Data Communication

Data communications refers to the transmission of this digital data between two or more computers
and a computer network or data network is a telecommunications network that allows computers
to exchange data. The physical connection between networked computing devices is established
using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.
This tutorial should teach you basics of Data Communication and Computer Network (DCN) and will
also take you through various advance concepts related to Data Communication and Computer
Network.

Why to Learn Data Communication & Computer Network?

Network Basic Understanding
A system of interconnected computers and computerized peripherals such as printers is called
computer network. This interconnection among computers facilitates information sharing among
them. Computers may connect to each other by either wired or wireless media.
Network Engineering
Networking engineering is a complicated task, which involves software, firmware, chip level
engineering, hardware, and electric pulses. To ease network engineering, the whole networking
concept is divided into multiple layers. Each layer is involved in some particular task and is
independent of all other layers. But as a whole, almost all networking tasks depend on all of these
layers. Layers share data between them and they depend on each other only to take input and send
output.
Internet
A network of networks is called an internetwork, or simply the internet. It is the largest network in
existence on this planet.The internet hugely connects all WANs and it can have connection to LANs
and Home networks. Internet uses TCP/IP protocol suite and uses IP as its addressing protocol.
Present day, Internet is widely implemented using IPv4. Because of shortage of address spaces, it is
gradually migrating from IPv4 to IPv6.
Internet enables its users to share and access enormous amount of information worldwide. It uses
WWW, FTP, email services, audio and video streaming etc. At huge level, internet works on Client-
Server model.
Internet uses very high speed backbone of fiber optics. To inter-connect various continents, fibers
are laid under sea known to us as submarine communication cable.

Applications of Communication & Computer Network

Computer systems and peripherals are connected to form a network. They provide numerous
advantages:
• Resource sharing such as printers and storage devices
• Exchange of information by means of e-Mails and FTP
• Information sharing by using Web or Internet
 • Interaction with other users using dynamic web pages
• IP phones
• Video conferences
• Parallel computing
• Instant messaging

Prerequisites
Before you start proceeding with this tutorial, I'm making an assumption that you are already aware
about basic computer concepts like what is keyboard, mouse, monitor, input, output, primary
memory and secondary memory etc
A system of interconnected computers and computerized peripherals such as printers is called
computer network. This interconnection among computers facilitates information sharing among
them. Computers may connect to each other by either wired or wireless media.

Classification of Computer Networks

Computer networks are classified based on various factors. They includes:
• Geographical span
• Inter-connectivity
• Administration
• Architecture

Geographical Span
Geographically a network can be seen in one of the following categories:
• It may be spanned across your table, among Bluetooth enabled devices,. Ranging not more
than few meters.
• It may be spanned across a whole building, including intermediate devices to connect all
floors.
• It may be spanned across a whole city.
• It may be spanned across multiple cities or provinces.
• It may be one network covering whole world.

Inter-Connectivity
Components of a network can be connected to each other differently in some fashion. By
connectedness we mean either logically , physically , or both ways.
• Every single device can be connected to every other device on network, making the network
mesh.
• All devices can be connected to a single medium but geographically disconnected, created
bus like structure.
 • Each device is connected to its left and right peers only, creating linear structure.
• All devices connected together with a single device, creating star like structure.
• All devices connected arbitrarily using all previous ways to connect each other, resulting in a
hybrid structure.

Administration
From an administrator’s point of view, a network can be private network which belongs a single
autonomous system and cannot be accessed outside its physical or logical domain. A network can
be public which is accessed by all.

Network Architecture
• Computer networks can be discriminated into various types such as Client-Server, peer-to-
peer or hybrid, depending upon its architecture.
• There can be one or more systems acting as Server. Other being Client, requests the Server to
serve requests. Server takes and processes request on behalf of Clients.
• Two systems can be connected Point-to-Point, or in back-to-back fashion. They both reside at
the same level and called peers.
• There can be hybrid network which involves network architecture of both the above types.

