LEARNING AREA 3 –

COMPUTER NETWORKS AND COMMUNICATIONS

Topic 3.1 - Basic Concepts of Networks and Communications

3.1.1 Definition

3.1.1.1 Define computer networks.

A computer network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via
communication devices and transmission media. It may connect computers, printers and
scanners.

3.1.1.2 Define communications.

Communication describes a process in which two or more computer or devices transfer

data, instructions and information.

3.1.2 Importance of Computer Network

3.1.2.1 State the importance of computer networks and communications.

There are many importance of computer networks and communications such as we can
sharing devices and program. We also can share the files, data, information and also
sharing high speed internet connection. Other than that, we can access server centered
database.
3.1.3 Types of Networks

3.1.3.1 Define types of computer networks: LAN, MAN and WAN

• LAN - Local Area Network

That connect computers and devices in a limited geographical area such as home,
school computer laboratory and office building.

• MAN - Metropolitan Area Network

High speed network that connects local area networks in a metropolitan area such
as city or town and handles bulk of communications activity across the region.

• WAN - Wide Area Network

Network that covers a large geographical area such as country or the world.
WAN combines many types of media such as telephone lines, cables and radio
waves. The internet is the world largest WAN.

3.1.3.2 Differentiate between the three types of computer networks.

The differentiate between the three types of computer networks are geographical
area, cost and speed. WAN is a network that covers a large geographical area such as
city, country or the world. But, for LAN and MAN only covers in a limited geographical
area such as home, school lab and office building.

In a case of WAN the cost of data transmission is very high/ expensive because the
transmission mediums used to be hired. The cost of LAN and MAN is less because the
transmission medium is owned by a single organization.

The speed of data transmission of WAN is lower while the speed of data transmission
is much higher in LAN.
3.1.4 Network Architecture

3.1.4.1 Define two types of network architecture: Client/Server and Peer-to-Peer.

• CLIENT/SERVER

A network architecture in which each computer or process on the network is either a

client or a server. Servers are powerful computers or processes dedicated to managing
disk drives (file servers), printers (print servers), or network traffic (network servers ).
Clients are PCs or workstations on which users run applications. Clients rely on
servers for resources, such as files, devices, and even processing power.

• PEER-TO-PEER

Often referred to simply as peer-to-peer, or abbreviated P2P, a type of network in

which each workstation has equivalent capabilities and responsibilities. This differs
from client/server architectures, in which some computers are dedicated to serving the
others. Peer-to-peer networks are generally simpler, but they usually do not offer
the same performance under heavy loads.
3.1.5 Network Topology

3.1.5.1 State three types of network topologies.

• Bus topology:
All devices are connected to a central cable, called the bus or backbone. Bus
networks are relatively inexpensive and easy to install for small networks. Ethernet
systems use a bus topology.

• Ring topology :
All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a closed loop, so that each
device is connected directly to two other devices, one on either side of it. Ring
topologies are relatively expensive and difficult to install, but they offer high
bandwidth and can span large distances.

• Star topology:
All devices are connected to a central hub. Star networks are relatively easy to install
and manage, but bottlenecks can occur because all data must pass through the hub.

3.1.5.2 Differentiate between the three types of network topology.

There are many differentiate of the types of network topology. There are central device,
data transmitted, installation and maintenance. Bus and star go to both direction while the
ring only go to one direction. It installation and maintenance of bus and star also same
that is easy for install and ring is difficult. If one node fails bus and star are still working
but the entire network of ring is stop working.
3.1.6 Protocol

3.1.6.1 Define Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) as a protocol to facilitate

communication over computer network.

A protocol is a set of rules for the exchanges of data between a terminal and computer or
between two computers. Think of protocol as a sort of precommunication agreement
about the form in which a message or data to be sent and receipt is to be acknowledge.

TCP/ IP is short for Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol. TCP/ IP is a

network standard , specifically a protocol , that defines how messages are routed from
one end of a network to the other, ensures the data arrives correctly.

3.1.7 Internet, Intranet, Extranet

3.1.7.1 Describe the types of network communications technology:

• Internet • Intranet • Extranet

• Internet
An internet is a public network. It is worldwide collection of networks that links
millions of businesses, government agencies, educational institutions and
individuals.

