Introduction to

Computer Networks
 Learning Objectives

1. Define a Network and its purpose.

2. Benefits of a Network
3. Describe several applications of Networks.
4. Understand the various characteristics of a
Network:
topology, architectures, and size.
 What Is a Network?

• Network: A connected system of objects or people

What Is a Computer Network?
 What Is a Network?

In absence of networks….

Data
Sharing

PC 3

PC 1

PC 2
 What Is a Network?

Networking devices ….

Resource sharing
+ Communication

PC 3

PC 1

PC 2
Network Technologies Examples

Software
Email, instant messaging, teleconferencing

Hardware
NIC(network interface card) / Modem

Media
Wired / Wireless
BENEFITS OF NETWORKS
 Benefits Of Networks

• Resource Sharing
• File Sharing
• Personal Communication
• Simultaneous Access
• Backup
 Benefits Of Networks: Resource Sharing

Network-connected peripheral devices can be

shared between multiple users.

1. Printers
2. Scanners Hardware Sharing

Saves money !!
 Resource Sharing

Resource sharing
+ Communication

PC 3

PC 1

PC 2
 Benefits Of Networks: File Sharing

• Files can be stored on a central computer

(the file server) allowing data to be shared
throughout an organization.

• Authorized users are allowed to share the

files on the network.

• Beneficial for large organizations to

maintain their data in an organized manner
and facilitate access to desired people.
Benefits Of Networks: Personal Communications

• Teleconferencing: multi-way communication

carried out in real-time using computer
networks and other equipment. Subcategories
include:

• Video Conferencing

• Audio Conferencing

• Data Conferencing
Benefits Of Networks: Personal Communications

Video Conferencing: virtual presence

Camera , microphone , loudspeaker, monitors,
CODEC.

Audio Conferencing: communication between groups

of people
Sensitive microphones and echo cancellation
software

Data Conferencing: Shared workspace for

participants
Whiteboards : Participants at different locations
simultaneously write and draw on an on-
screen notepad viewed by everyone.
Benefits Of Networks: Simultaneous Access

• In organizations, several users may need

to access same data at the same time.
E.g.: Sales report that may be updated
by several managers.

• In case of modification data may become

inconsistent.

• Network server can store data that

requires simultaneous access.
Benefits Of Networks: Simultaneous Access

Software Programs:

• Same programs can be used by many people

in an organization.

• Non-networked environment: Separate copies

of programs are needed.

• Expensive and time consuming.

Benefits Of Networks: Simultaneous Access

Networked Environment:

1. Site License (Single application copy is bought +

license to copy) => less costly as compared to
individual licenses.

2. Network Versions: one copy of application program

running on central server. Only necessary files are
copied to individual user’s PC.
 Benefits Of Networks: Backup

• In organizations, sensitive data must have a

backup.

• Shared central storage device can be used by

users.

• Regular backups of data on shared storage

device can be created by network manager.
 Networking Applications

• The Internet
• Television and radio broadcasting
• Global positioning system (GPS)
• Monitoring systems
• Videoconferencing
• Telemedicine
 Networking Application: Telephone service

• Telephone service
– Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) network
– Mobile phones (wireless phones)
 Telephone service: Mobile Phones

Mobile phones (wireless phones)

• Cellular (cell) phones - must be within range of cell
tower to function
• Satellite phones - used where cell service isn’t
available
• Dual-mode phones - allow users to make telephone
calls on more than one network
• Cellular / Wi-Fi dual-mode phones are most
popular
 Telephone service: Mobile Phones

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition

 Networking Application: GPS

It Uses satellites and a receiver to determine the

exact geographic location of the receiver
– Commonly used by individuals to determine
their exact location
– Used on the job by surveyors, farmers, and
fishermen
– Used to guide vehicles and equipment
– Used by the military to guide munitions
 GPS

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition

 Network Application: Monitoring systems

Monitor status or location of individuals, vehicles,

assets, etc.
– GPS-based monitoring systems
• Monitor the physical location of objects

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition

 Network Application: Monitoring systems

Electronic medical monitors and other types of

home health monitoring

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition

 Network Application: Monitoring systems

• Videoconferencing: Use of computers, video cameras,

microphones, and networking technologies to conduct
face to face meetings over a network.
– Online conferencing
(via the Internet)
– Telepresence
videoconferencing