Network Applications
Computer systems and peripherals are connected to form a network. They provide numerous
advantages:
• Resource sharing such as printers and storage devices
• Exchange of information by means of e-Mails and FTP
• Information sharing by using Web or Internet
• Interaction with other users using dynamic web pages
• IP phones
• Video conferences
• Parallel computing
• Instant messaging
Generally, networks are distinguished based on their geographical span. A network can be as small
as distance between your mobile phone and its Bluetooth headphone and as large as the internet
itself, covering the whole geographical world,

Personal Area Network

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is smallest network which is very personal to a user. This may
include Bluetooth enabled devices or infra-red enabled devices. PAN has connectivity range up to 10
meters. PAN may include wireless computer keyboard and mouse, Bluetooth enabled headphones,
wireless printers and TV remotes.

For example, Piconet is Bluetooth-enabled Personal Area Network which may contain up to 8
devices connected together in a master-slave fashion.

Local Area Network

A computer network spanned inside a building and operated under single administrative system is
generally termed as Local Area Network (LAN). Usually, LAN covers an organization’ offices, schools,
colleges or universities. Number of systems connected in LAN may vary from as least as two to as
much as 16 million.
LAN provides a useful way of sharing the resources between end users. The resources such as
printers, file servers, scanners, and internet are easily sharable among computers.

LANs are composed of inexpensive networking and routing equipment. It may contain local servers
serving file storage and other locally shared applications. It mostly operates on private IP addresses
and does not involve heavy routing. LAN works under its own local domain and controlled centrally.
LAN uses either Ethernet or Token-ring technology. Ethernet is most widely employed LAN
technology and uses Star topology, while Token-ring is rarely seen.
LAN can be wired, wireless, or in both forms at once.

Metropolitan Area Network

The Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) generally expands throughout a city such as cable TV
network. It can be in the form of Ethernet, Token-ring, ATM, or Fiber Distributed Data Interface
(FDDI).
Metro Ethernet is a service which is provided by ISPs. This service enables its users to expand their
Local Area Networks. For example, MAN can help an organization to connect all of its offices in a
city.
Backbone of MAN is high-capacity and high-speed fiber optics. MAN works in between Local Area
Network and Wide Area Network. MAN provides uplink for LANs to WANs or internet.

Wide Area Network

As the name suggests,the Wide Area Network (WAN) covers a wide area which may span across
provinces and even a whole country. Generally, telecommunication networks are Wide Area
Network. These networks provide connectivity to MANs and LANs. Since they are equipped with
very high speed backbone, WANs use very expensive network equipment.

WAN may use advanced technologies such as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay,
and Synchronous Optical Network (SONET). WAN may be managed by multiple administration.

Internetwork
A network of networks is called an internetwork, or simply the internet. It is the largest network in
existence on this planet. The internet hugely connects all WANs and it can have connection to LANs
and Home networks. Internet uses TCP/IP protocol suite and uses IP as its addressing protocol.
Present day, Internet is widely implemented using IPv4. Because of shortage of address spaces, it is
gradually migrating from IPv4 to IPv6.
Internet enables its users to share and access enormous amount of information worldwide. It uses
WWW, FTP, email services, audio and video streaming etc. At huge level, internet works on Client-
Server model.
Internet uses very high speed backbone of fiber optics. To inter-connect various continents, fibers
are laid under sea known to us as submarine communication cable.
Internet is widely deployed on World Wide Web services using HTML linked pages and is accessible
by client software known as Web Browsers. When a user requests a page using some web browser
located on some Web Server anywhere in the world, the Web Server responds with the proper
HTML page. The communication delay is very low.
Internet is serving many proposes and is involved in many aspects of life. Some of them are:
• Web sites
• E-mail
• Instant Messaging
• Blogging
• Social Media
• Marketing
• Networking
• Resource Sharing
• Audio and Video Streaming

Ethernet
Ethernet is a widely deployed LAN technology.This technology was invented by Bob Metcalfe and
D.R. Boggs in the year 1970. It was standardized in IEEE 802.3 in 1980.
Ethernet shares media. Network which uses shared media has high probability of data collision.
Ethernet uses Carrier Sense Multi Access/Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) technology to detect
collisions. On the occurrence of collision in Ethernet, all its hosts roll back, wait for some random
amount of time, and then re-transmit the data.
Ethernet connector is,network interface card equipped with 48-bits MAC address. This helps other
Ethernet devices to identify and communicate with remote devices in Ethernet.
Traditional Ethernet uses 10BASE-T specifications.The number 10 depicts 10MBPS speed, BASE
stands for baseband, and T stands for Thick Ethernet. 10BASE-T Ethernet provides transmission
speed up to 10MBPS and uses coaxial cable or Cat-5 twisted pair cable with RJ-45 connector.
Ethernet follows star topology with segment length up to 100 meters. All devices are connected to a
hub/switch in a star fashion.

