TOPIC 1: INTRODUCTION TO

NETWORKING
1.1 Basic Concepts of Computer
Networks

FP303 COMPUTER
NETWORK

hafizah@jtmk.ptss.edu.my
Learning Outcomes
• Describe advantages of networking
• Describe the characteristic of two types of networks
• Describe the various classification of networks
• List the elements common to all client/server networks
• Describe the various computer network topologies
• Compare the characteristics of the different network
topologies
• State the organizations that set standards for
networking
What is Network?
• A combination of computer hardware, cabling,
network devices and computer software that
allows computers to communicate with each
other.
• The goal of any network is to allow computers
to communicate.
• Communication examples: web browser, AIM,
text messaging, email
Advantages of Comp. Network
• Data Exchange
• Hardware Resource Sharing

• Software Resource Sharing

• Data Security
• Increased Communication Capabilities
• Entertainment
• Backup - Avoid File Duplication and Corruption
Types of Networks
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
• Client Server
Peer to Peer (P2P) Network
• Single computer / node CONNECTED to single
computer / node.

Peer to Peer
Network
Peer to Peer (P2P) Network (cont…)
• P2P members usually perform similar tasks, sharing
of resources. Support 10 computers. Users of P2P is
located in the same geographical area

Advantages of a peer-to-peer network:

• Less initial expense - No need for a dedicated server.

• Setup - An operating system (such as Windows XP)
already in place may only need to be reconfigured for
peer-to-peer operations.
Peer to Peer (P2P) Network (cont…)
Disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network:

• Decentralized - No Centralized server.

• Security - Does not provide the security available on a
peer-to-peer network.
Client Server Network
• Multiple computer / device (CLIENTS) connected to a
SERVER to perform any network activities

File Server

Other
equipment
Client Server Network (cont…)
Advantages of a client/server network

• Centralized - Resources and data security are

controlled through the server.
• Security - More security then Peer-to-peer network.
• Flexibility - New technology can be easily integrated
into system.
• Interoperability - All components (client /server) work
together.
• Accessibility - Server can be accessed remotely and
across multiple platforms.
Client Server Network (cont…)
Disadvantages of a client/server network

• Expense - Requires initial investment in dedicated

server.
• Maintenance - Large networks will require a staff to
ensure efficient operation.
• Dependence - When server goes down, operations
will cease (stop) across the network.
Category of Networks
 Local Area Network (LAN)
• Simple connection within limited size of area

• Example: Single-building LAN or Multiple-building LAN

 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• Connection over the city

• Example: Arau networks to Kangar networks

 Wide Area Network (WAN)
• Large-size of area connection which connects all
over the world
• Example: Malaysia networks to Japan networks
 Elements of Client Server Networks
• CLIENT
– Clients are the computers that can access the shared network resources
provided by a server

• SERVER
– Servers are the computers that provide the shared resources to network
users

• NIC (Network Interface Card)

– Device inside a computer that connects a computer to the network (network
adapter)

• NETWORK OPERATING SYSTEM (NOS)

– The software that runs on servers that enables the servers to manage data,
users, groups, security, applications, and other network functions. Example:
Windows Server 2008 R2, Mac OSX, UNIX, Linux
Elements of Client Server Networks (cont…)
• BACKBONE
– The devices that connect all of the clients and servers across the
network. Example Switches, routers, access points

• SEGMENT
– A segment is a specially-configured subset of a larger network. The
ways of increasing available bandwidth on the LAN

• TOPOLOGY
– A topology is a arrangement of a network, including its nodes and
connecting lines. Network geometry: 1) Physical topology 2) Logical
(or signal) topology.

• TRANSMISSION MEDIA
– The physical or nonphysical means through which data is
transmitted and received across the network. Example: Wire and
cables, radio waves
 Two categories
of network topology are:

• Physical – topology map recorded each host is

located, wiring is installed and the locations of the
networking devices that connect the hosts.

