Module Code & Module Title

Level 5 – Network Operating Systems

Assessment Type
Logbook 1
Semester
2023/24 Autumn

Student Name: Rijan Paudel

London Met ID: 22067807
College ID: NP01CP4A220361
Assignment Due Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Assignment Submission Date: Tuesday, September 26, 2023
Submitted To: Mr. Sushil Phuyal
Word Count (Where Required): 2260

I confirm that I understand my coursework needs to be submitted online via Google Classroom under the
relevant module page before the deadline in order for my assignment to be accepted and marked. I am
fully aware that late submissions will be treated as non-submission and a mark of zero will be awarded.
Table of Contents

Table Of Figures ............................................................................................................. 3

Figure 1: Local Area Network 1..................................................................................... 3
Figure 2: Bus Topology 5 .............................................................................................. 3
Figure 3: Ring Topology 6 ............................................................................................. 3
Figure 4: Ring Topology 7 ............................................................................................. 3
Figure 5: Mesh Topology 8 ........................................................................................... 3
Figure 6: Hybird Topology 9 .......................................................................................... 3
Local Area Network(LAN)................................................................................................ 1
1.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1
1.1.1 History Of LAN............................................................................................. 1
1.1.2 Advantages Of LAN ..................................................................................... 3
1.2 Objective ................................................................................................................ 4
1.2 Types Of LAN/Topology ..................................................................................... 6
1.2.1 Physical Topology ....................................................................................... 6
1.2.2 Logical Topology ....................................................................................... 10
1.3 Conclusion ....................................................................................................... 12
1.4 References .......................................................................................................... 14
Table Of Figures
Figure 1: Local Area Network .......................................................................................... 1

Figure 2: Bus Topology ................................................................................................... 7

Figure 3: Ring Topology .................................................................................................. 8

Figure 4: Ring Topology .................................................................................................. 9

Figure 5: Mesh Topology............................................................................................... 10

Figure 6: Hybird Topology ............................................................................................. 11

CT5052NI Network Operating System

Local Area Network(LAN)

Figure 1: Local Area Network

1.1 Introduction

A group of computers or other devices connected to one another within a limited

geographical area, such as a building, office, or home, to share a common communication
line is known as a local area network (LAN). A LAN can be small or big, with one user's
home network or hundreds of users and devices in an office or school as examples
(CISCO, 2023). The computers LAN can be connected through TCP/IP or Wifi. So, it can
be both wired or wireless.

1.1.1 History Of LAN

The history of LAN (Local Area Network) is a fascinating journey that began in the 1970s
and evolved into the modern networking technology we use today. The following are it’s
key milestones:

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i) 1973: Ethernet, the foundation of LAN, was invented by Dr. Robert M. Metcalfe. It got
its name because the thick coaxial cable used for networking reminded Metcalfe of the
Aether concept. Ethernet allowed computers to communicate by sending data packets
over a coaxial cable.

ii) 1977: The first commercial LAN was installed by Datapoint Corp. at Chase Manhattan
Bank in New York. It used the Attached Resource Computer (ARC) network, which
employed a token-passing scheme to prevent simultaneous transmissions.

iii) 1979: Ethernet products became available to the public, as Metcalfe founded 3Com to
develop and sell Ethernet-based solutions.

iv) 1985: Ethernet became the IEEE standard for LAN, solidifying its place in the
networking world.

v) 1990: Ethernet emerged victorious in the LAN competition, partly due to advancements
like twisted-pair cables that increased speed and reduced interference.

vi) 1991: The IEEE began work on wireless LAN (WLAN) technology, drawing inspiration
from the ALOHAnet prototype.

vii) 1997: Wi-Fi was born with the release of the IEEE 802.11 standard. Unlike Ethernet,
Wi-Fi uses a carrier sense multiple access/collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) scheme,
where devices wait for an idle channel before transmitting data. Wi-Fi revolutionized
wireless networking and made it possible for devices to connect without physical cables
(CompTIA, 2023).

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This timeline showcases the evolution of LAN from its inception as Ethernet to the
wireless wonders of Wi-Fi, marking the progression of local network technology over the
decades.

1.1.2 Advantages Of LAN

i) Shared resources: LANs let computers share resources like file servers, scanners,
and printers. For enterprises, this might result in cost and resource savings. LANs make
it simple for devices to communicate with one another. Email, file sharing, or instant
messaging can all be used for this.

ii) Internet access: LANs can be used to allow all connected devices on a network to
share a single Internet connection. This can reduce Internet costs and make network
administration simpler.

iii) Scalability: LANs can be simply expanded to accommodate the requirements of

expanding businesses.

iv) Performance: LANs provide low latency and great performance, which is crucial for
many applications.

v) Security: To prevent unwanted access to data, LANs can be secured (Rich Seifert,
2008).