Fast-Ethernet
To encompass need of fast emerging software and hardware technologies, Ethernet extends itself as
Fast-Ethernet. It can run on UTP, Optical Fiber, and wirelessly too. It can provide speed up to 100
MBPS. This standard is named as 100BASE-T in IEEE 803.2 using Cat-5 twisted pair cable. It uses
CSMA/CD technique for wired media sharing among the Ethernet hosts and CSMA/CA (CA stands for
Collision Avoidance) technique for wireless Ethernet LAN.
Fast Ethernet on fiber is defined under 100BASE-FX standard which provides speed up to 100 MBPS
on fiber. Ethernet over fiber can be extended up to 100 meters in half-duplex mode and can reach
maximum of 2000 meters in full-duplex over multimode fibers.
Giga-Ethernet
After being introduced in 1995, Fast-Ethernet could enjoy its high speed status only for 3 years till
Giga-Ethernet introduced. Giga-Ethernet provides speed up to 1000 mbits/seconds. IEEE802.3ab
standardize Giga-Ethernet over UTP using Cat-5, Cat-5e and Cat-6 cables. IEEE802.3ah defines Giga-
Ethernet over Fiber.

Virtual LAN
LAN uses Ethernet which in turn works on shared media. Shared media in Ethernet create one single
Broadcast domain and one single Collision domain. Introduction of switches to Ethernet has
removed single collision domain issue and each device connected to switch works in its separate
collision domain. But even Switches cannot divide a network into separate Broadcast domains.
Virtual LAN is a solution to divide a single Broadcast domain into multiple Broadcast domains. Host
in one VLAN cannot speak to a host in another. By default, all hosts are placed into the same VLAN.

In this diagram, different VLANs are depicted in different color codes. Hosts in one VLAN, even if
connected on the same Switch cannot see or speak to other hosts in different VLANs. VLAN is Layer-
2 technology which works closely on Ethernet. To route packets between two different VLANs a
Layer-3 device such as Router is required.
A Network Topology is the arrangement with which computer systems or network devices are
connected to each other. Topologies may define both physical and logical aspect of the network.
Both logical and physical topologies could be same or different in a same network.

Point-to-Point
Point-to-point networks contains exactly two hosts such as computer, switches or routers, servers
connected back to back using a single piece of cable. Often, the receiving end of one host is
connected to sending end of the other and vice-versa.

If the hosts are connected point-to-point logically, then may have multiple intermediate devices. But
the end hosts are unaware of underlying network and see each other as if they are connected
directly.
Bus Topology
In case of Bus topology, all devices share single communication line or cable.Bus topology may have
problem while multiple hosts sending data at the same time. Therefore, Bus topology either uses
CSMA/CD technology or recognizes one host as Bus Master to solve the issue. It is one of the simple
forms of networking where a failure of a device does not affect the other devices. But failure of the
shared communication line can make all other devices stop functioning.

Both ends of the shared channel have line terminator. The data is sent in only one direction and as
soon as it reaches the extreme end, the terminator removes the data from the line.

Star Topology
All hosts in Star topology are connected to a central device, known as hub device, using a point-to-
point connection. That is, there exists a point to point connection between hosts and hub. The hub
device can be any of the following:
• Layer-1 device such as hub or repeater
• Layer-2 device such as switch or bridge
• Layer-3 device such as router or gateway

As in Bus topology, hub acts as single point of failure. If hub fails, connectivity of all hosts to all other
hosts fails. Every communication between hosts, takes place through only the hub.Star topology is
not expensive as to connect one more host, only one cable is required and configuration is simple.

