copper inner core surrounded by
insulation and copper braid shielding. The shielding protects against
electrical noise.
Coaxial comes in two versions: thin and thick coaxial.
Coaxial cables terminate in BNC (British National Connector)
connectors.
Good quality connectors are plated with silver, rather than tin.

Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cable used not only in OSP but also for LANs.
FO cables use light pulses to carry data. The light source is either a
laser or a light-emitting diode (LED).
The light signals are not affected by electrical noise.
The most common connector used with fiber optic cable is an ST
connector.
A newer connector, the SC, is becoming more popular.

Wireless LAN

Wireless network devices broadcast signals beyond the reach of

copper or fiber cables.
It provides portable or mobile networking capability.
It uses a license-free spectrum of 2.4Ghz frequency.

Concentrator (Hub)

Data networking requires a network concentrator which is the

adjoining point of network cables.
Wiring concentrators, hubs, and switches provide a common
physical connection point for computing devices.
Most hubs and all wiring concentrators and switches have built-in
signal repeating capability to perform signal repair and
retransmission

Concentrator (Hub)

Hubs work at the physical layer (layer 1) of the OSI model, and the
term layer 1 switch is often used interchangeably with hub.
A network hub or repeater, is a fairly unsophisticated broadcast
device.
Hubs do not manage any of the traffic that comes through them, and
any packet entering any port is broadcast out on every other port
(other than the port of entry).

Test
It sets the rules in sending and receiving of messages over the
network cabling.
Media Access Control Protocol

A MAC protocol that uses carrier-sense multiple access/collision

detection technique.
Ethernet

What is the minimum data speed of an Ethernet protocol?

10 Mbps

What type of connector is used for UTP cable?

RJ45

What is the most popular medium for local area networking?

UTP twisted pair or cat5e

A network component which moves the data from a computers

RAM to the network cabling system.
Network Interface Card