Year 11

Computer Networks 1. Introduction

When computers were first developed, they were mainly intended for a person to work on their own machine. However, one day, a bright spark suddenly thought, "wouldn't it be a good idea to link two machines together so that can share files". And so, the first computer network was created. This web site will introduce you to the various types of networks that are commonly available and the advantages and disadvantages of each one.

2. What is a network?
At home, your computer might be connected to its own printer and scanner. This works well as you are the only person who will be using them. Much of the time though, they probably aren't being used and just lie idle. A computer which isn't connected to a network is known as a 'stand-alone'

In a school or an office, it would cost a lot of money for every computer to have its own printer and for the majority of the time, like your printer at home, it wouldn't be used. By joining computers together to form a network, they are able to share one printer. This means that more money can be spent buying a better quality printer and that the printer is being used much more of the time. As well as sharing hardware, a network allows computers or users to share software and data. Page 1

Year 11 A computer connected to a network is known as a 'work-station'.

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3. Local Area Network

When the computers are fairly close to one another say, in a single office or two buildings that are separated by a road, they can be joined together either by cables or wireless means.

These computers then form a Local Area Network (LAN). Once the computers are connected together into a LAN, many people (users) can share and use the same resources at the same time. They can share files, software, hard disks and peripherals such as a printer or CD-ROM. Users can also use the LAN to communicate with each other by e-mail. Data can be transmitted very quickly between networked computers. A file server is often used to store each person's data files. This means that people can log onto any machine on the network and access their files. They are not restricted to just one machine. Another advantage of having all of the files stored in one place is that a back up copy of every users files can be made easily. To log onto a LAN, you usually need a user name and password. The user name identifies you to the file server so that it can 'serve' you the correct files. The password ensures that the user name really does belong to you. How can you tell whether a computer is networked to other computers? 1. Usually a networked computer will allow you to send messages to a friend who is working on another computer.

2. You will probably see messages telling you that you are entering a networked system when you logon.

3. Sometimes you will have the choice to use a selection of printers.

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Year 11 4. If you have a file server you are also likely to have some space on the server's disk reserved for you to save your work.

My Documents

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4. Wide Area Network

Many modern companies have offices, shops or factories in various locations around the country, and for large corporations, across the world. Even though staff work in different places, they often need to be able to access the same information no matter where they are.

It would not be possible to connect computers in different buildings together using the LAN cables. Imagine how many roads would need to be dug up to lay cables between a building in London and one in Birmingham. Computers on LANs in one building can be connected to computers on LANs in another building usually through the telephone system, often using a modem. They can also be connected via fibre optic cables, microwave links or satellite. By linking LANs together, the network is no longer local to one building, it is now spread over a wide area. It is known as a Wide Area Network (WAN) Did you know that the largest WAN in existence is the Internet?

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QUIZ
Q1. A network is where two or more computers are connected together? True / False? Q2. Each computer attached to a network needs its own printer? True / False? Q3. Computers in the same building can be connected together in a WAN SAN LAN Q4. WAN stands for WIDE AREA NETWORK WIDEST AREA NETWORK

NAN?

WIDER AREA NETWORK WIDENING AREA NETWORK?

Q5. The most common method of connecting a LAN is by using CABLES FIBRE OPTICS SATELLITES TELEPHONE WIRES? Q6. A computer which isnt connected to a network is called a PC Desktop Workstation Standalone? Q7. Data files used in a LAN are stored on each workstation? True / False? Q8. A user name identifies you to the file server so that it knows which files belongs to you True / False?

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6. Why are networks useful?

Programs can be shared - software packages can be installed onto the file server and accessed by all individual workstations at the same time. This reduces cost, maintenance and makes upgrades easier. You can access your work from any workstation on the network. Very handy if you have to change computer every time you go to a different classroom. Data can be shared by all users at the same time. Many people can access or update the information held on a database at the same time. Thus information is up to date and accurate. Users can communicate with others on the network by sending messages and sharing files. Individual workstations do not need a printer, one high quality printer can now be shared by everyone, thus cutting costs. Networks provide security. A user must have the correct Password and User ID in order to be able to access the information on the network. Private areas on the network can be set up that allows each user to store their personal files. The only other person who can access these files is the 'system administrator' who looks after the network.