Ring Topology
In ring topology, each host machine connects to exactly two other machines, creating a circular
network structure. When one host tries to communicate or send message to a host which is not
adjacent to it, the data travels through all intermediate hosts. To connect one more host in the
existing structure, the administrator may need only one more extra cable.
Failure of any host results in failure of the whole ring. Thus, every connection in the ring is a point of
failure. There are methods which employ one more backup ring.

Mesh Topology
In this type of topology, a host is connected to one or multiple hosts. This topology has hosts in
point-to-point connection with every other host or may also have hosts which are in point-to-point
connection to few hosts only.

Hosts in Mesh topology also work as relay for other hosts which do not have direct point-to-point
links. Mesh technology comes into two types:
• Full Mesh: All hosts have a point-to-point connection to every other host in the network. Thus
for every new host n(n-1)/2 connections are required. It provides the most reliable network
structure among all network topologies.
• Partially Mesh: Not all hosts have point-to-point connection to every other host. Hosts
connect to each other in some arbitrarily fashion. This topology exists where we need to
provide reliability to some hosts out of all.

Tree Topology
Also known as Hierarchical Topology, this is the most common form of network topology in use
presently. This topology imitates as extended Star topology and inherits properties of bus topology.
This topology divides the network in to multiple levels/layers of network. Mainly in LANs, a network
is bifurcated into three types of network devices. The lowermost is access-layer where computers
are attached. The middle layer is known as distribution layer, which works as mediator between
upper layer and lower layer. The highest layer is known as core layer, and is central point of the
network, i.e. root of the tree from which all nodes fork.
All neighboring hosts have point-to-point connection between them.Similar to the Bus topology, if
the root goes down, then the entire network suffers even.though it is not the single point of failure.
Every connection serves as point of failure, failing of which divides the network into unreachable
segment.

Daisy Chain
This topology connects all the hosts in a linear fashion. Similar to Ring topology, all hosts are
connected to two hosts only, except the end hosts.Means, if the end hosts in daisy chain are
connected then it represents Ring topology.

Each link in daisy chain topology represents single point of failure. Every link failure splits the
network into two segments.Every intermediate host works as relay for its immediate hosts.

Hybrid Topology
A network structure whose design contains more than one topology is said to be hybrid topology.
Hybrid topology inherits merits and demerits of all the incorporating topologies.

The above picture represents an arbitrarily hybrid topology. The combining topologies may contain
attributes of Star, Ring, Bus, and Daisy-chain topologies. Most WANs are connected by means of
Dual-Ring topology and networks connected to them are mostly Star topology networks. Internet is
the best example of largest Hybrid topology
Networking engineering is a complicated task, which involves software, firmware, chip level
engineering, hardware, and electric pulses. To ease network engineering, the whole networking
concept is divided into multiple layers. Each layer is involved in some particular task and is
independent of all other layers. But as a whole, almost all networking tasks depend on all of these
layers. Layers share data between them and they depend on each other only to take input and send
output.

Layered Tasks
In layered architecture of Network Model, one whole network process is divided into small tasks.
Each small task is then assigned to a particular layer which works dedicatedly to process the task
only. Every layer does only specific work.
In layered communication system, one layer of a host deals with the task done by or to be done by
its peer layer at the same level on the remote host. The task is either initiated by layer at the lowest
level or at the top most level. If the task is initiated by the-top most layer, it is passed on to the layer
below it for further processing. The lower layer does the same thing, it processes the task and
passes on to lower layer. If the task is initiated by lower most layer, then the reverse path is taken.

Every layer clubs together all procedures, protocols, and methods which it requires to execute its
piece of task. All layers identify their counterparts by means of encapsulation header and tail.

