Chapter 1 (Module 1)

Introduction to Networking

Introduction

Networking is the process of connecting or linking two or more computers together by electronic
means for the purpose of sharing information. Resources such as files, applications, printers and
software are common information shared in a networking. The advantage of networking can be
seen clearly in terms of security, efficiency, manageability and cost effectiveness as it allows
collaboration between users in a wide range. Basically, network consists of hardware component
such as computer, hubs, switches, routers and other devices which form the network
infrastructure. These are the devices that play an important role in data transfer from one place to
another using different technology such as radio waves and wires. There are many types of
network available in the networking industries and the most common network are Local Area
Network (LAN) and Wide Area Network (WAN). LAN network is made up of two or more
computers connected together in a short distance usually at home, office buildings or school.
WAN is a network that covers wider area than LAN and usually covers cities, countries and the
whole world. Several major LAN can be connected together to form a WAN. As several devices
are connected to network, it is important to ensure data collision does not happened when these
devices attempt to use data channel simultaneously. A set of rules called Carrier Sense Multiple
Access / Collision detection are used to detect and prevent collision in networks.

Figure 1. Local Area Network

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OBJECTIVES

At the end of the module, the student is expected to:

 Understand the basic of networking
 Explain Client-Server & Peer-to-Peer
 Identify the types of networks
 Differentiate Internet vs Intranet vs Extranet
 Identify the types of Transmission Media

LEARNING CONTENTS

Network
A network is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices, peripherals, or
other devices connected to one another to allow the sharing of data. An excellent example of a
network is the Internet, which connects millions of people all over the world.

Figure 2. Home Network

Why do we need computer networks?

Computer networks help users on the network to share the resources and in communication. Can
you imagine a world now without emails, online newspapers, blogs, chat and the other services
offered by the internet?

The following are the important uses and benefits of a computer network.

File sharing: Networking of computers helps the network users to share data files.

Figure 3. File sharing

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Hardware sharing: Users can share devices such as printers, scanners, CD-ROM drives, hard
drives etc. Without computer networks, device sharing is not possible.

Figure 4. Printer sharing

Application sharing: Applications can be shared over the network, and this allows to implement
client/server applications

User communication: Networks allow users to communicate using e-mail, newsgroups, and
video conferencing etc.

Figure 5. Network sharing

Network gaming: A lot of network games are available, which allow multi-users to play from
different locations.

Voice over IP (VoIP): Voice over Internet Protocol (IP) is a revolutionary change in
telecommunication which allows to send telephone calls (voice data) using standard Internet
Protocol (IP) rather than by traditional PSTN.

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Difference Between Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Network

Figure 6. Client-Server vs Peer-to-peer Network

Comparison Chart

BASIS FOR
CLIENT-SERVER PEER-TO-PEER
COMAPAISON

Basic There is a specific server and Clients and server are not
specific clients connected to the distinguished; each node act as client
server. and server.

Service The client request for service and Each node can request for services
server respond with the service. and can also provide the services.

Focus Sharing the information. Connectivity.

Data The data is stored in a centralized Each peer has its own data.
server.

Server When several clients request for As the services are provided by
the services simultaneously, a several servers distributed in the
server can get bottlenecked. peer-to-peer system, a server in not
bottlenecked.

Expense The client-server are expensive Peer-to-peer are less expensive to

to implement. implement.

Stability Client-Server is more stable and Peer-to-Peer suffers if the number of

scalable. peers increases in the system.

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Definition of Client-Server

The Client-Server network model is widely used network model. Here, Server is a powerful
system that stores the data or information in it. On the other hands, the Client is the machine
which let the users access the data on the remote server.

Figure 7. Client-Servers Network Model

The system administrator manages the data on the server. The client machines and the server
are connected through a network. It allows the clients to access data even if the client machine
and server are far apart from each other.

In Client-Server model, the client process on the client machine sends the request to the server
process on the server machine. When the server receives the client request, it lookouts for the
requested data and send it back with the reply.

As all the services are provided by a centralized server, there may be chances of server
getting bottlenecked, slowing down the efficiency of the system.

