What is network?

A network is simply a collection of data communications hardware, computers,communication software,

and communication media connected in a meaningful group to allow users to share information and
equipment OR

A computer network, also referred to as a data network, is a series of interconnected nodes that can
transmit, receive and exchange data, voiceand video traffic.

Advantages of Network
Following are advantages computer network

1. Network enable users to share files with other

2. Network enable users to share equipment such as printers and large hard disk

3. It enables unlike computer equipment to communicate

4. It improves communication speed and accuracy

5. Computer can send data at a very fast speed over long distances using satelliteand
microwave links.

Disadvantages of Network
Following are disadvantages computer network.
a. It requires an expensive setup

b. It poses security difficulties

c. It requires an efficient handler

d. It allows for more computer viruses and malware

e. It lacks robustness

f. Networks Types
Three most common types of computer networks are

a. LAN (Local Area Network)

c. Internet
b. WAN (Wide Area Network)
Local Area Network
A local area network is a privately owned communication network thatservers users within a
confined geographical area, connected by lengthof wire, cable or optical fiber and run by special
networking software. Its range is within kilometer, may be one building or office.

Components of LAN: -

Following are components of LAN

1. PCs or workstations 3. Cables and connectors

2. Network Interface Card 4. LAN switch and Router

Topology of LAN
Q. What is network topology? Name any three.

The physical layout of a network is called a topology. There are fourbasic

topologies of LAN.

1. Star 3. Bus
2. Ring 4. Hybrid
Node:-
In a network topology a component is called a “node”. Node refers toany device
connected on a network, including computers, printer andserver etc.

Star Network
In a star network topology, each device is connected to a central unit. Any communication
between one device and another goes through thecentral unit. Each device is directly
connected to the central server.
Central server is a computer containing the interface cards and softwareto manage all data
communication in this network.

Advantages:-
1. New terminals can be added to a network easily
2. No chance of data collision
3. If a connection is broken, central server and other devices can
communicate
4. By adding new nodes delays do not increase
Disadvantages:-
This network totally depends upon central server. Failure of serverwill result in
failure of network

It is expensive because separate cables are required for connectingeach computer with the
central server

Ring Network
Q. What is ring topology? Give its advantages and disadvantages.

It is type of local area network in which multiple terminals and peripheraldevices are
connected into a ring like structure. All communication between terminals follows a
clockwise or anticlockwise pattern. There is no central server.

Advantages:-
1. Messages flow in only one direction and there is no chance of
collision
2. It is more reliable than star network because not dependent onserver

Disadvantages:-
1. If the ring is broken, the entire network stop working
2. It is difficult to troubleshoot it
3. New terminals cannot be added easily
4. Communication delays increases with increase in nodes/terminals
Bus Network
In bus network topology each device is connected to common cable which is called bus.
Each component/node must have its own interface card. The card contain hardware and
software necessary to access the network. All communication take place on the bus. The
data sent on thebus is available for all devices. There is no central server

Advantages:-
1. It is simple and easy to understand
2. New terminals can be added easily
3. If one terminal become defective it does not affect other
Disadvantages:-
1. Extra software and circuitry is needed to avoid collision
2. If error arises in network, it is not easy to detect
3. If bus is broken, the entire network may stop working

Key Factors in choice of a Network

The choice of a network topology depends on following factors
1. Reliability of a network
2. Expandability of a network
3. Cost involved
4. Availability of communication lines
5. Delays in network

Hybrid network
It is a type of network topology that uses two or more different network topologies. These
topologies may be bus, ring or star etc. In hybrid network we combine advantages of different
topologies. Most computernetworks are hybrid.

LAN models

There are two types of LAN models

1. Client Server Model

2. Peer to Peer

1. Server/Client Model
A client server model uses one or two computers as server and other computers on the network as
clients. The server is high capacity, high speed computer with a large storage. It contains network
operating software. Clientsare the computers that can access the server.
2. Peer to Peer (P2P) Model
The word peer denotes one who is equal in standing with other. In this modelall computers communicate
directly with one another without relying on a server.
INTERNET
Internet is a collection of interconnected networks. It is network of networks. In internet communication
all computer communicate with each other by usingsame set of protocol of communication. It carries
vast range of applications of World Wide Web (www), electronic email and file sharing.
Components of internet:-
1. Email
2. Usenet newsgroups
3. World wide web
1. Usenet Newsgroup
Usenet newsgroups are electronic discussion groups in which we can share information and
opinions with people all over the world. In Usenet newsgroups, we can reply to articles we have
read and publish ("post") our own articles for others to read.

2. World wide web

The World Wide Web, commonly known as the Web, is an information system where
documents and other web resources are identified by Uniform Resource Detectors, which may
be interlinked by hyperlinks, and are accessible over the Internet.

3. Email
It is an electronic mail for sharing of files and document. Anyone with an email account can send
messages to other.

Advantages of Email:
1. It is fast 4. It is cheap

2. It is easy 5. It is flexible

3. Its available

Disadvantages of Email:
1. The recipient needs internet access to receive email

2. It create information overload

3. It is possible that an email may contain virus

4. Any email send with wrong address cannot be recalled

 Internet Abuses
Internet abuse refers to improper use of the internet

i. Cybercrime iii. Spamming

ii. Cyber bullying iv. Malware

Internet Uses
Internet uses refers to proper use of the internet, following are uses of internet

i. Internet is used to book tickets online. iv. Internet is used for studying.

ii. We can shop by sitting at home. v. Internet is used to call people at any
corner.
iii. We can find any information on the
internet.

1. Cybercrime
It is computer oriented crime, it is offence that is committed against an individual or group of individual
to intentionally harm the reputation of a victimor cause mental harm. It may threaten a person or
national security and financial health.
2. Cyber bullying
It is an aggressive and intentional act or behavior that is carried out by a groupor an individual, using
electronic forms of contact repeatedly and over time against a victim who cannot defend him or herself.
It is very common in teenagers.

3. Spamming
Spamming is the use of messaging systems to send multiple unsolicited messages to large
numbers of recipients for the purpose of commercial advertising, for any prohibited purpose, or
simply sending the same messageover and over to the same user. Like in email spam.
4. Malware
Malware is any software intentionally designed to cause disruption to a computer, server, client, or
computer network, leak private information, gainunauthorized access to information or systems, and
deprive user’s access to information.

Hardware for internet

The basic/primary component required for internet is Modem.

Modem stands for modulator demodulator, is a computer hardware device thatconverts data from a
digital format into a format suitable for an analog such as telephone or radio. A modem transmits data
by modulating one or more carrierwave signals to encode digital information, while the receiver
demodulates thesignal to recreate the original digital information. The goal is to produce an electrical
signal that can be transmitted easily and decoded reliably.

Modem is necessary for internet because a modem takes analog Internet signals from Internet service
provider (ISP) andturns them into digital Internet signals.
Use of computer in Banks
Q. How is computer beneficial in Banks?
In banks, computers are used for keeping account information of customer accounts.
Banks use technology to carry out payments effectively and successfully. Computers help
bankers to keep a record and verify the record ofcustomer more effectively and quickly.

Q. How is Internet useful in the field of Education?

It can improve the quality of education in many ways. It opens doorways to awealth of information,
knowledge and educational resources, increasing opportunities for learning in and beyond the
classroom. Teachers use onlinematerials to prepare lessons, and students to extend their range of
learning.