OSI Model
Open System Interconnect is an open standard for all communication systems. OSI model is
established by International Standard Organization (ISO). This model has seven layers:
 • Application Layer: This layer is responsible for providing interface to the application user.
This layer encompasses protocols which directly interact with the user.
• Presentation Layer: This layer defines how data in the native format of remote host should
be presented in the native format of host.
• Session Layer: This layer maintains sessions between remote hosts. For example, once
user/password authentication is done, the remote host maintains this session for a while
and does not ask for authentication again in that time span.
• Transport Layer: This layer is responsible for end-to-end delivery between hosts.
• Network Layer: This layer is responsible for address assignment and uniquely addressing
hosts in a network.
• Data Link Layer: This layer is responsible for reading and writing data from and onto the line.
Link errors are detected at this layer.
• Physical Layer: This layer defines the hardware, cabling wiring, power output, pulse rate etc.

Internet Model
Internet uses TCP/IP protocol suite, also known as Internet suite. This defines Internet Model which
contains four layered architecture. OSI Model is general communication model but Internet Model
is what the internet uses for all its communication.The internet is independent of its underlying
network architecture so is its Model. This model has the following layers:

• Application Layer: This layer defines the protocol which enables user to interact with the
network.For example, FTP, HTTP etc.
• Transport Layer: This layer defines how data should flow between hosts. Major protocol at
this layer is Transmission Control Protocol (TCP). This layer ensures data delivered between
hosts is in-order and is responsible for end-to-end delivery.
• Internet Layer: Internet Protocol (IP) works on this layer. This layer facilitates host addressing
and recognition. This layer defines routing.
• Link Layer: This layer provides mechanism of sending and receiving actual data.Unlike its OSI
Model counterpart, this layer is independent of underlying network architecture and
hardware.
Computer networking and telecommunication Notes:
Communication:
Definition: Communication means the exchange of idea, views, opinion, understanding, feelings, emotions, facts or
information between two or more persons by any sources or medium.

Telecommunication:
Definition: Telecommunication is the exchange of information over significant distances by electronic means.
Mobile phones, land lines, VOIP, etc. are examples of telecommunication.

Data communication:
Definition: Data communication is the movement of encoded information from one point to another by means of
the electrical or optical transmission system.
Basic elements of data communication:
Following are the basic elements of data communication:
a) Source / Sender.
b) Data communication device.
c) Communication medium.
d) Sink / Receiver
e) Communication protocol, etc.

Mode of data transmission:

Definition: A data transmission mode refers to how the data travels from sender to receiver.
There are three types of Mode of data transmission:
i. Simplex Duplex.
ii. Half Duplex.
iii. Full duplex, etc.

Simple duplex:
Definition: The mode of data transmission in which data transmitted in one way only is called simplex duplex.
Example: Television, Radio, and Newspaper, etc.

Half duplex:
Definition: The mode of data transmission in which data transmitted in both direction but not at the same time is
called half-duplex mode.
Example: Fax transfer and Willkie talkie, etc.

Full duplex:
Definition: The mode of data transmission in which data transmitted in both direction at the same time.
Example: Telephone signal and Computer transmission, etc.

Analog and Digital Signals:

Analog signal: The data transmission in which analog signals are transmitted in continuous form and can be
represented in sine waves is known as an analog signal.
Example: T.V transmission is an example of an Analog signal.

Digital signal: The data transmission in which data flow is in the form of bits (0,1) is known as the digital signal.
Example: Pen drive to hard drive, RAM to a microprocessor, etc.
Transmission media (Communication media):
Definition: Transmission media are the physical channels through which data is transmitted between transmission
media.

Types of Transmission media:

i. Guided/Bounded/Wired communication media.
ii. Unguided/Unbounded/ Wireless communication media, etc.

Guided/Wired communication media:

Definition: The transmission media which use wire to transfer data and information from source to destination are
called guided communication media.
For Example Twisted pair cable, Coaxial cable and Fiber optic cable, etc.

Twisted pair cable:

It has two types:
a) Shielded Twisted pair cable (STP)
b) Unshielded Twisted pair cable (UTP), etc.
Shielded Twisted pair cable (STP): The data carrying capacity from 16Mbps to 500Mbps, and more expensive than
UTP.
Unshielded Twisted pair cable (STP): The data carrying capacity is up to 100Mbps, and less expansive than STP.

