EGO_BOU_2020_Networks

Computer Networks
 A network is a group of connected computers that allows people to share
information. In network multiple users can access the same information and
connected to the same resources.

Networking benefits:
 Information sharing
The ability to share information and data quickly and inexpensively is one of
the popular benefits of networking technology.

 Hardware and software sharing

Before the advent of networks, computer users required their own printers and
other peripherals' which is an expensive factor in a large organization. The
network revolution reduced these costs drastically by making it possible for
several users to share hardware and software simultaneously.

 Centralized administration and support

Networking computers also simplifies administration and support tasks. From
just a single location, the network administrator can perform administrative
tasks on any computer on the network.


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Major Types of Networks:

Computer network are classified into one of two groups, depending on their size and
function.

A local area network(LAN).

Local area network can range from simple (two computers connected by a cable) to
complex(hundred of connected computers and peripherals throughout a major
corporation). The fig below shows the LAN network.

Metropolitan area network(MAN).

A metropolitan area network(MAN) is a network that interconnect users with
computer resources in a geographic Area or region larger than covered by even a large
local area network(LAN) but smaller than area covered by a wide area network(WAN).
The term is applied to the interconnection of network in a city.
Example of MAN Cable television or wireless telecommunications such as WIMAX

Wide area network(WAN).

A wide area network(WAN), on the other hand, has no geographical limit(see the fig).
it can connect computers and other devices on opposite sides of the world. A WAN is
made up of a number of interconnected LANs. The internet is an example of WANs.

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Network Configuration:
 Peer to peer networks.
 Client – server.
1- Peer-to-peer Networks.
Advantages of peer-to-peer.
 Low Cost
 Simple to Configure
 User has full accessibility of the computer.
Disadvantages of peer-to-peer.
 May have duplication in resources.
 Difficult to uphold security policy.
 Where peer-to-peer network is appropriate.
 10 or less users.
 No specialized services required
 Security is not an issue.

2- Client Server
A server is a computer connected to a network that distributes and stores resources for
other network users.
With proper licensing, many network users can use the same applications and data files
simultaneously and share other resources, such as storage space or a printer.
Advantages of Client/Server networks.
 Centralization.
 Proper Management.
 Upgrading.
 Accessibility.
 Security.
Disadvantages of Client/Server networks.
 High Cost for Servers.
 Need expert to configure the network.

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Network Topology

Bus topology.

The bus topology is often referred to as a “linear bus” because the computers are
connected in a straight line. This is the simplest and most common method of
networking computers. It consists of single cable called a trunk(also called a backbone
or segment) that connects all of the computers in the network in a single line.

Fig shows Bus Topology Network

Ring topology

The ring topology connects computers on a single circle of cable. Unlike the bus topology,
there are no terminated ends. The signals travel around the loop in one direction and pass
through each computer, which can act as a repeater to boost the signal and send it on to
the next computer. The failure of one computer can have an impact on the entire network.

Fig shows simple Ring Topology Network

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Token Ring topology

One method of transmitting data around a ring is called token passing. (A token is a
special series of bits that travels around a token-ring network. Each network has only one
token.) The token is passed from computer to computer until it gets to a computer that has
data to send. The sending computer modifies the token, puts an electronic address on the
data, and send it around the ring.

Fig shows A computer grabs the token and passes it around the ring.

Star topology

In the star topology, cable segments from each computer are connected to a centralized
computer called a hub. Signals are transmitted from the sending computer through the hub
to all computers on the network.

Fig shows the simple star network

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Mesh topology
A mesh topology network offers superior redundancy and reliability. In a mesh
topology, each computer is connected to every other computer by separate cabling. This
configuration provides redundant paths throughout the network so that if one cable fails,
another will take over the traffic. These networks are expensive to install because they user a
lot of cabling.

Fig shows the Mesh topology all computers are connected to each other by separate cables.

Selecting a Topology:
There are many factors to consider when deciding which topology best suits the needs
of an organization. The below table provides some guidelines for selecting a topology.

Topology Advantages Disadvantages

Bus  Network can be slow in heavy traffic
 Use of cable is economical
 Problems are difficult to isolate.
 Media is inexpensive and easy
 The network shuts down if there is a
to work with
break in the main cable.
 System is simple and reliable.
 Terminators are required at both ends
 Bus is easy to extend.
of the backbone.
 Required less cable length than
other networks.

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Topology Advantages
Ring  System provides equal access
for all computers
 Performance is even despite
many users
Star  Modifing system and adding
new computers is easy
 Centralized monitoring and
management are possible.
 Failure of one computer dose
not affect the rest of the
network.
Mesh  System provides increased
redundancy and reliability as
well as ease of troubleshooting.
Networking Applications:
 E-mail
 Searchable Data(Web Sites).
 Chat Groups.
 Instant Messengers.
 Video Conferencing.
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Disadvantages
 Failure of one computer can impact the
rest of the network.
 Problems are hard to isolate.
 Data packets must pass through every
computer between the sender and
recipient therefore, this makes it
slower.
 If the centralized point fails, the
network fails.
 Need more cables.
 System is expensive to install because
it uses a lot of cabling.
 Complicated (implementations).