Chapter II

Introduction to Computer
Network

1
 Topics discussed in this section:

 Computer Network and its Applications

 Computer Network Types

 Computer Network Topologies

 Computer Network Components

 Computer Network Models (To Be Discussed on Chapter IV)

2.2
 Computer Network and its Applications
 A network consists of 2 or more computers
connected together, and they can communicate
and share resources (e.g. information)

2.3
 … Cntd

2.4
 … Cntd

 Communication
 Email
 Message broadcast

 Remote computing
 Distributed processing (GRID computing) Etc…

2.5
 Disadvantage of computer network
 Security issue
• Computer hackers can get access to our system using
different tools
• Hackers are someone who break our system and have
unauthorized access
 Virus attack vulnerability increase
 Expensive setup cost
 Cost of hardware and personnel
 Dependency on the main server

2.6
 Applications of Computer Networks
 Business Applications

 Client-Server Model 

2.7
 Applications …Cond
 Home Applications
 Access to remote information.
 Person-to-person communication.
 Interactive entertainments.
 Electronic commerce.

2.8
 Computer Network Types
 Depending on different perspectives , we can
classify networks in different ways:
Based on network size/Geo-area coverage (LAN,MAN
& WAN)
Based on management method/functionality
(peer-to-peer & client-server)
Based on physical layout/shape/topology
(bus, star, ring, mesh etc.)

2.9
 Based on network size/Geo-area coverage
I. LAN(Local Area Network)
 Small network, short distance
 A Room, a floor, a building
 Limited by no. of computers & distance covered.
 Serve department within organizations
 Uses guided media
 Data transfer rate
 Very high speed mainly due to proximity of computer and
network devices.

 Speed: speeds can be 10Mbps or 100Mbps or 1000Mpbs also.

2.10
 LAN cont’d…
 Technology
 Connectivity technologies, primarily Ethernet and Token
Ring
Example:
 Network inside student computer room,
 Network inside your home
Components:
 Layer 2 devices like switches.

 Layer 1 devices like hubs and repeaters.

Fault Tolerance:
 Fewer problems, as there is smaller number of systems to deal
with.
Ownership:
 Owned, controlled, and managed by a single person or
organization.

2.11
 LAN cont’d…

2.12
 Based on network size/Geo-area coverage
II. WAN (Wide Area Network)
 Have no geographical boundaries(it covers towns, states
and countries).
 WAN speed varies based on geographical location of the
servers.
 WAN connects several LANs
 WAN mainly uses Guided Media or Unguided media.

2.13
 WAN cont’d…
Data transfer rate :
 Lower data transfer rate as compared to LANs.
Speed:
 Less speed (150 mbps)
Technology:
 WANs tend to use technologies like ATM, Frame Relay
and X.25 for connectivity over longer distances
Example:
 Internet is a good example of a WAN
2.14
 WAN cont’d…
Components:
 Layers 3 devices Routers, Multi-layer Switches and

Technology specific devices like ATM

Fault Tolerance:
 Less fault tolerant as they consist of large number of

systems.
Ownership:
 WANs (like the Internet) are not owned by

collective or distributed ownership and

management over long distances.

2.15
 WAN cont’d…

2.16
 Based on network size/Geo-area coverage
III. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
 All the devices that are part of MAN are span across

buildings or small town.

 MAN network has lower speed compared to LAN.

 MAN connection speeds can be 10Mbps or 100Mbps.

 MAN uses Guided Media or Unguided media.

2.17
 MAN cont’d…

2.18
 Based on network management method/functionality
I. Peer to Peer Network
• Peer-to-peer network is also called workgroup
• No hierarchy among computers  all are equal
• No administrator responsible for the network

2.19
 Peer to Peer Network …Cntd

2.20
 Based on network management method/functionality

II. Client Server Network

2.21
 Client Server …Cntd

2.22
 Based on Based on physical layout/shape/topology
 Topology refers to the layout of connected devices on a network.
 The network topology defines the way in which computers,
printers, and other devices are connected.
 A network topology describes the layout of the wire and devices
as well as the paths used by data transmissions.

2.23
 Figure 1.5 A fully connected mesh topology (five devices)

2.24
 Figure 1.6 A star topology connecting four stations

2.25
 Figure 1.7 A bus topology connecting three stations

2.26
 Figure 1.8 A ring topology connecting six stations

2.27
 Figure 1.9 A hybrid topology: a star backbone with three bus networks

2.28
 Networking Components

 Clients
 Computers that request or order information from a server

 Servers
 Computers that work behind the scenes to provide (serve)
the resources requested by the clients
 Two types
• Non-dedicated: Provides many different services to its client computers
such as file retrieval, printing, and emailing
• Dedicated: Provides only one type of resource to its clients, such as
printing

2.29
 Figure: Server and client

2.30
 Other network components

 Shared peripherals:
 A device that is connected to a computer and controlled by
its microprocessor
 Media:
 Physical pieces used to transport data from one computer
to another computer or peripheral on the network
 Data-packets:

2.31
 Network Devices

Typical LAN devices include:

 Hub:
 Is Layer-1 devices that physically connect network
devices together.
 Also be referred to as repeaters.

 Switch:
 They include network monitoring and selective
configuration capabilities, thereby reducing network
traffic.

2.32
 Network Devices …Cntd

 Bridge:
 To link two similar networks.
 The basic function of a bridge is to join two or more separate
networks that use the same protocol.

2.33
 Network Devices …Cntd

 Router
 Routers operate at the Network layer of the OSI model.
 They are slower than bridges and switches but make
"smart" decisions on how to route packets received on one
port to a network on another port.

2.34
 Assignment II

 What are the major differences between hub,

switch, bridge and routers?

2.35
 End Of Chapter - II

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