NETWORKING

Learning Objectives:
1. Define computer network and its importance.
2. Classify the different network topologies
WHAT IS A COMPUTER
NETWORK?
A computer network is an interconnected group of computers. In
general, the term network can refer to any interconnected group or
system. More specifically, a network is any method of sharing
information between two systems .Could be thru wire, fiber optic or
wireless.
BENEFITS OF SHARING
INFORMATION VIA NETWORK
In addition to reducing hardware costs by sharing expensive printers
and other peripherals among multiple users, networks provide
additional benefits to the users.
• Software and data files can be shared for access by multiple users.
• Electronic mail e-mail can be sent and received.
• Collaboration features allow contributions by multiple users to a single
document.
• Remote-control programs can be used to troubleshoot problems or
show new users how to perform a task.
SHARED HARDWARE
COMPONENTS
Virtually, any storage or output device can be shared over a network,
but the most common devices to be used over a network include:
• Printers
• Disk drives
• CD-ROM and optical drives
• Modems
• Tape backup units
NETWORK TOPOLOGIES
WHAT IS TOPOLOGY?
- defines the structure of the network. There are
two parts to the topology definition: the physical
topology which is the actual layout of the wire
(media) and the logical topology which defines how
the media is accessed by the hosts. It refers also to
how computers are being connected with each
other.
TYPES OF TOPOLOGIES
TYPES OF TOPOLOGIES
 BUS topology – uses a single backbone segment
(length of cable) that all the hosts connect to
directly.

 RING topology – connects one host to the next

and the last host to the first. This creates a
physical ring of cable.
 STAR topology – connects all cables to a central
point of concentration. This point is usually a
hub or switch. It has a focal point where all the
resources are there.

 EXTENDED STAR topology – uses the star

topology to be created. It links individual stars
together by linking the hubs/switches. This will
extend the length of the network.
 HIERARCHICAL topology – is created similar to an
extended star but instead of linking the
hubs/switches together, the system is linked to a
computer that controls the traffic on the topology.

 MESH topology – is used when there can be

absolutely no break in communications. So as you
can see in the graphic, each host has its
connections to all other hosts.
TYPES OF TOPOLOGIES
NETWORKING
DEVICES
HOSTS
Devices that connect directly to a network
segment. These hosts include computers, both
clients and servers, printers, scanners and many
other devices. These devices provide the users
with connection to the network, with which the
users share, create and obtain information.
NETWORK INTERFACE
CARD
Is a printed circuit board that fits into the expansion slot of a bus on a
computer’s motherboard or peripheral device. It is considered to be
found in Layer 2 devices because each individual NIC throughout the
world carries a unique code, called the Media Access Control (MAC)
address.
NETWORK INTERFACE
CARD
REPEATER
Is an electronic device that receives a signal and
retransmits it at a higher level and/or higher power,
or onto the other side of an obstruction, so that the
signal can cover longer distances. The purpose of a
repeater is regenerate and retimes network signals
at the bit level to allow them to travel a longer
distance on the media.
REPEATER
HUB
Is a device for connecting multiple twisted pair or the fiber optic
Ethernet devices together and thus making them act as a single
network segment.
 SWITCH
Is to concentrate connectivity, while making data transmission more
efficient. A device that is able to combine the connectivity of a hub with the
traffic regulation of a bridge on each port.
ROUTER
The first device that you will work with that us at the OSI’s network layer,
or other known as Layer 3. The purpose of a router is to examine
incoming packets, choose the best path for them in a network and then
switch them to the proper outgoing port.
ROUTER