Definition of Peer-to-Peer

Unlike Client-Server, the Peer-to-Peer model does not distinguish between client and server
instead each node can either be a client or a server depending on the whether the node
is requesting or providing the services. Each node is considered as a peer.

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 Figure 8. Peer-to-Peer Network Model

To become a part of peer-to-peer, a node must initially join the network. After joining it must
start to provide services to and must request the services from other nodes in the peer-to-peer
system. There are two ways to know which node provides which services; they are as follow:

 When a node enters the peer-to-peer system, it must register the services it will be
providing, into a centralized lookup service on the network. When a node desires for any
specific service it must contact centralized lookup services to check out which node will
provide the desired services. Rest of the communication is done by the desiring node and
the service providing node.
 A node desiring for the specific services must broadcast the request for services to all
other nodes in the peer-to-peer system. The node providing the requested service
will respond to the node making the request.

Peer-to-Peer network has the advantage over client-server that the server is not bottlenecked as
the services are provided by the several nodes distributed in a peer-to-peer system.

Key Differences Between Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Network

1. The key difference between Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer network is that there is
a dedicated server and specific clients in the client-server network model whereas, in
peer-to-peer each node can act as both server and client.
2. In the client-server model, the server provides services to the client. However, in peer-
to-peer, each peer can provide services and can also request for the services.
3. In the client-server model, sharing information is more important whereas, in peer-to-
peer model connectivity between peers is more important.
4. In the client-server model, data is stored on a centralized server whereas, in peer-to-
peer each peer has its own data.
5. In peer-to-peer model, the servers are distributed in a system, so there are fewer
chances of server getting bottlenecked, but in the client-server model, there is a single
server serving the clients, so there are more chances of server getting bottlenecked.
6. The client-server model is more expensive to implement than peer-to-peer.
7. The client-server model is more scalable and stable than peer-to-peer.

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Types of Networks

There are several different types of computer networks. Computer networks can be characterized
by their size as well as their purpose.
The size of a network can be expressed by the geographic area they occupy and the number of
computers that are part of the network. Networks can cover anything from a handful of devices
within a single room to millions of devices spread across the entire globe.
Some of the different networks based on size are:

 Personal area network, or PAN

 Local area network, or LAN
 Metropolitan area network, or MAN
 Wide area network, or WAN

In terms of purpose, many networks can be considered general purpose, which means they are
used for everything from sending files to a printer to accessing the Internet. Some types of
networks, however, serve a very particular purpose. Some of the different networks based on
their main purpose are:

 Storage area network, or SAN

 Enterprise private network, or EPN
 Virtual private network, or VPN

Types of Networks in Use Today

1. Personal Area Network (PAN)

The smallest and most basic type of network, a PAN is made up of a wireless modem, a
computer or two, phones, printers, tablets, etc., and revolves around one person in one building.
These types of networks are typically found in small offices or residences, and are managed by
one person or organization from a single device.

2. Local Area Network (LAN)

We’re confident that you’ve heard of these types of networks before – LANs are the most
frequently discussed networks, one of the most common, one of the most original and one of the
simplest types of networks. LANs connect groups of computers and low-voltage devices together
across short distances (within a building or between a group of two or three buildings in close
proximity to each other) to share information and resources. Enterprises typically manage and
maintain LANs.

Using routers, LANs can connect to wide area networks (WANs, explained below) to rapidly and
safely transfer data.

3. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Functioning like a LAN, WLANs make use of wireless network technology, such as WiFi.
Typically seen in the same types of applications as LANs, these types of networks don’t require
physical cables to connect to the network.

4. Campus Area Network (CAN)

Larger than LANs, but smaller than metropolitan area networks (MANs, explained below), these
types of networks are typically seen in universities, large K-12 school districts or small
businesses. They can be spread across several buildings that are fairly close to each other so
users can share resources.

5. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

These types of networks are larger than LANs but smaller than WANs – and incorporate
elements from both types of networks. MANs span an entire geographic area (typically a town or

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city, but sometimes a campus). Ownership and maintenance is handled by either a single person
or company (a local council, a large company, etc.).

