UNIT 3: NETWORKS

-Karishma Verma
Institute of Hotel Management, Bangalore
NETWORK TOPOLOGY
 A network topology is the arrangement of nodes — usually switches, routers,
or software switch/router features — and connections in a network often
represented as a graph.
 The topology of the network and the relative locations of the source and
destination of traffic flows on the network, determine the optimum path for
each flow and the extent to which redundant options for routing exist in the
event of a failure.
 There are two ways of defining network geometry: the physical topology and
the logical (or signal) topology.
 TYPES OF PHYSICAL TOPOLOGIES

 In the bus network topology, every node is connected in series along a linear path.
This arrangement is found today primarily in cable broadband distribution
networks.
 In the star network topology, a central node has a direct connection to all other
nodes. Switched local-area networks (LANs) based on Ethernet switches, including
most wired home and office networks, have a physical star topology.
 In the ring network topology, the nodes are connected in a closed loop
configuration. Some rings will pass data only in one direction, while others are
capable of transmission in both directions.
 The mesh network topology links nodes with connections so that multiple paths
between at least some points of the network are available.
 The tree network topology, also called a star of stars, is a network where star
topologies are themselves connected in a star configuration. Many larger Ethernet
switch networks including data center networks are configured as trees
 BUS TOPOLOGY
 In the bus topology, the server is at one end, and the client PCs
(devices) are connected at different points or positions along
with the network.
 All signals pass through each of the devices. Each device has a
unique identity and can recognize those signals intended for it.
 It is easy and simple to design and implement.
 Advantages: • Easy to implement and extend • Well suited for
temporary or small networks not requiring high speeds • Cheaper
than other topologies. • Cost-effective as only a single cable is
used. • Cable faults are easily identified.
 Disadvantages • Limited cable length and the number of
stations. • If there is a problem with the cable, the entire
network goes down. • Maintenance costs may be higher in the
long run. • It works best with a limited number of nodes. • It is
slower than the other topologies.
STAR TOPOLOGY
 This is a form of LAN architecture is which nodes on
a network are connected to a common central hub
or switch, and this is done by the use of dedicated
links.
 All the cables run from the computers to the central
location where they are all connected by a device
called hub or switch (or host node).
 Each computer on a star network communicates with
a central device that resends the message either to
each computer or only to the destination computer,
e.g. if it is a hub then it will send to all and if it is a
switch then it will send to the only destination
computer.
 When network expansion is expected and when the
greater reliability is needed, star topology is the
best.
 Advantages:
1) It is easy to modify and add new computers without disturbing the
rest of the network.
2) The center of the star network is a good place to diagnose the
faults.
3) Single computer failure does not necessarily bring down the whole
star network.
 Disadvantages:
1) If the central device (or the host node) fails the whole network fails
to operate.
2) Star networking is expensive because all network cables must be
pulled to one central point, requires more cable than other network
topologies.
RING TOPOLOGY
 This topology is a simple design and consists of a single cable
that forms the main data path in the shape of a ring. Each
device is connected to a closed-loop of cable. Signals travel in
one direction from one node to all other nodes around the loop.
 In this type, each computer is connected to the next computer
with the last one connected to the first.
 Each retransmits what it receives from the previous computer.
The message flows around the ring in one direction.
 The ring network does not subject to signal loss problems as a
bus network experience.
 There is no termination because there is no end to the ring.
 Advantages: 1) Each node has equal access. 2) Capable of high-
speed data transfer.
 Disadvantages: 1) Failure of one computer on the ring can affect
the whole network. 2) Difficult to troubleshoot the network.
NETWORK APPLICATIONS
 A network is a collection or set of computing devices connected to one
another to establish communication and also share available resources.
 Computer networks make it possible for people to transfer files from one
place to another and to communicate taking the shortest time possible.
 Computer network applications are network software applications that utilize
the Internet or other network hardware infrastructure to perform useful
functions for example file transfers within a network.
 They help us to transfer data from one point to another within the network.
 There are 2 types of network applications:
1. Pure network applications
2. Standalone network application
PURE NETWORK APPLICATIONS
 These are applications created to be used in networks; using pure network applications on
a single computer doesn't make sense.
 They help us to transfer data and communicate within a network. Such applications have a
separate and distinct user interface that users must learn for instance:
1. Email programs: They allow users to type messages at their local nodes and then send to
someone on the network. It is a fast and easy way of transferring mail from one computer
to another. Examples of electronic mail programs (Clients) are: • Outlook express • Opera
• Mozilla Thunderbird
2. File transfer protocol (FTP): This application facilities transfer of files from one computer
to another e.g. from a client to a server. There are 2 common processes involved in FTP:-
 Downloading: This is the process of obtaining files from a server to a workstation or a
client (for example when you download programs and music from a server).
 Uploading: This is obtaining of files from a workstation to a server (for instance when you
attach documents and upload them to a server, a good example being when you upload
photos to Facebook). Examples of FTP programs are: • FTP in Linux or • FTP in Windows
3. Terminal Emulation (TELNET) It allows a workstation to access the
server for an application program. This enables you to control the server
and communicate with other servers on the network.
4. Groupware These applications are used to automate the administration
functions of a modern office for instance video conferencing and chatting.
They facilitate the work of groups and improve on their productivity; they
can be used to communicate, co-operate, coordinate, solve problems,
among others.
i. Video Conferencing This is the process of conducting a conference
between two or more participants at different sites by using computer
networks to transmit audio and video data. For example, a point-to-
point (two-person) video conferencing system works much like a video
telephone.
ii. Chatting It is a real-time communication between two users via
computer. Once a chat has been initiated, either user can enter text by
typing on the keyboard and the entered text will appear on the other
user’s monitor. The two must be online for a chat to be initiated.
STAND ALONE APPLICATIONS
 These are applications that run on standalone computers (computers not
connected to any other).
 In order to extend their activity, they are rebuilt to run on network
environments e.g. word processors, spreadsheets, database management
systems, presentations graphics, project management etc.
 They function even when the computer is offline.
TYPES OF NETWORK