• Logical – host names, addresses, group information

and applications can be recorded on the logical
topology map. Describes the logical pathway a signal
follows as it passes among the network nodes
Physical Network Topology
Logical Network Topology
Network Topologies

TOPOLOGY

BUS RING STAR HYBRID

TREE MESH
Bus Topology
• It is a multipoint topology.
• One long cable acts as a backbone to link all
the devices in the network.
Ring Topology
• Each device has a dedicated point-to-point line
configuration.
• Message will be passed to each device until it
reach the destination
Star Topology
 Each device has a dedicated point-to-point link only
to a central controller.
 It does not allow direct traffic between devices.
Mesh Topology
• A mesh topology provides redundant communication
paths between some or all devices .

Full Mesh

Partial Mesh
Tree Topology
 A tree topology integrates the star and bus
topologies in a hybrid approach to improve network
scalability.
Hybrid Topology
• The combination of two or more topologies.
Consideration to Choose Topology
• Money. A linear bus network may be the least
expensive way to install a network; you do not have
to purchase concentrators.
• Length of cable needed. The linear bus network uses
shorter lengths of cable.
• Future growth. With a star topology, expanding a
network is easily done by adding another
concentrator.
• Cable type. The most common cable is unshielded
twisted pair, which is most often used with star
topologies.
• Stability
 Type of Cable, Protocol & Speed
Topology Cable Speed Protocol

Twisted Pair,
Bus, Star, Tree 10 Mbps Ethernet
Coaxial, Fiber

Twisted Pair,
Star 100 Mbps Fast Ethernet
Fiber

Linear or Star Twisted Pair .23 Mbps LocalTalk

Star-Wired Ring Twisted Pair 4 Mbps - 16 Mbps Token Ring

Dual ring Fiber 100 Mbps FDDI

Twisted Pair,
Bus, Star, Tree 155-2488 Mbps ATM
Fiber
 Networking Standard Organization
• International Standard Organization (ISO)
• American National Standard Institute (ANSI)
• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE)
• Electronics Industries Association (EIA)
• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
• Internet Architecture Board (IAB)
• Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
• Internet Society (ISOC)
• Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)
Function of Hardware
• REPEATER - increasing the signals energy

REPEATER
• HUB / SWITCH
– Centralizing connection for all network devices (LAN only)
– Sending packets using MAC address
HUB
SWITCH
Function of Hardware (cont…)
• ROUTER - Forwarding packets in the network using MAC
and IP address (INTERNET)

ROUTER
 Function of Hardware (cont…)
• BRIDGE - Connecting two or
more different networks for
communication
BRIDGE
• GATEWAYS - a device that acts
as a ‘MAIN PATH’ for all network
traffics.
• “Gate” to the Internet.
GATEWAYS
EXERCISE
Question No 1
• Form a group (2-3 person in group)
• Q1: List an advantages and disadvantages of network
topologies below:

TOPOLOGY

BUS RING STAR HYBRID

TREE MESH
Question No 2
• Q2: Explain about basic hardware in computer network.

1. Repeater
2. Switch
3. Hub
4. Router
5. Bridge
6. Access Point / Wireless Router
Question No 3
• Q3: Explain the function of standard networking
organization?

• International Standard Organization (ISO)

• American National Standard Institute (ANSI)

• Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineer (IEEE)

• Electronics Industries Association (EIA)

• International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

• Internet Architecture Board (IAB)

• Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)
• Internet Society (ISOC)

• Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA)

Question No 4
• Q4: Draw the logical and physical network topology based
on problem statement below:

MyXvert Sdn Bhd is a small advertising company with 9 professionals and a

secretary. They rented a small office suite in Alor Setar, Kedah. As an
advertising company, they provide services to private companies and
government sectors regarding the advertising issues. The moment when Hafiz
Ahmad opened the company back in 1997, the company owned only three
staffs excluding him. Computers help them a lot in doing their consultation job
for customers at that moment. After 10 years operated, the workload has
extremely shot up. Every jobs need computer to be completed while the
company still owned two five years old printers, and one Pentium 3 computer
used by Anisah (secretary). No computer network installed resulting MyXvert
staffs face with difficulties when they want to share files. Due to the insistent by
MyXvert staffs, Hafiz Ahmad has agreed to install a new network to the office.
He really hopes that the new network can boost up the company’s production
and performance in the future.
I don’t stop when I’m tired.
I only stop when I’m done…