7. Disadvantages of a network
Networks can be expensive to set up. They often involve taking up floors and ceilings to lay hundreds of metres of cables The File Server needs to be a powerful computer, which often means that it is expensive. Networks are vulnerable to security problems. Hackers, disgruntled employees or even competitors might try to break into the system to read or damage crucial information. Much effort is spent preventing unauthorised access to data and software. If the main File Server breaks down, then the whole system becomes useless and no-one can carry on working. Because networks are often complicated, they need expensive expert staff to look after them. As the number of users increase on the network, the performance of the system can be affected and things start to slow down.

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Year 11 On the whole, the advantages of networks outweigh the disadvantages. This is why they are so commonly found in schools, offices and factories. Even home users are starting to use networks to connect PCs around the house.

8. Bus Network Topology

This is one method of connecting computers together and is the simplest one to connect together.

A single cable joins all of the workstations, printer, file server and other components together. At each end of the bus is a 'terminator'. This is a piece of hardware which prevents signals bouncing back and forth (echoes).

Advantages

Easy to install Easy to add extra workstations Uses less cable than a Star network Best choice for temporary networks

Disadvantages

If there is a problem with the central cable, the entire network stops working If there are a lot of workstations on the network, data can travel slowly. Data collisions can happen as the network becomes busy Low security - every workstation can see all of the data in the network

9. Ring Network Topology

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Year 11 In a ring network layout, all of the computers are connected to one another in a circle. The data passes from one computer to the next one and then all the way around the ring layout until it reaches the

destination computer.

Advantages

Transmission of data is fairly simple as it only travels in one direction No data collisions Extra computers can be added easily with little effect on performance - although you have to shut down the network to be able to do this.

Disadvantages

If a single machine is switched off, the network doesn't work If a cable breaks, the network doesn't work Data must pass through every computer until it reaches its destination. This can make it slower than other network layouts. If there are any problems with the network, they can be difficult to identify the cause.

10. Star Network Topology

In a star network layout, each workstation is connected by its own cable directly to the server. Star networks are usually the layout of choice in schools and offices because they tend to be the most reliable of the topologies.

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Advantages

Star networks are very reliable. If one connection fails, it does not affect other users Very few data collisions as each workstation has its own cable to the server Good security - no workstation can interact with another without going through the server first

Disadvantages

The most expensive network layout to install because of the amount of cables needed Installing the network usually needs experts to set it up Extra hardware such as hubs and switches may be needed

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Networks : Interconnections
Sometimes a number of LANs can be connected together to make a WAN. For example a company with LANs in each of its offices might choose to connect all these LANs together to make a WAN. If this is done then the workers at the different offices will be able to share information across the network. To connect two networks together one of two pieces of hardware is required : If the two networks are of the same type they can be connected together using a bridge. The bridge simply copies data that is being transmitted from one network onto the other. If the networks are of different types then the job of passing data between them is more complicated. Data that is sent from one network to the other will need to be converted from Gateway the format that is used on the sending network into the format that is used on the receiving network. This job is done by a gateway. Bridge There is no limit to the number of networks you can connect together in this way. The Internet is built from tens of thousands of small LANs connected together using bridges and gateways. In the example below three networks are connected together. Note that computers on Subnet A can talk to computers on Subnet C by sending messages through Subnet B.

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Networks : Control of Network Resources

One of the most important reasons for connecting computers to a network is to let the computers on the network share expensive resources such as file storage space and printers. Access to these resources must be managed in some way. This can be achieved using either a server based network or a peer-to-peer network. Server Based Networks (e.g. C2k) The most common type of network used in a business or school environment is a server based network. On a server based network access to shared resources like storage devices and printers is obtained through special server computers. Three different types of computer are usually connected to a server based network : Stations : Computers which users work on and are connected to the network. File Server : A computer which stores and controls access to all the users files. Printer Server : A computer which controls access to one or more shared printers.