 A computer network is a group of computers linked to each other that enables

the computer to communicate with another computer and share their
resources, data, and applications.
 A computer network can be categorized by their size.
 A computer network is mainly of three types:
1. LAN (Local Area Network)
2. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
3. WAN (Wide Area Network)
LAN (LOCAL AREA NETWORK)
 Local Area Network is a group of computers connected to each other in a small
area such as building, office.
 LAN is used for connecting two or more personal computers through a
communication medium such as twisted pair, coaxial cable, etc.
 It is less costly as it is built with inexpensive hardware such as hubs, network
adapters, and ethernet cables.
 The data is transferred at an extremely faster rate in the Local Area Network.
 Local Area Network provides higher security.
MAN (METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK)
 A metropolitan area network is a network that covers a larger geographic
area by interconnecting a different LAN to form a larger network.
 Government agencies use MAN to connect to the citizens and private
industries.
 In MAN, various LANs are connected to each other through a telephone
exchange line.
 It has a higher range than the Local Area Network (LAN).
 Uses of Metropolitan Area Network:
• MAN is used in communication between the banks in a city.
• It can be used in an Airline Reservation.
• It can be used in a college within a city.
• It can also be used for communication in the military.
WAN (WIDE AREA NETWORK)
 A Wide Area Network is a network that extends over a large geographical area such as
states or countries.
 A Wide Area Network is quite a bigger network than the LAN.
 A Wide Area Network is not limited to a single location, but it spans over a large
geographical area through a telephone line, fiber optic cable, or satellite links.
 The internet is one of the biggest WAN in the world.
 A Wide Area Network is widely used in the field of Business, government, and
education.
 Examples of Wide Area Network:
• Mobile Broadband: A 4G network is widely used across a region or country.
• Last-mile: A telecom company is used to provide internet services to the customers in
hundreds of cities by connecting their home with fiber.
• Private network: A bank provides a private network that connects the 44 offices. This
network is made by using the telephone leased line provided by the telecom company.
 ADVANTAGES OF WAN

