CAD REVIEWER

Computer Network:

● Set of computers sharing resources on network nodes

● Comprised of hardware and software components
● Hardware components: servers, clients, peers, transmission media, connecting devices
● Software components: network operating systems, protocol suites (e.g., OSI Model,
TCP/IP Model)

Hardware Components:

● Servers: high-configuration computers managing network resources (file servers,

database servers, print servers)
● Clients: computers requesting and receiving service from servers
● Peers: computers providing and receiving services from other peers in a workgroup
network
● Transmission Media: channels for data transfer (coaxial cable, fiber optic cables,
microwaves, infrared waves)
● Connecting Devices: bind network media together (routers, bridges, hubs, repeaters,
gateways, switches)

Software Components:

● Network Operating System: installed in servers, facilitates sharing of files, databases,

applications, printers, etc.
● Protocol Suite: set of related protocols for computer networks (e.g., OSI Model, TCP/IP
Model)

Uses of Computer Networks:

● Retrieving Remote Information: effective sharing of information between geographically

separated units
● Information and Resource Sharing: accessing remote databases through information
systems like the World Wide Web
● Speedy Interpersonal Communication: increased speed and volume of communication
through email and other mediums
● E-Commerce: online business transactions, fund pooling, buying/selling items, managing
finances
● Highly Reliable Systems: data distributed across multiple sources for increased reliability
● Cost-Effective Systems: reduced cost of establishing computer systems in organizations

Advantages:
 ● Free sharing of information
● Facilitates collaboration
● Offline storage of data
● Easy connectivity

Disadvantages:

● Lack of policing on networks

● Potential data compromise
● Addiction to constant connectivity
● Expensive setup costs (wires, cables, equipment)

LAN:

● Collection of devices connected in one physical location (building, office, home)

● Can be small or large (home network to enterprise network)
● Two types of LAN:
● Client/Server LAN:
● Clients connected to a central server
● Server manages file storage, application access, device access, and
network traffic
● Peer-to-Peer LAN:
● No central server
● Devices share resources and data equally
● Typically smaller networks

WAN:

● Collection of LANs or other networks that communicate with each other

● WAN is a network of networks
● WAN router routes data packets between WAN locations

Straight-Through Cable:

● Used to connect devices like PC to switch, PC to hub, router to switch, etc.

● Connects devices of different types in a LAN

Crossover Cable:

● Connects two devices of the same type in a LAN

● Used when connecting two Ethernet client devices

Network Topology:
 ● Point-to-Point: Direct link between two computers
● Bus: Single cable connecting all nodes
● Ring: Every device connected to two neighboring devices in a ring formation
● Star: Computers connected to a central hub
● Mesh: Each device connected to every other device, offering redundancy
● Partial Mesh: Most devices connected similarly, few connected to fewer devices
● Full Mesh: Every device directly connected to each other
● Tree: Hierarchy with a root node and connected nodes
● Hybrid: Combination of two or more topologies

HUB, SWITCH & ROUTER

Hubs:

● Connect devices on an internal network

● Broadcast data packets to all connected devices
● Lack intelligence or filtering capabilities
● Operate at the physical layer
● Create a single collision domain

Switches:

● Connect devices on a network

● Intelligently forward data packets to intended recipients
● Use MAC address tables for packet forwarding
● Create separate collision domains
● Support full-duplex communication

Routers:

● Connect multiple networks together

● Determine optimal paths for data transmission
● Make routing decisions based on IP addresses
● Use routing protocols and maintain routing tables
● Provide network segmentation and security features

Hubs' Features:

● Multiple ports for device connections

● Lack intelligence, filtering, or advanced features

Switches' Features:

● Multiple ports for device connections

 ● Maintain MAC address tables for efficient packet forwarding

Routers' Features:

● Multiple ports (LAN and WAN)

● Connect different networks
● Use routing protocols and maintain routing tables

Hubs' Scope:

● Limited to a single network segment or LAN

Switches' Scope:

● Provide connectivity and intelligent forwarding within a single network or LAN

Routers' Scope:

● Connect and facilitate communication between multiple networks, including LANs and
WANs

Hubs' Errors:

● Broadcast data packets to all devices

● Privacy issues and unnecessary traffic

Switches' Errors:

● Reduce unnecessary broadcast by selectively forwarding data

Routers' Errors:

● Potential misconfigurations or vulnerabilities impacting routing decisions or security risks