6. Wide Area Network (WAN)

Slightly more complex than a LAN, a WAN connects computers together across longer physical
distances. This allows computers and low-voltage devices to be remotely connected to each other
over one large network to communicate even when they’re miles apart.
The Internet is the most basic example of a WAN, connecting all computers together around the
world. Because of a WAN’s vast reach, it is typically owned and maintained by multiple
administrators or the public.

7. Storage-Area Network (SAN)

As a dedicated high-speed network that connects shared pools of storage devices to several
servers, these types of networks don’t rely on a LAN or WAN. Instead, they move storage
resources away from the network and place them into their own high-performance network.
SANs can be accessed in the same fashion as a drive attached to a server. Types of storage-area
networks include converged, virtual and unified SANs.

8. System-Area Network (also known as SAN)

It is a relatively local network designed for high-speed interconnection in cluster environments
(server to server), multiprocessing systems (processor to processor), and SANs (storage area
networks). The architecture is now almost exclusively switched fabric. Fibre Channel is an
example of a SAN technology. It provides a high-speed switched environment in which any
device on the network can connect with any other device and communicate over a dedicated
high-speed link.

9. Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)

As an alternative to traditional switch-based Ethernet LANs, POLAN technology can be
integrated into structured cabling to overcome concerns about supporting traditional Ethernet
protocols and network applications such as PoE (Power over Ethernet). A point-to-multipoint
LAN architecture, POLAN uses optical splitters to split an optical signal from one strand of
single mode optical fiber into multiple signals to serve users and devices.

10. Enterprise Private Network (EPN)

These types of networks are built and owned by businesses that want to securely connect its
various locations to share computer resources.

11. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

By extending a private network across the Internet, a VPN lets its users send and receive data as
if their devices were connected to the private network – even if they’re not. Through a virtual
point-to-point connection, users can access a private network remotely.

Internet vs Intranet vs Extranet

 Intranet is shared content accessed by members within a single organization. An internal

network local to a company mostly.
 Extranet is shared content accessed by groups through cross-enterprise boundaries. A part
of an intranet that's publicly available mostly through the internet.
 Internet is global communication accessed through the Web. There's only one of it.

Note: The World Wide Web was invented 1991

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For better comprehension, take a look at this drawing:

Figure 9. Diagram of Internet, Intranet and Extranet

SUMMARY:

A network is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices, peripherals, or

other devices connected to one another to allow the sharing of data

Important uses and benefits of a computer network:

 File sharing - share data files
 Hardware sharing - share devices such as printers, scanners, CD-ROM drives, hard
drives etc.
 Application sharing - access a shared application or document from their
respective computers simultaneously in real time
 User communication - allow users to communicate using e-mail, newsgroups, and video
conferencing etc.
 Network gaming - allow multi-users to play from different locations.
 Voice over IP (VoIP) - allows to send telephone calls (voice data) using standard
Internet Protocol (IP) rather than by traditional PSTN

Difference between Client-Server and Peer-to-Peer Network:

S.NO CLIENT-SERVER NETWORK PEER-TO-PEER NETWORK

1. In Client-Server Network, Clients and

server are differentiated, Specific server In Peer-to-Peer Network, Clients and
and clients are present. server are not differentiated.

2. Client-Server Network focuses on While Peer-to-Peer Network focuses on

information sharing. connectivity.

3. In Client-Server Network, Centralized While in Peer-to-Peer Network, each peer

server is used to store the data. has its own data.

In Client-Server Network, Server While in Peer-to-Peer Network, Each and

4. respond the services which is requested every node can do both request and
by Client. respond for the services.

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5. Client-Server Network are costlier than While Peer-to-Peer Network are less
Peer-to-Peer Network. costly than Client-Server Network.

6. Client-Server Network are more stable While Peer-to-Peer Network are less
than Peer-to-Peer Network. stable if number of peers is increase.

