Objectives

• Explain types of networks

• Explain advantages and disadvantages
of computer networks
• Describe network topologies

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 COMPUTER NETWORK
• A computer network is two or more computers t connected
using a telecommunication system for the purpose of
communicating and sharing resources.

– Types of Networks:

Local Area Network (LAN):

A network that is limited to a relatively small spatial area such a
single building. a ship. Local area networks are sometimes
called a single Location Network.
Note: Large LANs are generally divided into smaller logical
segments called workgroups. A workgroup is a group of
computers that share a common set of resources within a LAN.

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 Types of Networks:
Campus Area Network (CAN):
A network that connects two or more
LANs but that is limited to a specific
geographical area such as a college
campus, industrial complex.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):
A network that connects two or more LANs or
CANs together but does not extend beyond the
boundaries of the immediate town. City, or
metropolitan area. Multiple routers, switches &
hubs are connected to create a MAN.

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 Wide Area Network (WAN)
A WAN is a data communications network that covers a relatively
broad geographic area and that often uses transmission facilities
provided by common carriers, such as telephone companies.

Intranet
A network or internet work that is limited in scope to a single
organization or entity.

Extranet
A network or internet work that is limited in scope to a single
organization or entity but which also has limited connections to the
network s of one or more other usually, but not necessarily, trusted
organizations or entities

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 Advantages of networks
Speed
Sharing and transferring files within networks are very rapid.

Cost
Individually licensed copies of many popular software programs can be costly.
Shared programs on network allows for easier upgrading of the program on
one single file server.

Security
Sensitive files and programs on a network are password protected.

Centralized software Management

Software can be loaded on one computer eliminating that need to spend time
and energy installing updates and tracking files on independent computers
throughout the building.

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 Advantages of networks
Resources sharing
Resources such as printer, fax machine, and modems can
be shared.
Electronic sharing
E-mail aids in personal and professional communication.
Flexible Access
Access their files from computers throughout the firm.
Workgroup computing
Workgroup software allows many users to work on a
document or project concurrently.

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 Disadvantages of network
Server faults stop application being available

Network faults can cause loss of data.

Network fault could lead to loss of resources

User work dependent upon network .

System open to hackers

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 Disadvantages of network

Decision tend to become centralized.

Could become inefficient .

Could degrade in performance.

Resource could be located too far from users.

Network management can become different

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 What is a topology?

The physical or logical topology of a network refers to the configuration

of cables, computer and other peripherals
Main Types of physical topologies
1.Linear bus
A linear bus topology consist of a main run of cable with a terminator at
each end. All nodes (file server, workstation and peripherals) are
connected to the linear cable. Ethernet and Local Talk networks use
a linear bus topology.

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BUS

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 BUS

Advantages of a linear bus topology

• Easy to connect a computer or peripherals to a linear bus.

• Requires less cable length than a star topology.

Disadvantages of a linear 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 shut down.
• Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.

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 2.Star
A star topology is designed with each
node (file server, workstations and
peripherals) connected to a central
network hub or concentrator
Data on a star network passes
through the hub or concentrator
before continuing to its destination
.
The hub or concentrator manages
and controls all functions of the
network . It also acts as a
repeater for the data flow.

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STAR

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 Advantages of star topology.

• Easy to install and drive .

• No disruptions to the network then
connecting or removing devices.
• Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

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 Disadvantages of a star
Topology

• Requires more cable length than a linear

topology.
• If the hub or concentrator fails, nodes
attached are disabled.
• More expensive than linear bus topologies
because of the cost of the concentrators.

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 3.TREE

A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star

topologies. It consists of groups of star-configured workstations
connected to a linear bus backbone cable.
Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and
enable schools to configure a network to meet their needs.

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TREE

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 Advantages of a tree topology

• Point-to-points wiring for individual segments.

• Supported by several hardware and software vendors.

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 Disadvantages of a tree Topology

• Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of

cabling used.
• If the backbone line break, the entire segment goes
down.
• More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

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 Ring Topology

Ring Topology
In a ring network, every device has exactly two neighbors for communication purposes.
All messages travel through a ring in the same
direction (either "clockwise" or "counterclockwise").

A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and can take down the entire network.

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RING

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FDDI

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Questions

Ahenda J. Ang’udi 24
 End
• Have a nice day

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