The file server must ensure that people can only access files that they are permitted to. Most file servers do this by making each user log on with a user name and password before they can access any files. The user name that a user logs on with will determine which files the user can access. Switches: A switch is a single connection point for a group of computers. The switch allows many computers to be connected to it directly using network cables. The switch is connected to the file server and organizes communication between the file server and the computers connected to it. Not all networks use switches. Network software: When a computer is part of a network, the network software must be installed on it. This allows it to communicate with the file server and other computers. The printer server controls access to shared network printers. Each station on the network can print out on the printer(s) connected to the printer server. If lots of people try to print at the same time then the printer server puts all the documents that are being printed in a queue. The documents are usually printed by the printer server in the order that they were sent by the users.

A large server based network may have more than one file or printer server connected to it. Peer-to-Peer Networks Page 12

Year 11 Peer-to-peer networks do not have special computers which are used as servers. Instead any computer on the network can load information from the hard disk of any other computer. A computer on the network can use any printer connected to any other computer. Peer-to-peer networks are cheaper to set up and easier to manage than server based networks. They are however less secure. Because of this peer-to-peer networks are used mainly by small companies who trust their employees and do not have the necessary technical staff to maintain a server based network.

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Networks : Modems
(Usually for Home PC access to Internet)
Modems are often used to connect individual computers to a WAN. A modem can transmit data over a standard telephone line. You can use a modem wherever you can use a telephone. Because the telephone network was set up before computers were in widespread use, telephone lines were not designed to carry the digital signals that computers use. They were designed to carry human voices in the form of analogue electrical waveforms.

A special device known as a modem must be used to enable a computer to communicate over a telephone line. The modem converts the binary digital data that the computer wants to transmit into an analogue signal for transmission down the telephone line. Another modem must be used at the other end of the telephone line to convert the analogue signal back into a digital one that the receiving computer can understand.

Modulation is the process of converting digital electrical signals generated by a computer into analogue electrical signals which can be transmitted over a telephone line. Demodulation is the process of converting received analogue signals back into digital signals which a computer can understand. The speed at which data can be transmitted over a telephone line has increased steadily. Most modern modems can receive and transmit data at up to 56.6KBps (kilobits per second). Transmission speeds over a telephone line are very slow compared to other methods. Alternatives such as ISDN and ADSL (broadband) can send data much more quickly. Advantages of Modem over ISDN 1. You can use a modem with any telephone line. You do not need a special ISDN line to connect to. 2. Modems are cheaper to purchase than a terminal adaptor which you need to buy to use an ISDN line. 3. The line rental charge that you have to pay to use a telephone line is cheaper Page 14

Year 11 that the line rental charge that you have to pay for an ISDN line.

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Connecting to the Internet (Connection Speeds)

Type of Connection
56KB Modem (Analogue)

Where the connection is mainly used?

Speed of connection

ISDN Digital

Broadband (ADSL)

Cable (DSL)

T1

T3

Satellite

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Network Security

Security Issue

Definition

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Networks : Summary
1. A computer network is a group of computers which are connected together to allow communication between them. 2. Computers connected to a network are known as work-stations.

3. Computer networks are classified as being either Local Area Networks (LANs) or Wide Area Networks (WANs). Important properties of LANs and WANs are : Properties of LANs Properties of WANs Located entirely on one site. Located on several sites in different areas. Computers connected by Network Computers connected by modems and telephone lines, Interface Card and cables. ISDN, ADSL (broadband) or similar. Fast transmission of data. Slow transmission of data. 4. Computers can be connected using a number of connection types, each one providing offering different bandwidths. PSTN ADSL (broadband) ISDN Fibre Optic Cable Cable Satellite Wireless

5. The network topology describes the physical layout of the computers on a network and the interconnections between them. The four most common network topologies are bus, ring, mesh and star. 6. Two networks of the same type can be connected together using a bridge. Networks of different types must be connected using a gateway. 7. Advantages of networking a group of computers together include :

Sharing of expensive resources such as printers reduces cost. Files stored on a file server can be accessed and used from any station. Access to a centralised database of information is possible. Email can be used to communicate between computers.