• Intranets

Topic An3.2intranets is a private

- Hardware network within an organization that resembles the internet.
Requirement
Organization use intranets to provide information to their employees.
3.2.1 Devices
3.2.1.1 Identify the devices needed in computer network
communication :
• extranets • Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Wireless Network Interface Card
An extranets is a (internal
• Modem private and
network that connects more than one organization. It is
external) to
•
allow supplier, customers and businesses partner limited access to their networks.
Hub / Switch
• Router
3.2 Hardware Requirements
3.2.1 Devices
3.2.1.1 Identify the devices needed in computer network communication.

There are six devices that needed in computer network communication are a network
interface card ( NIC ), a wireless network interface card, a modem, hub, wireless access
point and a router.

3.2.1.2 State the functions of the following:

• Network Interface Card (NIC)
• Wireless Network Interface Card
• Modem (internal and external)
• Hub / Switch
• Router
• Wireless Access Point

The function of

• network interface card (NIC) is a communication device that enables a computer or

device to access wired network ( via cable )
• A wireless network interface card also is a communication that enables a computer to
access a wireless network ( via radio wave).
• A modem is a communication that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone or
cable line. Modem converts digitals signals from your computer into analog signals to
send over the phone lines and converts the phone’s analog signals into digital for the
computer.
• A hub is a communication devices that is used for connecting wired computers of devices
on a LAN.
• A wireless access point is a communication device that is used for connecting wireless
computers of devices on LAN.
• A router is a communication device that connects multiple computers and transmits data
to its correct destination on the network. It’s also allows multiple computers to share a
single high-speed internet connection.
3.2.2 Medium
3.2.2.1 Identify various types of cables such as Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP), Shielded Twisted
Pair (STP), Coaxial and Fibre Optic Cable.

• Twisted pair cable are insulted copper wire, twisted around each other. Multiple twisted
pairs can be combined into a single cable. This twisted –pair configuration somewhat
reduces interference from electrical field.

• Coaxial cable consists of a single copper wire surrounded by at least three layer an
insulating material, braided wired, plastic coating.

• Fibre Optic consists of dozens of hundreds of thin strands of glass that use light transmit
signal. Each strand. Call optical fibre, is as thin as a human hair.

3.2.2.2 Identify various types of wireless transmission media such as infrared, radio wave and
satellite.

• Infrared- type of wireless transmission medium that sends signals using infrared light
waves. To communicate each other, Infrared devices often must be within about 5
meters.

• Radio wave- Bluetooth = uses short –range radio waves to transmit data between two
bluetooth devices.

WiFi = ( Wireless Fidelity ) transfers between devices at rate of 11-54

Mbps. To communicate each other, WiFi devices often must be
within about 30 meters.

• Satellite – space station that receives microwave signals from an earth-based station,
amplifies the signals and broadcasts the signal back over a wide area to any number of
earth- based stations.
Topic 3.3 - Software Requirements
3.3.1 Server Software
3.3.1.1 Define Network Operating System.

Network operating system is an operating system that is designed to

support a network. Network operating system organizes and coordinates
how multiples users and share resources on a network.

3.3.1.2 Name various Network Operating System Software.

1) Netware 2) Windows Server 2000 3) UNIX 4) Solaris

5) Linux ( Red Hat, SUSE, KDE, Ubuntu )

3.3.2 Client Software

3.3.2.1 State the functions of various client software.(web browser, email client, network utilities,
network file manager)

• Web browser – 1) Retrieve and view internet-based information. They enables us to

view information from the World Wide Web.
2) Interact with servers. Allow us to interact with servers- based
systems and to submit information to this system.
3) View electronic documents. They are the foundation tool for
viewing electronic documents.
4) E-mail. Allow us to send and receive e-mail.

• Network utilities – Ping = to provide a check that a particular IP address as available

and reachable.

• Network file manager – My network places replaces the Network Neighborhood

feature that you used in both Windows 98 and Windows NT
4.0.

TOPIC 3.4 : Setting Networks Facilities

3.4.1 Installation of Network Interface Cards (NIC)
3.4.1.1 Insert network interface cards (NIC).

Remove all jewelry from your hands and wrists and use only insulated or nonconducting tools.

Follow these steps to insert the NIC in your PC:

1 . Turn off power to the PC, and remove the power cord from the PC.

2 . Unscrew the cover screws and remove the cover.

On some PCs, it may be necessary to remove all cables before the cover can be removed.

3 . Locate an available ISA or EISA slot and remove the screw from the corresponding backplate and save
the screw.

Some PCs have both ISA and PCI slots. Make sure that you install the EtherLink III ISA NIC in either an
ISA or an EISA slot.
PCI slots, the shortest of the three types of slots, are white. The longer ISA slots are black. EISA slots, the
longest, are brown.