Coaxial Cable:
Following are the properties of coaxial cable:
a) Data transfer rate is up to 150Mbps.
b) Wider bandwidth, more difficult to install, and more costly than twisted pair.
c) Less susceptible to noise.
d) A quarter inch or more diameter, therefore less flexible than twisted pair.
e) It consists of wire surrounded by an insulating layer, a shielding layer, and outer jacket, etc.
Following are the uses of coaxial cable:
a) Data communication.
b) Voice communication.
c) Video communication, etc.
Types of Coaxial cable:
a) Thinnet.
b) Thicknet, etc.
Thinnet: It is a variant of Ethernet technology uses a thin type of coaxial cable.
Thicknet: It is an Ethernet technology uses a thick type of coaxial cable.

Fiber Optic cable:

Following are the properties of fiber optic cable:
a) Low error rate, very high noise immunity to electrical and magnetic noise.
b) Reduced size and weight, but easy to break.
c) Broadband width.
d) High data rate over 2Gbps.
e) Uses Voice communication, Data communication, and Video communication, etc.
Unguided/Wireless communication media:
Definition: Unguided communication media transmits the information through the air in much the same way as
radio stations broadcast their programming.
Example: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Satellite, etc.
Microwave:
Following are the properties of Microwave:
a) Parabolic antennas are mounted on a tower to send beams.
b) Lack of security.
c) High initial equipment cost.
d) Possible interference from the environment.
e) Relatively high-speed data rates up to 25Mbps.
f) Uses Voice communication, etc.

Satellite:
Following are the properties of Satellite:
a) The line of sight required between satellite and earth stations.
b) Geosynchronous orbit (22,300).
c) Low security.
d) Easy of adding stations.
e) Data rates up to 50Mbps, etc.

Wireless Media:
Following are the types of wireless media:
a) Infrared
b) Bluetooth
c) Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity),etc.

Infrared:
Definition: Infrared (IR) is the type of electromagnetic wave of large wavelength and small frequencies than visible
light. Its frequencies are low.

Bluetooth:
Definition: The wireless radio frequency technology that allows various devices to communicate with each other is
known as Bluetooth. It is low cost, low power device.

Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity):

Definition: The popular networking technology that used radio wave to provide high-speed internet and the
network connection is known as Wi-Fi.
It is the product of LAN. Its full form is Wireless Fidelity.

Networking connecting devices:

Definition: The devices used to connect two or more network from a single network is known as networking
connecting devices.
Some examples of networking connecting devices:
a) Modem
b) NIC
c) Switch/Hub
d) Router
e) Gateway
d) Repeater, etc.

Modem:
Definition: Modem is an electronic device used to convert digital signal to analog and vice versa.
The full form of Modem is Modulator and Demodulator. The modulator converts a digital signal into analog and
demodulator converts an analog signal into digital.
NIC (Network Interface Card):
Definition: The network interface card (NIC) provides the physical connection between the network and the
computer workstation.
It stands for Network interface card.
Switch/Hub:
Definition: A switch is a device that provides a central connection point for the cable from workstations, servers,
and peripherals.
Router:
Definition: A router is a multiport network connectivity device that directs data between nodes on the network.
It is similar to the super intelligent bridge.
Following are the function of the router:
a) Direct signal traffic efficiently.
b) Router message between any two protocols.
c) Router message between different topologies.
d) Router message across fiber optic, coaxial, and twisted-pair cabling, etc.
Gateway:
Definition: A gateway is a node or device that serves as an entrance to another network.
It is used to connect the user to the internet. It also acts as the firewall in the network.
Repeater:
Definition: The device which boosts weak signals into strength passing along the cable is known as a repeater.
Network software:
Definition: Network software is an extremely broad term for a range of software aimed at the design and
implementation of modern networks.
Some example of network operating software is Windows NT, Linux, Novell NetWare, etc.