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1.2 Objective

The main objectives of this logbook are mentioned below:

• To provide a comprehensive understanding of Local Area Networks (LANs),

including their definition, historical development, and key advantages.

• To trace the historical evolution of LANs, highlighting significant milestones and

key developments that have shaped the technology from its inception in the 1970s
to the present day.

• To clarify the advantages of LANs, including shared resource access, internet

sharing, scalability, high performance, and security features, in order to underscore
their importance in modern communication and data sharing.

• To categorize LANs based on physical topologies, such as bus, ring, star, and
mesh, and provide a detailed exploration of the characteristics, strengths, and
weaknesses of each topology.

• To differentiate between physical and logical topologies in LANs and explain how
the choice of network protocol can influence the logical layout of a network, thus
allowing for customized designs tailored to specific needs.

• To introduce the concept of hybrid topologies and describe how they combine
elements from multiple network topologies to address specific network
requirements, emphasizing their flexibility and adaptability.

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These objectives collectively aim to equip a comprehensive knowledge of LANs, their

historical context, their various topological configurations, and their significance in
contemporary networking environments.

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1.2 Types Of LAN/Topology

LAN can be classified into two main types based on it’s topology:-

1.2.1 Physical Topology

The physical topology of a network refers to the physical arrangement of the devices and
cables on the network like ethernet etc. The most common physical topologies are:

i) Bus Topology: Bus topology is a fundamental network configuration characterized by

a single central cable or backbone to which all devices are connected. In this setup, all
nodes on the network share access to this central cable, and data transmission occurs
one device at a time. This topology is also referred to as a linear bus. To prevent signal
reflection and interference, terminators are essential at both ends of the bus. Despite its
simplicity, bus topology remains a common choice for Local Area Networks (LANs).

This topology is known for its straightforward design and economical use of coaxial
cabling. However, its limitations, such as vulnerability to cable failures disrupting the
entire network, have led to the adoption of alternative topologies in more complex network
environments (Anon., n.d.).

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Figure 2: Bus Topology

ii) Ring Topology: Ring topology is a network configuration where devices are linked in
a closed loop, creating a circular network structure. Data moves in a single direction
around this ring, passing from one device to the next. Ring topologies excel in reliability
as data circulation remains unaffected even if one device experiences problems. It also
offers efficient data transmission since devices do not compete for access to the network.
However, implementing ring topologies can be costlier due to the necessity for additional
cabling. Setting up and diagnosing issues in ring topologies can be more intricate
compared to other network configurations. Ring topologies are prominently associated
with Token Ring networks, which gained popularity in the 1980s and 1990s but have since
given way to Ethernet networks.

In conclusion, ring topologies provide dependable and efficient network

connectivity, although they may entail higher expenses and increased setup complexity
when compared to alternative network designs (Davies, 2019).

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Figure 3: Ring Topology

iii) Star Topology: A star topology is a network configuration characterized by a central

hub or switch to which all devices in the network connect. In this arrangement, each
device communicates exclusively with the central hub, and direct communication between
devices is not supported. This topology offers a significant advantage in terms of security,
making it suitable for scenarios such as bank networks. In a star topology, remote
branches can securely communicate with a central site, while communication between
remote branches is intentionally restricted. This design ensures that the compromise of
one branch does not immediately jeopardize the security of others.

Additionally, star topologies are known for their scalability. They allow for the
straightforward expansion of the network by simply adding new devices or sites to the
central hub without causing major disruptions to the existing network. Furthermore, this

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topology provides fault tolerance, as a cable failure or device issue only affects the
specific device in question, minimizing network downtime for other connected devices.
However, it's important to note that star topologies may involve higher cabling costs due
to the need for multiple connections to the central hub. In summary, a star topology
combines security, scalability, and fault tolerance, making it a suitable choice for various
network setups, despite potential cost considerations (ScienceDirect, n.d.).

Figure 4: Ring Topology

iii) Mesh Topology: Mesh topology is a special kind of network design where all devices
are connected to each other like a spider's web. This setup has some benefits, like making
the network work well, being strong, and not easily breaking. It's great for complicated
systems because it gives many ways for data to move around. This helps manage
network traffic and makes sure things keep working even if some devices stop working.
In this detailed look at mesh topology, we'll talk about how it works, what's good about it,
what's not so good, and how we use it in today's digital world.