4 . Remove and discard the backplate.

5 . Ensure that the shape and length of the edge connector on the NIC match the slot that you intend to use.

6 . Carefully insert the NIC into the slot; press firmly with steady pressure to ensure that the NIC is fully
seated in the slot.

When the NIC is correctly inserted in the slot, the NIC backplate is flush with the PC backplate.

7 . Secure the NIC with the backplate screw.

8 . Replace the PC cover. Reinsert and tighten the cover screws.

9 . Reconnect all power and peripheral cables.

3.4.1.2 Install drivers for the NIC.

To install the network adapter driver, follow these steps:

1. In Control Panel, double-click Network.

2. On the Adapters tab, click Add.
3. Click Have Disk.
4. Type the path to the third-party network adapter driver files in the Insert Disk box. If the
driver files are on a floppy disk, verify that the disk is inserted in the floppy disk drive
before proceeding. Click OK.
5. Click the network adapter driver for your network card in the Select OEM Option box,
and then click OK.
6. Choose the configuration settings for your network adapter, and then click OK.
7. Choose or type any other necessary network configuration options on the Identification,
Services, and Protocols tabs, and then click Close.
8. If any additional network software options are installed, you may be prompted for
additional information about these settings.
9. Click Yes when you are prompted to restart your computer.

3.4.2 Cable Crimping and Testing

3.4.2.1 Crimp and test UTP cable
• Straight cable
• Crossed cable

Straight cable is used to connect computers to a network through a hub and for crossed
cable is used to connect two computing devides directly.

3.4.2.2 Create awareness of the correct way when crimping a cable.

First step is skin off the cable jacket using cable stripper. Second, untwist each pair and
straighten each wire and arranged it as follows. Then, cut all the wires. Next, insert the
wires into the RJ45 connector. After that, place the connector into a crimping tool, and
squeeze hard so that the handle reaches its full swing. Finally, use a cable tester to test for
proper continuity.

3.4.3 Configuration and Testing of Network

 3.4.3.1 Configure the workstation to join a Local Area Network :
• Internet Protocol (IP) Address
• Subnet Mask
• Server name

1) IP address= 192.168.1.7
2) Subnet Mask= 255.255.255.0
3) Default gateway= 192.168.1.1

3.4.3.2 Test the network connection.

Best utility to test network connection is by using the ping command. The ping command
displays whether the destination responded and how it took to receive a reply.

3.4.4 Share Data

3.4.4.1 Create a shared folder.

Step 1:

On your desktop, create a shared folder: Right-click your mouse button on any blank space on your
desktop and point towards NEW and then click on FOLDER.
The new folder will appear on your desktop as shown below:

Step 2:

Rename the folder: Pointing towards the New Folder icon, click the right mouse-button and then click
on RENAME.
Name the newly created folder SHARED

Step 3:

Right click on the SHARED folder and then click on SHARING, a SHARED properties window will
appear with the "sharing" tab selected. (see step 4)
Step 4:

On the SHARED Properties window click on "Share this folder" option to select it.
Step 5:

Click on the Permissions button:

Step 6:

You will see in the "Permissions for SHARED" window, and under Name you will see EVERYONE
listed. Highlight EVERYONE by clicking on it once and then click on the "REMOVE" button to remove
Everyone from the list.
Once you have removed EVERYONE from the list you will see the following window:
Step 7:

Now click on the ADD button and you will see the "Select Users, Computers, or Groups" window (See
step 8)

Step 8:

You will now add yourself to permit access to the shared folder. Type in your last name followed by a
comma and then your first name.
Step 9:

Click on the CHECK NAMES button and you will see your name appear with an underline, showing
that your name has been verified on the network.

Click OK
The "Permissions for SHARED" window will appear with your name under the NAME field:

Step 10:

In the "Permission for SHARED" window under the PERMISSIONS field check the ALLOW boxes next
to "Full Control" & "Change". So the PERMISSIONS field will show 3 boxes checked showing
ALLOWED for all three functions. You have given yourself FULL CONTROL of the shared folder.
Click OK; You could also click on APPLY and then click OK.

Step 11:

In the "SHARED Properties" window click on the SECURITY tab on the top right hand side. You
should see your name appear here as shown below. Do not change anything here. If your name
does not appear here go back to Step 7 and repeat Steps 7 through 11 in order to add yourself.
Click OK; You could also click on APPLY and then click OK.

You have now successfully created a shared folder which should show on your desktop as shown
below: