University of Basrah

Introduction to computer science

Assist tech.: Mohammed F. Alrifaie
First stage

1
 Computer Networks

A network is a set of devices (nodes) connected by

communication links. A node can be a computer, printer, or any
other device capable of sending and/or receiving data generated
by other nodes on the network.

NIC – network interface card is

a network adapter that is used
to connect the computer to the
network.
 Network Devices
1. Repeater – A repeater operates at the physical layer. Its
job is to regenerate the signal over the same network
before the signal becomes too weak or corrupted to extend
the length to which the signal can be transmitted over the
same network.
2. Hub – A hub is a basically multi-port repeater. A hub
connects multiple wires coming from different branches,
for example, the connector in star topology which
connects different stations.
3. Switches – The switch can perform error checking before
forwarding data, which makes it very efficient as it does
not forward packets that have errors and forward good
packets selectively to the correct port only.
4. Routers – A router is a device like a switch that routes
data packets based on their IP addresses. It is capable of
filtering local area network traffic.
Network Diagram
 BUS TOPOLOGY
 A bus topology consists of a single central cable called the backbone to which all
computers and other devices connect.
 All nodes share the backbone to communicate with each other on the network.
 The bus transmits data, instructions, and information in both directions.

 An advantage of the bus network is that computers or other devices can be

attached or detached at any point without disrupting the network. If one of the
nodes fails, the transmission simply bypass the faulty device and the bus network
would still function as long as the backbone is working.

 The disadvantages however are due to limited cable length and number of
stations, if there is a problem with the cable, the entire network fails, maintenance
cost is higher in the long run, performance degrades as additional computers are
added or with heavy traffic and proper termination is required.
 RING TOPOLOGY
 Ring topology consists of all computers and other devices that are connected in a
loop. In a ring network each node directly connects to two neighboring nodes.
Data transmitted on the ring network travels from device to device around the
entire ring in one direction only.
 When a computer or device sends data, it will travel to each computer in the ring
network until it reaches its destination. If a computer or device in the network fails,
all devices before the failed device are unaffected

 The advantages of this type of topology are :- minimal cable requirement, no

wiring cabinet or closet needed, message can be automatically acknowledge, no
data collision between nodes.
 The disadvantages include network failure if any nodes goes down,
troubleshooting is difficult because of the one way communication and the
number of nodes and distances are limited.
 STAR TOPOLOGY
 Every node or devices are connected to a central device, usually a hub, that
provides a common connection for the nodes.
 All data transfers from one node to another will go through the hub. Data travels in
both directions. Every node must connect to the hub in order to communicate. If
one of the nodes fails, the star network can still function as long as the hub is
working.
 A star network is easier to install and maintain but it need more cables. Nodes
can be added or removed from the network without disrupting the network.
 The disadvantages are : - failure of central hub will result in network failure, cost
more compared to bus or ring topologies and it requires more cable
Network Topologies
 Networks Classifications

We can classify the networks based on its size

(geographically) into three main categories:

 LAN

 MAN

 WAN
 LAN
LAN stands for local area network. It is a group of network devices
that allow communication between various connected devices.
Private ownership has control over the local area network rather than
the public. LAN has a short propagation delay than MAN as well as
WAN. It covers smaller areas such as colleges, schools, hospitals,
and so on.
 MAN
MAN stands for metropolitan area network. It covers a larger area
than LAN such as small towns, cities, etc. MAN connects two or
more computers that reside within the same or completely different
cities. MAN is expensive and should or might not be owned by one
organization.
 WAN
WAN stands for wide area network. It covers a large area than
LAN as well as a MAN such as country/continent etc. WAN is
expensive and should or might not be owned by one organization.
 LAN, MAN and WAN
Basis LAN MAN WAN

MAN stands for metropolitan area

Full-Form LAN stands for local area network. WAN stands for wide area network.
network.

Geographic Operates in small areas such as the Operates in larger areas such as
Operates in large areas such as a city.
Span same building or campus. country or continent.

MAN’s ownership can be private or While WAN also might not be owned
Ownership LAN’s ownership is private.
public. by one organization.

Transmission The transmission speed of a LAN is While the transmission speed of a Whereas the transmission speed of a
Speed high. MAN is average. WAN is low.

Propagation The propagation delay is short in a There is a moderate propagation delay Whereas, there is a long propagation
delay LAN. in a MAN. delay in a WAN.

While there is more congestion in Whereas there is more congestion

Congestion There is less congestion in LAN.
MAN. than MAN in WAN.

In WAN, there is also less fault

Fault tolerance There is more fault tolerance in LAN. While there is less fault tolerance.
tolerance.