Networking Basics

Mohd. Abdul Hannan Chowdhury

Objectives
At the end of this session, you will be able to:
– Define a Computer Network;
– List the advantages and disadvantages of using
computer networks;
– Classify computer networks;
– Differentiate between LAN ,MAN and WAN
– Explain the functions of the standard topologies
– Explain the functions of different network protocols
– Explain the roles of a computer in a network
– Identify the different networking hardware
Why Network?
It was not efficient or cost-
effective for businesses to use
floppy disks to share data.
Sneaker-net creates multiple
copies of the data. Each time a
file was modified it would have to
be shared again with all other
people who needed that file.
If two people modified the file and
then tried to share it, one of the
sets of changes would be lost.
Businesses needed a solution
that would successfully
address the above three
problems.
What is a Network?
An interconnected system of things or people;
A wide variety of systems of interconnected
components are called networks.
What is a Computer Network?
Computer Network is two or more computers
connected so that they can communicate with
each other and share information, software,
peripheral devices, and/or processing power.
Computer Network is a group of computers
connected by using various media is capable of
sharing, managing and providing resources.
In summary, all networks must have the
following:
– Something to share (data)
– A physical pathway (transmission medium)
– Rules of communication (protocols)
Keeps information reliable and up to-date
efficiently
Which one of the following is a
computer network?
Which resources we can share?
Network Resources (Software/Services):
(Software/Services)
– Files / Programs
– Services
Network Resources (Hardware):
– Printers
– Hard disks
– Floppy disks
– DVD/CD-ROMs
– Plotters
– etc.
Network Media
The following medias are used as communication path:
– Cable Media
Twisted Pair Cable
– UTP Cable
– STP Cable
Coaxial Cable
Fiber Optic Cable
– Wireless Media
Microwave
Infrared, etc.
– Communicating Devices
Hub
Switch
Router (as network management device too)
Rules of Communication (Protocol):
Protocol is Formal description of a set of rules and
conventions that govern how devices on a network
exchange information.
– TCP/IP
– UDP
– NWLink
– NetBEUI
– PPP
– IPX/SPX etc.
There are also some reference models which describe
the functions of network in different layer-
– OSI Reference Model
– TCP/IP Model
Example of a network
A Simple Network Structure.
Classification of Networks:
Networks are classified using different point of
view. For example:
– Size: Geographic size of network;
– Topology: Physical Arrangement and the logical
relations between nodes.
– Role in the network: Is there any controlling machine
or not.
– Security and Access control: Who can access and
who cannot
Classification of Networks (by Size):
There are three basic type of network On the
basis of the area covered:
– LAN (Local Area Network)
– MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
– WAN (Wide Area Network)
LAN (Local Area Network)
LANs connect workstations, peripherals,
terminals, and other devices in a single building
or other geographically limited area;
Uses cables as its connecting media;
Carries information in the form of computer
signals (i.e., digital);
It is high-speed, low-error data network;
Maximum distance between networks limited by:
– The strength of the signal
– The network system’s built-in time limit for sending and
receiving the messages via the connecting media
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
Network that spans a metropolitan area or city.
The area covered by a MAN is between LAN &
WAN and typically it is between 5 and 50 km
diameter.
Generally uses the LAN technology.
May carries information in the form of analog or
digital signals
For example:
– A MAN among Ministry of Eduction, BANBEIS, NAEM and
‘Shikka Bhaban’.
– A MAN of Standard Chartered Bank in Dhaka City.
WAN (Wide Area Network)
Wan spreads into unlimited geographic area;
It uses multiplexes to connect LAN and MAN to
global communications networks like the
Internet.
It may cover Cities, States, Countries,
Continents; even planets;
Establishes communication via:
– Phone lines
– Microwaves
– Satellites, or
– a combination of communication channels
to connect several locations.
For example:
– A WAN of Standard Chartered Bank in the country or
World.
– A WAN of Airline Ticketing system.
Advantages of LAN over WAN
LAN designers can set up their own network that is
technically reliable. Whereas WAN designers are
forced to use existing public telephone network
that is technically unreliable.
LAN cables are more reliable since they travel
lower distances and uses no conversion of
computer signal. Whereas the WANs are more
susceptible to errors due to the distances that
data to be traveled and needs conversion of
signals in different devices and stages.
Error detection and correction are done at lower
levels in LANs as compared to WANs
LAN uses simple devices in compared to WAN that
uses complex devices that are more expensive.
Classification of Networks (By Topology)

A topology is simply a description of how a type

of system is arranged.
There are two types of topology:
– Physical topology: Refers to the configuration of
cables, computers, and other peripherals.
– Logical topology: The method used to pass
information between workstations. Logical topologies
are called Protocol.
Three basic physical Topologies are:
– Bus
– Star
– Ring
Topology (bus)
A network topology in which nodes are connected
to a single cable with terminators at each end.
All devices are connected to a central cable, called
the bus or backbone. Bus networks are relatively
inexpensive and easy to install for small networks.
Ethernet systems use a bus topology.
Topology (bus)
The equipment necessary
to establish a bus
topology:
– Coaxial Cable
– BNC Connector
– T-connector
Topology (bus)
Advantages of a Bus Topology
– Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear
bus.
– Requires less cable length than a star topology.
Disadvantages of a 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.
Topology (Star)
A star topology is designed with each
workstations /Server /Peripherals connected
directly to a central point like hub or concentrator
Data on a star network passes through the hub or
concentrator before continuing to its destination.
The hub/switch or concentrator manages and
controls all functions of the network. It also acts
as a repeater for the data flow. This configuration
is common with twisted pair cable; however, it
can also be used with coaxial cable or fiber optic
cable.
Topology (Star)
The equipment
necessary to establish
a bus topology:
– Hub or Switch
– Twisted Pair Cable
– RJ45 Connector
Topology (Star)
Advantages of a Star Topology
– Easy to install and wire.
– No disruptions to the network in connecting or removing
devices.
– Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.
Disadvantages of a Star Topology
– Requires more cable length than a linear bus topology.
– If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes attached with
that device will be disconnected.
– More expensive than linear bus topologies because of
the cost of the concentrators and the cost of longer
cables.
 Topology (Ring)
o The ring topology is a type of
computer network configuration
where each network computer and
device are connect to each other
forming a large circle (or similar
shape).
o Each packet is sent around the ring
until it reaches its final destination.
o Today the ring topology is seldom
used.
Topology (Ring)
What is Token:
– It is a short message/packet passed around the ring and
is captured by the computer that has to transmit the
data. It contains Address of the receiving computer and
data that is to be sent.
– The destination computer that received the token sends
an acknowledgement packet back to the source
computer.
Offers the following advantages:
– Network efficiency can be as high as 100 per cent under
conditions of heavy load
– Equal access is given to all computers
Suffers from the following disadvantages:
– Failure of one computer on the ring can affect the entire
network
– Troubleshooting is difficult
– Adding or removing computers disrupts the network
Other Topologies
Beside the three basic topologies there are
some topologies-
– Star Bus: combination of star and bus topology;
– Star Ring: Combination of star and ring topology;
– Physical Mesh: Each computer is directly connected
with each other.
Star Bus Topology
Is a combination of the
bus and star topologies
Has several star
topology networks
linked with linear trunks
Does not adversely
affect the network if
one computer fails
Causes the network to
be disabled when the
central hub fails
Star Ring Topology
Is a combination of the ring and star
topologies.
Has hubs that are connected in a star pattern
to the main hub
Physical Mesh Topology
Has a link between each device on the network
Gets unmanageable beyond a very small number of
devices
Has each of its computers linked to most of the
other computers reducing the redundant links
Classification of Networks (Role in the
network):
Roles of Computer in a Network
– Clients
Which use network resources but do not share them
– Servers
Which provide network resources
– Peers
Which use and share network resources
On the basis of the roles, networks are divided
into three categories:
– Peer-to-Peer networks
– Server-based networks
– Combination networks
Peer to Peer networks
There is no central control over the network
All the computers are clients as well as servers
Does not have any dedicated server
Is organized into workgroups that have limited
security control
Peer to Peer networks
Offers the following advantages:
– No extra investment on server hardware and software
– Easy setup
– No network administrator required
– Users can controls sharing of resources
– Less cost in a small network
Have the following disadvantages:
– Weak and intrusive security
– Need to administer the computers individually
– Lack of centralized management
– Additional burden on the computers because of resource
sharing
– Non-handling of multiple network connections
Server-based Networks
Server:
– Servers are dedicated to perform some specific tasks
– A single server may perform all the tasks or the tasks
may distribute into separate servers
Servers are classified into following categories:
– File servers that allow users to share files
– Print servers that allow users to print on a common
network printer
– Application servers that allow clients to access
expensive software applications
– Message servers that provide message services
Server-based Networks
Nodes are organized into domains in a Server environment
that provides:
– Security
– Administration
– Services to various clients
– Ensure security of files and directories

Server shown in the figure is optimized for file, print,

and application services. Workstation is optimized for
desktop performance, either as a network client or as a
peer.
Server-based Networks
Offer the following advantages:
– Strong central security
– Centralized file storage that:
Provides easy backup of critical data
Allows users to work with the
– same set of data
– Reduced overall costs in a large network
– Easy management of multiple users
– Users are freed from managing resources
Have the following disadvantages:
– An expensive dedicated server is essential
– Needs expensive network operating system software
– A dedicated network administrator must manage and
monitor the network.
Combination Networks
This type of network-
– Combine server-based
and peer-to-peer
networking features
– Can be implemented
by using two types of
operating systems on
the same network
– Require extensive
planning and training
of the users to
implement the network
and security issues
Network Protocols
Protocol is a way for two elements (server, hosts,
workstations etc.) on a network to communicate
in a standard way.
In an intermediate network facility, a set of rules
and procedures governing communication
between entities connected by the network.
Three most common protocols are:
– TCP/IP
– NetBEUI
– NWLink
Network Protocols (TCP/IP)
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol A
protocol for communication between computers,
used as a standard for transmitting data over
multiple networks on the basis of standard
Internet Protocols.
TCP is one of the main protocols in TCP/IP
networks. TCP enables two hosts to establish a
connection and exchange streams of data. TCP
guarantees delivery of data and also guarantees
that packets will be delivered in the same order
in which they were sent.
Whereas the IP protocol deals only with packets,
determines the best path to the destination. IP
provides 32 bit (IPv4) or 128 bit (IPv6)
addressing mechanism.
Network Protocols (NetBIOS)
Abbreviated from Network Basic Input/Output
System
NetBIOS is a protocol used in a LAN to provide
services for managing names, conducting
sessions and send datagrams between nodes
(Computers).
It is not a routable protocol.
Network Protocols (NetBEUI)
Abbreviated from NetBIOS Extended User
Interface
A network protocol native to Microsoft
Networking.
It is a non-routable network transport suit for use
in small networks consisting of a single LAN with
50 or fewer computers.
In the Microsoft networking world, NetBEUI was
the primary protocol for Windows 3.11 (Windows
for Workgroup).
NetBEUI is easy to use because it is self-
configuring. There is nothing to do except install
it.
It cannot be used in a WAN environment.
Network Hardware
The hardware required to enable communication
among two or more nodes are-
– NIC (Network Interface Card)
– Repeater
– Hub
– Switch
– Wireless Access Point
– Router
– Cables
– Connectors
– Etc.
NIC Network Interface Card