8. Disadvantages of networking a group of computers together include :

The initial outlay on network interface cards, cables etc. can be expensive. The failure of a network cable or server might cause the whole network to stop functioning. Viruses could be transmitted over the network. Unless appropriate security measures are taken it could be easier to steal or destroy data stored on a networked computer. Page 19

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Networks Worksheet
(1) What is a computer network? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ (2) Explain these two terms. (a) LAN ] ________________________________________________________________ _ ________________________________________________________________ _ (b) WAN ] ________________________________________________________________ _ ________________________________________________________________ _ (3) Identify two important differences between a LAN and a WAN. _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ (4) Write LAN or WAN by the descriptions of these four computer systems to identify whether the network is most likely to be a LAN or WAN. System LAN/WAN ? A network of cash dispensers. The stock control system for a nationwide supermarket. The appointments system in a doctors' surgery. The network of ticket machines used to sell lottery tickets. (5) Computers are usually connected to a LAN using a Network Interface Card and some cable. [4 ] [2 ] [2 [2 [2 ]

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(a) Identify two different types of cable that could be used. ________________________________________________________________ _ (b) Computers can also be connected to a LAN by wireless. State an advantage of connecting a computer to a LAN using wireless instead of cable. ________________________________________________________________ _ ________________________________________________________________ _ (6)

Year 11 [2 ]

[1 ]

Two methods of connecting a computer to a WAN are using a modem and telephone line or ADSL - broadband. (a) What does a modem do ? ] ________________________________________________________________ _ ________________________________________________________________ _ ________________________________________________________________ _ ________________________________________________________________ _ (b) Does a signal travel down a telephone line in analogue or digital form ? ] ________________________________________________________________ _ (c) Does a signal travel down an ADSL channel in analogue or digital form ? ] ________________________________________________________________ _ (d) What units are used to measure the speed at which data travels down a telephone line or ADSL? _________________________________________________________________ (e) Give one advantage of using broadband instead of a telephone line and modem. ] ________________________________________________________________ _ Page 21 [1 [1 ] [1 [1 [2

(f) Give one advantage of using a telephone line and modem instead of broadband. ________________________________________________________________ _

Year 11 [1 ]

(g) Name one method of connecting to a WAN other that using a modem and telephone line or ADSL _________________________________________________________________ (7) Place these words into the correct positions in the following paragraph. Two of the words should not be used. Peer-to-Peer Local Area Printer Queue Username File Secure

[1 ]

[7 ]

Server Based Password

A ________________ network uses file and _________ servers to control access to network resources. To access the files you have saved on the network you must log on to the file server with a ____________ and ___________. Documents that you send to print will be placed in a _________. They will usually be printed in the order that they are sent. The alternative method of controlling access to network resources is called a ______________ network. This type of network requires less management but is less ___________. (8) Look at these two diagrams showing different network topologies. Under each diagram write the name of the topology and an advantage and disadvantage of the topology. [6 ]

Name Adv

________________________ _ ________________________ _ ________________________ _

Name Adv

________________________ _ ________________________ _ ________________________ _

Dis

________________________ _ ________________________ _

Dis

________________________ _ ________________________ _ Page 22

(9a)

What is the difference between a bridge and a gateway ? _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ What is a switch _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________

Year 11 [2 ]

(10) Identify two advantages of connecting a group of computers in an office using a computer network. (a) ________________________________________________________________ _ (b) ________________________________________________________________ _ Identify one disadvantage of connecting a group of computers in an office using a computer network. (c) ________________________________________________________________ _ [1 ] [1 ] [1 ]

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Year 11 (11) A garage which sells second hand cars has just taken over a competitor in a nearby town. Both companies use computers to store information about the cars that they have for sale and have sold. Identify two benefits that the garage owners might achieve by linking the computer systems at the two garages using a WAN. (a) ________________________________________________________________ _ ________________________________________________________________ _ (b) ________________________________________________________________ _ ________________________________________________________________ _ (12) List and describe three methods of network security. (1)__________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ (2) __________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ (3) __________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ [1 ] [1 ]

[6]

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