Communication protocol:
Definition: A protocol is a set of rules that govern the transmission of data over a communication network.
Following are the types of protocols:
a) TCP/IP (Transmission control protocol/ Internet protocol).
b) SMTP (Simple mail transfer protocol).
c) POP (Post office protocol).
d) FTP (File transfer protocol)
e) HTTP ( Hypertext transfer protocol).
f) Telnet Protocol (Tele Type network protocol), etc.
Protocols with uses:
a) TCP/IP (Transmission control protocol/ Internet protocol): It is used for the reliable transmission of data over a
network.
b) SMTP (Simple mail transfer protocol): It is used for sending email between servers.
c) POP (Post office protocol): It is used to retrieve e-mail from mail servers.
d) FTP (File transfer protocol): It is used for file transfer (Uploading and downloading).
e) HTTP (Hypertext transfer protocol): It is used for transmitting and displaying information in the form of web
pages on the browser.
f) Telnet Protocol (Tele Type network protocol): It is used to remote logins to the computer via the internet, etc.

Computer Network:
Definition: The interconnection of two or more than two computers by wire or wireless to share data, information,
hardware, and software with other users is called computer network.
SNA (System Network Architecture) was the first computer network developed by IBM to establish the link
between its computer and it was limited to the company only.
Following are the advantages of a computer network:
a) It can share copies of the single file among many users at the same time.
b) It can share the application of the entire network, which reduces the cost of purchasing multiple software.
c) It can share computers resources link printer, scanner, fax machine, modem, etc.
d) Faster and cheaper communication possible.
e) Data backup and recovery is possible, etc.
Following are the disadvantages of a computer network:
a) A virus can spread each mostly through the computer network.
b) Cybercrime is originated from the computer network.
c) It is expensive to set up.
d) Lots of chances of the technical problem in a computer network.
e) Specially skilled manpower is required to operate and maintain a computer network, etc.

The terminology used in a computer network:

Following are the terms used in a computer network:
Node:
Definition: A network node is a connection point that can receive, create, store or send data along distributed
network routers.
Server:
Definition: A server is central, and usually the largest, and most powerful computer in a network which stores data
and provides to workstations.
Following are the types of servers:
a) Application server.
b) Database server.
c) Printer server.
d) File server.
e) Web server, etc.
Client:
Definition: A client is a computer that retrieves information from or uses resources provided by the server or the
main computer.
Workstation:
Definition: A workstation is a computer intended for individual use that is faster and more capable than a personal
computer.
Host computer:
Definition: The main or controlling computer connected to other computer or terminals to which it provides data
or computing services via a network is known as the Host computer.
Bandwidth:
Definition: The amount of data that can be carried from one point to another in a given time period (usually a
second) is known as bandwidth.
Bandwidth usually expressed in bits per second (bps), megabits per second (Mbps), etc.
Types of a computer network:
Computer network is generally classified into two types according to the architecture and geographical area. They
are:
On the basis of architecture:
i. Peer to peer network:
ii. Client-server network, etc.
On the basis of geographical area:
i. LAN (Local area network).
ii. MAN (Metropolitan area network).
iii. WAN (Wide area network), etc.
On the basis of architecture:
Peer to Peer network:
Definition: The architecture network which can take both a client and server role is known as peer to peer.
It has no server.
Advantages of Peer-To-Peer Network:
a) Easy to install.
b) Inexpensive.
c) No central administrator who set the network policies.
d) No extra investment in server hardware or software required.
e) Doesn’t require a dedicated workstation.
f) Easy to troubleshoot, etc.
Disadvantages of Peer-To-Peer Network:
a) Less security.
b) Not suitable for more than 10 users.
c) Useful for the only a small organization.
d) Difficult to later time expand.
e) Each machine must be backed up individually to protect all shared data, etc.

Client-Server Network:
Definition: An arrangement of a computer to resources sharing and communicate with each other through a
central device (Server) to all workstation (clients) is called client-server network.
Advantages of Client-server network:
a) It covers a large geographical area.
b) High speed.
c) High data security.
d) Centralize network management.
e) Data backup and recovery is possible, etc.
Disadvantages of Client-server network:
a) Expensive.
b) Difficult to troubleshoot and maintain.
c) Sever failure leads to the whole network failure.
d) Difficult to install and required technical manpower, etc.