To enable a computer to access

in the network there must be
an interface (NIC) installed in
the computer. The NIC may be
built in the computer (i.e.,
integrated into the
motherboard) or installed in the
PCI slot of the motherboard. In
both case there will be a port to
attach cables with that or a
antenna for wireless LAN. NIC
provide the following tasks-
– Prepare data for the
transmission medium
– Sends data to the media
– Controls the flow of data from
the PC to the transmission
medium
Repeater
It is a device to regenerate the week signal into
its original value when the distance between two
nodes exceed the minimum cable length.
HUB
A Hub is a common connection point for devices in a
network. Typically used to connect hosts and
segments of a local area network (LAN), a hub
contains multiple ports.
When data arrives at one port, it is copied to the
other ports so that all segments of the LAN can see
the data.
Hub classified into following categories:
– Passive Hub that:
acts as a central connection point
does not amplify or regenerate signals
does not require electrical power
– Active Hub:
which regenerates and transmits the signal
is also called as multi-port repeater
requires electrical power to run
– Intelligent Hub:
Regenerates and transmits signal through a specific port
Acts as multi-port repeater
Requires electrical power
Switch
A central network device
(multiport hub) that forwards
packets to specific ports
rather than broadcasting
every packet to every port as
in conventional hubs. In this
way, the connections
between ports deliver the full
bandwidth available.
Unlike hub the switch can
control traffic on the basis of
PCs MAC address.
Wireless Access Point
Router
A network device for providing routing service
from one network to another.
It connects multiple networks and acts as a
gateway to access another network or internet.
Transmission Media
It is the network component over which the
message is transmitted
It determines how fast data will be transmitted
The media may have the following types-
– Cable Media
Coaxial Cable
Twisted pair Cable
Fiber-optics Cable
– Wireless Media
Radio Wave
Microwave, etc
Cable Specifications
Some examples of Ethernet cable specifications
relating to cable type include:
– 10Base2 – refers to the speed of the transmission at
10Mbps. Type of speed is baseband. The 2 represents
the capability of the cable, allowing the signal to travel
approx. 200 meters, and is also referred to as Thinnet.
Generally it is a coaxial cable.
– 10Base5 – refers to the speed of the transmission at
10Mbps. Type of speed is baseband. The 5 represents
the capability of the cable, allowing the signal to travel
approx. 500 meters, and is also referred to as Thicknet.
Generally it is a coaxial cable.
– 10BaseT – refers to the speed of the transmission at
10Mbps. Type of speed is baseband, and the T refers to
twisted pair. It is generally a group of 4 twisted pair
colored cable.
 Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cable
consists of a
hollow outer
cylindrical
conductor that
surrounds a
single inner wire
made of two
conducting
elements.
STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) Cable
Shielded twisted-pair
combines the
techniques of
shielding,
cancellation, and
twisting of wires.
Each pair of wires is
wrapped in foil, and
the four pairs is again
wrapped in an overall
metallic foil.
STP reduces electrical
noise within the cable
and crosstalk.
The metallic shielding
of STP needs to be
grounded at both
ends, otherwise it
becomes susceptible
to major noise
problems.
UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) Cable
Unshielded twisted-pair
cable is a four-pair wire
medium.
Each of the 8 individual
copper wires is covered
by insulating material
Each pair of wires being
twisted around each
other.
UTP relies solely on the
cancellation effect to
limit signal degradation
caused by EMI and RFI .
CAT-5 is the most
frequently used and
implemented installation
today.
UTP has many
advantages in that it is
easy to install and less
expensive than other
types of networking
media.
Optical Media – Total Internal Reflection
A light ray that’s being turned on and off to send data into fiber
must stay inside the fiber until it reaches the far end.
The ray can not refract into the material wrapped around the
outside of the fiber because the refraction would cause it to lose
part of the light energy.
Two conditions must be met for the light rays in fiber to be
reflected back into the fiber without any loss:
– The core of the fiber has to have a
larger refracting index than the
material surrounding it. The
material surrounding the core is
called cladding.
– The angle of incidence of the light
ray is greater than the critical angle
for the core and its cladding.
– When both conditions are met, the
fiber will have total internal
reflection, giving a light wave a
guide for data communications.
Wireless device and Technology
Equipped with wireless Wireless NIC
NICs, an “ad hoc” network
could be established,
comparing it to a peer-to-
peer wired network.
Both devices act as servers
and clients, and security is
set at a minimum along
with throughput
To solve the problem of
compatibility, an access
point is installed to act as
the central “hub” for the Access Point
WLAN.
The range for an access
point is usually between
300 to 500 feet (91.44 –
152.4 meters).
Thank you!!