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Figure 5: Mesh Topology

1.2.2 Logical Topology

The logical topology of a network defines how data moves between devices within that
network, and it can be entirely different from the network's physical layout. For instance,
a network may have a physical bus topology, where devices are connected to a single
cable, but its logical topology could function as a ring, where data circulates in a loop.
This distinction is primarily influenced by the network protocol in use. For instance,
Ethernet networks typically exhibit a logical bus topology, whereas Token Ring networks
operate with a logical ring topology. To illustrate, a computer lab where computers are all
connected to a single Ethernet cable represents a physical bus topology with a

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corresponding logical bus topology. Conversely, a Token Ring network in an office

building exhibits a physical ring layout but operates with a logical ring topology.

Similarly, a home network with devices connected to a router follows a physical

star topology but maintains a logical star topology. Lastly, a wireless LAN where devices
are interconnected directly, despite the physical mesh layout, operates with a logical
mesh topology. This distinction between physical and logical topologies allows networks
to be designed for specific functionalities while maintaining flexibility in their physical
arrangements.

Hybrid Topology

It is also possible to have hybrid topologies that combine elements of two or more different
topologies. For example, a network might have a star topology for the backbone of the
network and a bus topology for the individual segments of the network.

Figure 6: Hybird Topology

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1.3 Conclusion

In conclusion, this logbook provides a comprehensive overview of Local Area Networks

(LANs), their history, advantages, and various types of physical and logical topologies.
LANs are networks that connect computers and devices within a limited geographic area,
enabling them to share communication resources. LANs can be both wired and wireless,
using technologies like TCP/IP and Wi-Fi.

The history of LANs traces their development from the invention of Ethernet by Dr.
Robert M. Metcalfe in 1973 to the emergence of wireless LANs with the IEEE 802.11
standard in 1997. This timeline illustrates the evolution of LAN technology and its
profound impact on modern networking.

The advantages of LANs include shared resource access, internet sharing,

scalability, high performance, and enhanced security features. LANs facilitate efficient
communication between devices, making them essential for various applications in
today's digital landscape.

LANs can be categorized into different physical topologies, including bus, ring,
star, and mesh. Each topology has its own set of advantages and drawbacks. Bus
topology provides a straightforward design but is vulnerable to cable failures. Ring
topology offers reliability but can be costlier to implement. Star topology combines
security and scalability, making it suitable for diverse network setups. Mesh topology, on
the other hand, offers robustness and redundancy but can be complex to manage.

Additionally, logical topologies can differ from the physical layout of the network,
depending on the network protocol used. This flexibility allows for the design of networks
tailored to specific functionalities while maintaining compatibility with physical
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configurations. In some cases, hybrid topologies combine elements of multiple network

topologies to meet specific network requirements. These hybrid setups offer a balance
between different topologies, providing customized solutions for complex network
environments.

In summary, LANs are integral to modern communication and data sharing.

Understanding the history, advantages, and different topologies of LANs is crucial for
designing and managing efficient and reliable network infrastructures in various settings,
from homes to large-scale enterprises.

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1.4 References

Anon., n.d. Study Mode. [Online]

Available at: https://www.studymode.com/essays/Bus-Topology-1791332.html
[Accessed 26 09 2023].
CISCO, 2023. What is a LAN? Local Area Network - Cisco. [Online]
Available at: https://www.cisco.com/c/en/us/products/switches/what-is-a-lan-local-area-
network.html
[Accessed 24 09 2023].
CompTIA, 2023. LAN Definition | What Is Local Area Network | Computer Networks |
CompTIA. [Online]
Available at: https://www.comptia.org/content/guides/what-is-a-local-area-
network#:~:text=1977%3A%20First%20commercial%20LAN&text=installed%20the%20f
irst%20commercial%20LAN,avoid%20simultaneous%20transmissions%20by%20nodes
.
[Accessed 24 09 2023].
Davies, G., 2019. Networking Fundamentals: Develop the networking skills required to
pass the Microsoft. 1st ed. Birmingham: Published by Packt Publishing Ltd.
Rich Seifert, J. E., 2008. The All-New Switch Book: The Complete Guide to LAN
Switching Technology. 2nd ed. Indianapolis: Wiley Publishing Inc..
ScienceDirect, n.d. Star Topology - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics. [Online]
Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/star-topology
[Accessed 26 09 2023].

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