Types of Networks
1. Personal Area Network (PAN)
2. Local Area Network (LAN)
3. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
4. Campus Area Network (CAN)
5. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
6. Wide Area Network (WAN)
7. Storage-Area Network (SAN)
8. System-Area Network (also known as SAN)
9. Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)
10. Enterprise Private Network (EPN)
11. Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Internet vs Intranet vs Extranet

The Internet, extranets, and intranets all rely on the same TCP/IP technologies. However, they
are different in terms of the levels of access they allow to various users inside and outside the
organization and the size of the network. An intranet allows for restricted access to only
members of an organization; an extranet expands that access by allowing non-members such as
suppliers and customers to use company resources. The difference between the Internet and
extranets is that while the extranet allows limited access to non-members of an organization, the
Internet generally allows everyone to access all network resources.

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REFERENCES
 Illustrated TCP/IP by Matthew G. Naugle.2003
 Data and Computer by William Stallings.2007
 Introduction to data Networks by Lawrence Harte.2008
 ASP in a nutshell – A desktop quick reference, 2nd Ed. By Keyton Weissinger. 2009
 Inside Windows 2003 Server – William Boswell.2008
 Fcit.usf.edu/network/ - An Educator’s Guide to School Network. Produced by the Florida
Center for Instructional technology College Education, University of South Florida 1997-
2009
 Networking for dummies. 4th Ed. Lowe, D. San Mateo, CA:IDG Books Worldwide, Inc.
 https://www.incentre.net/content/view/75/2/en.kioskea/contents/configuration-reseau/tests-
dianogtics-eseau.php3
 https://www.techbooksforfree.com/intro_to_data_com/toc.html#toc
 https://fossbytes.com/difference-tethering-hotspot/
 https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/network-devices-hub-repeater-bridge-switch-router-
gateways/
 https://www.computernetworkingnotes.com/
 https://commotionwireless.net/docs/cck/networking/learn-networking-basics/
 https://www.dummies.com/computers/operating-systems/windows-7/how-to-share-an-
internet-connection-in-windows-7/
 https://techdifferences.com/difference-between-client-server-and-peer-to-peer-network.html
 https://telcomaglobal.wordpress.com/2017/11/27/network/

Photo References
https://www.omnisci.com/technical-glossary/local-area-network
https://www.visual-paradigm.com/tutorials/how-to-create-network-diagram/https://
www.omnisecu.com/basic-networking/why-we-need-computer-network.php
https://www.keralapool.com/photos/client-server-vs-peer-to-peer.html
https://techdifferences.com/difference-between-client-server-and-peer-to-peer-network.html
https://jantannormal.web.app/peer-to-peer-network-definition.html

http://www.businessarchives.org/professional-services/the-key-differences-between-an-intranet-
and-extranet.html

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TEACHING AND LEARNING ACTIVITIES
Exercise
Directions: Read each statement or question below carefully and fill in the blank(s) with the
correct answer.

1. A ____________ is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices,

peripherals, or other devices connected to one another to allow the sharing of data.
2. Computer networks help users on the network to share the ____________ and in
communication.
3. ____________ is where users can share devices such as printers, scanners, CD-ROM
drives, hard drives etc.
4. ___________ Protocol allows to send telephone calls (voice data) using standard Internet
Protocol (IP) rather than by traditional PSTN.

5. The ___________ manages the data on the server.

6. In Client-Server model, the client process on the client machine sends the ____________
to the server process on the server machine.
7. ____________ is the smallest and most basic type of network
8. ____________ connect groups of computers and low-voltage devices together across
short distances to share information and resources.
9. WAN stands for ____________________.
10. MAN stands for ____________________.
11. ____________ is a dedicated high-speed network that connects shared pools of storage
devices to several servers, these types of networks don’t rely on a LAN or WAN
12. A ____________ lets its users send and receive data as if their devices were connected to
the private network – even if they’re not.
13. ___________ is shared content accessed by members within a single organization.
14. ____________ is shared content accessed by groups through cross-enterprise boundaries.
15. ____________ is global communication accessed through the Web.

KEY TO CORRECTIONS
1. Network
2. Resources
3. Hardware sharing
4. Voice over Internet
5. System administrator
6. Request
7. Personal Area Network (PAN)
8. LAN
9. Wide Area Network
10. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
11. Storage-Area Network (SAN)
12. VPN
13. Intranet
14. Extranet
15. Internet

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