On the basis of geographical area:

LAN (Local Area Network):
Definition: A LAN is a system of the interlinked personal computer in a localized area, typically less than 1km
across.
Ethernet which was developed by Xerox Corporation is the famous example of LAN.
Advantages of LAN:
a) It provides a cheaper and reliable communication medium.
c) Easy to add the new computer to the network.
d) Failure of one computer in the computer doesn’t affect the functioning of the other computer, etc.
Disadvantages of LAN:
a) Installation cost is high.
b) User authority and identification is poor.
c) Occupies limited geographical area, etc.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network):

Definition: A network which is designed to extend over an entire city is known as MAN.
It extends around 100km or less. Example of MAN is Cable television network, microwave links in the bank, etc.
Advantages of MAN:
a) Nodes are located in the wider area (generally connected the cities).
b) It enables you to connect many fast LANs together.
c) It offers a centralized managed of data.
d) It provides high security, etc.
Disadvantages of MAN:
a) The data rate is slow as compared to LAN.
b) The error rate is high as compared to LAN.
c) It offers centralized management of data.
d) Expansive.
e) Difficult to maintenance, etc.

WAN (Wide area network):

Definition: A network that connects LAN over a potentially large geographic distance is known as WAN.
It is extended worldwide. Some examples of WAN are the Internet.
Advantages of WAN:
a) It covers a large geographical area.
b) It connects different types of the network together.
c) WAN has made life and communication very easy.
d) It can support a large number of hosts.
e) It is owned by multiple organizations, etc.
Disadvantages of WAN:
a) Lower data transfer rate.
b) Set-up cost is higher.
c) Difficult to maintenance, etc.

Network Topologies:
Definition: Topology refers to the way in which a network is laid out physically.
Following things should be considered before selecting topology:
a) The cost of physical interconnections.
b) The time delay during the communication.
c) Reliability and possibility of failure.
d) Network controlling strategy or protocol, etc.

Bus/Linear Topology:
Definition: A Bus topology uses one long cable (backbone) to which network devices are directly attached by using
short drop cable.
Advantages of Bus topology:
a) Easy to install and cheap.
b) Easy to add new nodes.
c) Less cable required.
d) It doesn’t affect the network if one computer goes down, etc.
Disadvantages of Bus topology:
a) It covers a small geographical area.
b) If the backbone goes down then the whole network goes down.
c) The possibility of data collision.
d) Difficult to identify the fault, etc.

Ring topology:
Definition: Ring topology consists of several computers joined together to form a circle.
It is also called Loop topology.
Advantages of Ring topology:
a) All computers are given equal access to the network.
b) It is easy to install.
c) Short cable connection which causes an increase in the network reliability.
d) Fewer chances of data collision because data travel in one direction, etc.
Disadvantages of Ring topology:
a) The failure of one station will cause the system to break down as the link will be broken.
b) Adding and removing nodes disturbs the entire network.
c) Difficult to the configuration, etc.

Star topology:
Definition: The topology which is connected with hub and star-like structure is known as a star topology.
Advantages of Star topology:
a) Easy to install and configuration.
b) Easy to find out the fault.
c) Easy to modify and expansion.
d) High data transmission is possible.
e) Single computer failure doesn’t affect the entire network, etc.
Disadvantages of Star topology:
a) Difficult to expand.
b) Require more cable than most topologies.
c) More expansive.
d) If the central controller (Hub) fails the whole network goes down, etc.

Tree topology:
Definition: The nodes are connected to each other in such a way that forms like a tree structure is known as Tree
Topology.
Advantages of Tree topology:
a) Easy to extend because it is divided into many sub-units.
b) Easy to add new nodes to branches.
c) Support by hardware and software vendors.
d) It supports various types of cable, etc.
Disadvantages of Tree topology:
a) It is expensive.
b) Less reliable.
c) If the main root or hub fails to operate, then the entire network will go down.
d) More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies, etc.

Mesh Topology:
Definition: The topology in which each computer has a dedicated point to point the link to other computer is called
Mesh Topology.
The advantageA of Mesh Topology:
a) It provides alternative routes between nodes.
b) Point-to-point link makes fault isolation easy.
c) Fastest data transmission.
d) Failure in one of the computer doesn’t affect the entire network.
e) More reliable, etc.
Disadvantages of Mesh Topology:
a) Difficult to install/setup.
b) It is expensive difficult to expand.
c) It requires large cabling, etc.