NETWORKING

DEFINITION AND TYPES OF NETWORKING

Network literally means a collection of a large and widely distributed group of people or things
such as stores, colleges, or offices that communicate with one another and work together as
a unit or system.
A Computer Network, simply referred to as a network, can be defined as a system of two or
more computers, terminals and communication devices linked by wires, cables, or
telecommunication system in order to exchange data.
The network may be limited to a group of users in a local area (LAN), or it could be global in
scope just like the Internet. The major reason network exist is to enable sharing of resources
and information among interconnected devices.

TYPES OF NETWORK:
(i) Ethernet
(ii) Token Ring
(iii) Arcnet

Ethernet:
Ethernet is a family of computer networking technologies for Local Area Networks (LANs), it
is a protocol that controls the way data is transmitted over a Local Area Network. This network
which was commercially introduced in 1980 uses wires (i.e. it is not a wireless technology) in
form of either a bus or star topology and supports data transfer rates of about 10Mbps.

An ethernet port (jack or socket) is an opening on computer network equipment that Ethernet
cables plug into.

Ethernet port on a Router

Token Ring:
A Token ring is a type of computer network in which all the computers are arranged in a circle
(see diagram below). A token, which is a special bit pattern, travels around the circle. To send
a message, a computer catches the token, attaches a message to it, and then allows it
continue to travel around the network. It uses a special three-byte frame called a token.
Physically, when implemented, the computers are connected through cables to a ‘HUB’,
which manages the network in a ring topology manner.A token ring prevents the collision of
data when more than one computer in a network attempts to send messages simultaneously.
It is the second most popular type of Local Area Network protocol.

Token

Token
Token

Arcnet:
ARCnet (an acronym from Attached Resource Computer Network) is defined as a group of
nodes that communicates to one another over a geographically-limited area usually within
one building or a campus of buildings. It was developed by John Murphy at Data-point
Corporation in the late 1970s.
It was the simplest and least expensive type of Local Area Network, which uses token ring
architecture, supported data rates of 2.5Mbps, and connected up to 255 computers. A special
advantage of ARCnet is that it permitted various types of transmission media to be mixed on
the same network.

EVALUATION
1. Definition Networking
2. State 3 types of Network
3. ARCnet was developed by ______

NETWORK TOPOLOGY
In Computer Networking, topology refers to the layout of connected devices. It is the plan or
model in which two or more computing devices are connected in a network.

There are two types of network topology;

1. Physical Topology and
2. Logical Topology.
The Physical Topologyof a network refers to the layout or arrangement of the cables and
network devices.

The Logical Topologyrefers to the method of communication of the network devices.

Network Topologies are categorized into the following basic types:

(i) Point to Point Topology
(ii) Star Topology
(iii) Bus Topology
(iv) Ring Topology
(v) Mesh Topology

STAR TOPOLOGY
Star Network is a local area network in which each device (node) is connected to a central
computer in a star-shaped configuration (topology); commonly, a network consisting of a
central computer (the hub) surrounded by terminals. The central point may be a hub, a switch
or a router, and all the individual network devices communicate with the central point which
manages and control all functions of the network. An example of star network topology is the
ARCNET.

Advantages of Star Topology

 A star network is reliable in the sense that a node can fail without affecting any other
node on the network.
 Easy to install and wire
 Easy to detect faults and remove parts

Disadvantages of Star Topology

 Failure of the central computer results in a shutdown of the entire network.
 If the hub, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled
 Since each node is individually wired to the hub, cabling costs can be high.

BUS TOPOLOGY
Bus network topology uses a common backbone (a cable) to connect all devices. The
backbone is a shared communication medium that all devices are attached or connected. A
signal from the source travels in both directions to all machines connected on the bus cable
until it finds the intended recipient. If the machine address does not match the intended
address for the data, the machine ignores the data. Alternatively, if the data matches the
machine address, the data is accepted.
An example of bus network is the Ethernet.

Advantages of Bus Topology

 Easy to connect a computer or peripheral
 Inexpensive to implement when compared to other topologies because it requires less
cable
Disadvantages of Bus Topology
 Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable
 Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable
 Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.

RING TOPOLOGY
It is a local area network in which devices (nodes) are connected in a closed loop, or ring.
Messages in a ring network pass in one direction, from node to node. As a message travels
around the ring, each node examines the destination address attached to the message. If the
address is the same as the address assigned to the node, the node accepts the message;
otherwise, it regenerates the signal and passes the message along to the next node in the
circle. Such regeneration allows a ring network to cover larger distances than star and bus
networks. It can also be designed to bypass any malfunctioning or failed node.

Advantages of Ring Topology

 They can span larger distances than other types
 It can also be designed to bypass any malfunctioning or failed node.

Disadvantages of Bus Topology

 Failure in one of the network connection results in breakdown of the entire network.
 new nodes can be difficult to add.

MESH TOPOLOGY
In Mesh network topology, each computer includes everything it needs to serve as a relay
point for sending information to any