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition

 Network Application: Telemedicine

Use of networking technology to provide medical

information and services
• Remote monitoring
and consultations
• Remote diagnosis
• Telesurgery
• Robot assisted

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition

 Network Characteristics

• Wired vs. wireless networks

Wired:
A network in which computers and other
devices are connected to the network via
physical cables

• Found in homes, schools, businesses,

and government facilities
 Network Characteristics

Wireless:
– A network in which computers and other
devices are connected to the network without
physical cables; data is typically sent via
radio waves

• Found in homes, schools, and businesses

• Wi-Fi hotspots found in coffeehouses,

businesses, airports, hotels, and libraries

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition

 Introduction to
Computer Networks II
 Learning Objectives

Understand the various characteristics of a

Network:
Topology
Architectures
size
 Network Topologies

Topology:
How the devices in the network (called
nodes) are arranged.
• Bus networks
• Ring networks
• Star networks
• Tree networks
• Mesh networks

Some networks use a combination of

different topologies.
 Network Topologies: Bus Networks

• A network consisting of a central linear

transmission cable to which all network
devices are attached along the length.
• The data travels in both the directions along
the bus.
• When the destination terminal sees the data,
it copies it to the local disk.
 Network Topologies: Ring Networks

• In ring topology each terminal is connected to

exactly two nodes, giving the network a
circular shape. Data travels in only one pre-
determined direction.
 Network Topologies: Star Networks

• A network that uses a central device called

server or central node, connected directly to
several other devices
• Any exchange of data between two nodes
must take place through the server.
 Network Topologies: Tree Networks

• Tree topology has a group of star networks

connected to a linear bus backbone cable. It
incorporates features of both star and bus
topologies. Tree topology is also called
hierarchical topology.
 Network Topologies: Mesh Networks:

A network in which there are multiple

connections between the devices on the
network so that messages can take any one of
several paths

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 13th Edition

Network Topologies
 Network Size and Coverage Area

• Networks can be categorized depending on size,

complexity, level of security, or geographical range.
Some of the most popular topologies based on
geographical spread include:
• PAN
• LAN
• WAN
• MAN
• CAN
Personal area network (PAN)
 Personal area network (PAN)

• Connects an individual’s personal devices that are

located close together.
• PAN is the interconnection between devices within the
range of a person’s private space, typically within a range
of 10 metres.
• If you have transferred images or songs from your laptop
to mobile or from mobile to your friend’s mobile using
Bluetooth, this is an example of setting up and using a
personal area network.
• A person can connect her laptop, smart phone, personal
digital assistant and portable printer in a network at home.
This network could be fully Wi-Fi or a combination of
wired and wireless.
 Local area network (LAN)

• Connects devices located in a small geographic area

• It is spread over a single site like an office, building or
manufacturing unit.
• LAN is set up to when team members need to share
software and hardware resources with each other but
not with the outside world.
 Local area network (LAN)

• Typical software resources include official documents,

user manuals, employee handbook, etc. Hardware
resources that can be easily shared over the network
include printer, fax machines, modems, memory space,
etc. This decreases infrastructure costs for the
organization drastically.
• A LAN may be set up using wired or wireless
connections. A LAN that is completely wireless is called
Wireless LAN or WLAN.
• Two to hundreds of computers.
• Example includes SEECS Lan setup
Local area network (LAN)
 Metropolitan area network (MAN):

• It serves a metropolitan area

• It is a network spread over a city, college campus or a
small region.
• MAN is larger than a LAN and typically spread over
several kilometres.
• Objective of MAN is to share hardware and software
resources, thereby decreasing infrastructure costs.
MAN can be built by connecting several LANs.
• The most common example of MAN is cable TV
network.
Metropolitan area network (MAN):
 Wide area network (WAN)

• WAN or Wide Area Network is spread over a country or

many countries.
– Large geographic area
• WAN is typically a network of many LANs, MANs and
WANs.
• Network is set up using wired or wireless connections,
depending on availability and reliability.
• The most common example of WAN is the Internet.
 Wide area network (WAN)

Less data transfer rate as compared to LAN.

Example: Bank
LAN vs. WAN