Networks

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COMPUTER NETWORKS

Definition of Terms

1. Network: A connection of computers for them to share data and resources like a printer.

2. Data communication: The process of transferring data through networked computers

3. Information and Communication Technology (ICT): The use of computers as a tool for
information communication, for instance through e-mails, cell phones, etc. For companies that
invest in ICT: they should make sure that electricity is always available, faults in software may lead
to loss of customers and employee morale, inadequate hardware may lead to a bottleneck in flow of
information in the organisation, managers may be overloaded with information making decision
making difficult.

Advantages of Networking

- Expensive peripherals like printers and scanners can be shared between users. Messages can
be sent easily and faster between users whether on WAN or LAN. Avoids duplication of
information as users can access the same file on the network. Network software can be
purchased cheaply than buying individual packages for each computer. It is possible to
access data or programs from any terminal or workstation. Data and programs can be stored
centrally making it easier to maintain and backup. Users can be easily prevented from
accessing files not intended for them. Allows sharing of files, software and data held in
computers. Allows emails to be send between users.

Disadvantages of Networking

- Sophisticated equipment is needed, which may be expensive to buy. Security of data can be a
problem due to hacking. Wiring can be expensive both to buy and to install; wiring can be
sunk on the ground to avoid trailing cables. If a server breaks down, the whole network
becomes unusable. Networks need experienced network managers, who will be highly paid
to keep the network running.

Types of Networks

Computer networks are grouped into Local Area Networks (LAN) and Wide Area Networks (WAN) and these
are described below.
Local Area Networks (LAN)

This is the connection of computers over a very small geographical area, like in a single room. Other
LANs can link different departments (e.g. Sales, Accounts, Warehousing, Despatch, etc) within an
organisation‟s complex. However, if an organisation uses internet service within its restricted private

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‘O’ Level Computer Studies Notes - ZIMSEC Syllabus 7014

Local Area Network, such a network is called an Intranet (private Network). Therefore an Intranet is a private
organisation‟s network that uses internet technologies for the benefits of such an organisation.

Requirements for A LAN

A. Hardware Requirements

1. Host computer / Server: This is the main computer that control and manage other computers on the
network.

2. Terminals: These are computers that are on the network and are linked to the host computer. If the
terminal has its own processing and storage capabilities, it is called an intelligent terminal. However,
if the terminal does not have its own processing and storage facilities and relies on the host computer for
it to work, it is called a dump terminal.

3. Network cables: These act as pathway for data from one computer to another. However, some
networks are wireless and these are called Wireless Local Area Networks (WLAN)

4. Hub: a device used as a connection point for devices and computers on a Local Area Network.

5. Network cards for each computer/terminal:- a device that identifies computers to the network,
where network cables are plugged on the computer

A bridge can also be connected to link your network to another network and is an optional requirement.

The diagram below shows the structure of a LAN that can be connected to another network.

Host computer

Computers

Printer

Network cables

Bridge To another network

Software requirements

1. Communication software like TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol Internet Protocol. A


protocol is a set of rules followed by devices when they are communicating.

2. Network operating system: manages the network and network devices

Network Topology (Configuration)

This refers to the shape of the network. The common network topologies are:
1. Ring Network: Computers are connected together to form a circle as shown below:

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‘O’ Level Computer Studies Notes - ZIMSEC Syllabus 7014

Host computer

Computers

Printer

Network cables

Bridge To another network

Advantages of Ring Network

- If one computer breaks down, others will remain working as they have their own processors
and storage facilities. Data processing is faster as each computer processes its own processor.
Has very high data transfer rates.

Disadvantages of Ring Network

- If one computer breaks down, the whole network is disturbed. Its requirements are expensive,
that is buying several computers with processors and storage facilities. It is difficult to link
the computers together. Difficult to add another computer without disrupting the networking.

2. Star Network: Computers form a star shape with host computer at the centre, as shown below:

Printer Terminals

Host
Computer

Network cables

Advantages of Star Network

- If one terminal breaks down, the network is not affected. If one terminal breaks down, others will
remain working. It is cheap in terms of requirements since only the host computer can have a
processor and storage facility. It is very easy to install. Management of data is easier as this is done
centrally. It is very fast to process data. Easier to add new workstation without disrupting the network.
No problem of collision of data since each terminal has its own cable to the host computer. Gives
consistent performance even when the network is heavily utilised. More secure than other network
topologies
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Disadvantages of a Star Network

- If the host computer breaks down, the whole network will be affected. If the host computer is
down, all the terminals will not work as they depend on the host for processing and storage.
It requires a lot of cabling, which might be expensive.

3. Mesh Network

Computers

Network cables

Advantages of Mesh Network

- If one computer breaks down, others will remain functional. If one computer breaks down,
the network is not disturbed. Computers have their own storage and processing capabilities.

Disadvantages of Mesh Network

- Expensive to buy computers with their storage and processing facilities. Too much cabling is
involved, which may be expensive.

4. Bus(Linear/Multi-drop) Network: Computers are connected together through one main cable
(bus) as shown below:

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(a) Bus: the dedicated and main cable that connects all workstations and
other computer devices like printers.

(b) Nodes: these are connection points for workstations and the bus.

(c) Terminator: devices that prevent data in the bus from bouncing back,
causing noise and prevents data from getting lost.

Advantages of Bus network

- If one workstation breaks down, others will remain functional.


If one workstation breaks
down, the network remains working. All computers have
processing and storage capabilities.
It is cheap to install due to less cabling. Easy to add
workstation without disrupting the
network.

Disadvantages of Bus Network

- Computers cannot send data at the same time or while there is


data being transferred in the
bus. Can cause collision of data during transmission. It is slow
in transferring data. Its
requirements are expensive, that is computers with their
own processors and storage
facilities. The system will be down if the main cable (bus) is
disrupted at any point. Less
secure

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Refers to the connection of computers over a large geographical area, often


over 1 km, e.g. covering the whole district or province. Internet is also part
of WAN. WANs can also be wireless.
Hardware Requirements for a WAN

1. Modem (Modulator Demodulator):- a device that converts analogue


data to digital form and vice
versa, often for internet connection using a telephone line.

2. Communication link: Acts as a transmission media for data, e.g.


telephone line, satellite
transmission, etc.

3. Network cards for each computer:- a device that identifies computers


to the network, where
network cables are plugged on the computer
Software Requirements for a WAN

1. Communication Software like TCP/IP - Transmission Control Protocol Internet


Protocol.

2. Web Browser: refers to software used for finding and opening web
pages on the internet, for
example Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, etc.

3. Network operating system: manages the network and network devices.

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