 Geographical area: A Wide Area Network provides a large geographical area. Suppose if the
branch of our office is in a different city then we can connect with them through WAN. The
internet provides a leased line through which we can connect with another branch.
 Centralized data: In the case of the WAN network, data is centralized. Therefore, we do not
need to buy the emails, files, or back up servers.
 Get updated files: Software companies work on the live server. Therefore, the programmers
get the updated files within seconds.
 Exchange messages: In a WAN network, messages are transmitted fast. The web application
like Facebook, WhatsApp, Skype allows you to communicate with friends.
 Sharing of software and resources: In the WAN network, we can share the software and
other resources like a hard drive, RAM.
 Global business: We can do business over the internet globally.
 High bandwidth: If we use the leased lines for our company then this gives the high
bandwidth. The high bandwidth increases the data transfer rate which in turn increases the
productivity of our company.
DISADVANTAGES OF WAN
 Security issue: A WAN network has more security issues as compared to LAN and
MAN network as all the technologies are combined together that creates the
security problem.
 Needs Firewall & antivirus software: The data is transferred on the internet which
can be changed or hacked by the hackers, so the firewall needs to be used. Some
people can inject the virus in our system so antivirus is needed to protect from
such a virus.
 High Setup cost: An installation cost of the WAN network is high as it involves the
purchasing of routers, switches.
 Troubleshooting problems: It covers a large area so fixing the problem is difficult.
NETWORK CONFIGURATION HARDWARE
 Network configuration is the process of setting a
network’s controls, flow, and operation to support the
network communication of an organization and/or
network owner.
 This broad term incorporates multiple configuration
and setup processes on network hardware, software,
and other supporting devices and components.
NODE
 Any system or device connected to a network is also called a node.
 For example, if a network connects a file server, five computers, and two printers,
there are eight nodes on the network.
 Each device on the network has a network address, such as a MAC address, which
uniquely identifies each device.
 This helps keep track of where data is being transferred to and from on the network.
 A node can also refer to a leaf, which is a folder or file on your hard disk.
 In physics, a node, or nodal point, is a point of minimum displacement or where
multiple waves converge, creating a net amplitude of zero.
 In communication networks, a node is an active electronic device that is attached to a
network and is capable of sending, receiving, or forwarding information over a
communications channel.
SERVER
 A computer or application, that provides a service to client software on other
computers. Servers are used for web hosting and other web applications
 A high-end computer with specific software that allows other computers to use its
facilities for connection to data drives, email, printers, the Internet, or other services.
 A computer or device on a network that manages network resources. For example, a
file server is a computer and storage device dedicated to storing files. Any user on the
network can store files on the server. A server is a computer program or device that
provides a service to another computer program and its user, also known as the client.
 In a data center, the physical computer that a server program runs on is also frequently
referred to as a server. That machine may be a dedicated server or it may be used for
other purposes as well.
 In the client/server programming model, a server program awaits and fulfils requests
from client programs, which may be running in the same or other computers. A given
application in a computer may function as a client with requests for services from other
programs and also as a server of requests from other programs.
TYPES OF SERVER
 A Web server is a computer program that serves requested HTML pages or files. In this case, a
Web browser acts as the client.
 An application server is a program in a computer in a distributed network that provides the
business logic for an application program.
 A proxy server is a software that acts as an intermediary between an endpoint device, such as a
computer, and another server from which a user or client is requesting a service.
 A mail server is an application that receives incoming e-mails from local users (people within the
same domain) and remote senders and forwards outgoing e-mails for delivery.
 A virtual server is a program running on a shared server that is configured in such a way that it
seems to each user that they have complete control of a server.
 A blade server is a server chassis housing multiple thin, modular electronic circuit boards, known
as server blades. Each blade is a server in its own right, often dedicated to a single application.
 A file server is a computer responsible for the central storage and management of data files so
that other computers on the same network can access them.
 A policy server is a security component of a policy-based network that provides authorization
services and facilitates tracking and control of files.
CHANNEL
 A Channel can take many forms, including ones suitable for storage which can
communicate a message over time as well as space.
 A connection between initiating and terminating nodes of a circuit.
 A single path provided by a transmission medium via either physical separation,
such as by multi-pair cable.
 Types of Channel:-
• Fiber optic “cable”
• Coaxial Cable Types
• Twisted Pair
FIBER OPTIC CABLE

• Speed: Fiber optic networks operate at high speeds

– up into the gigabits
• Bandwidth: large carrying capacity
• Distance: Signals can be transmitted further
without needing to be “refreshed” or strengthened.
• Resistance: Greater resistance to electromagnetic
noise such as radios, motors or other nearby cables.
• Maintenance: Fiber optic cables cost much less to
maintain.
COAXIAL CABLE
 Coaxial cable, or coax, is a cable consisting of
an inner conductor, surrounded by a tubular
insulating layer typically made from a flexible
material, all of which is then surrounded by
another conductive layer and then finally
covered again with a thin insulating layer on
the outside.
 The Coaxial cable is used as a transmission line
for radio frequency signals, in applications
such as connecting radio transmitters and
receivers with their antennas, carrying internet
connections, and distributing cable television.
TWISTED PAIR CABLE

 A type of cable made by intertwining two

separate insulated wires together.
 There are two types of twisted pair: shielded and
unshielded.
 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) has a fine wire mesh
surrounding the wires to protect the transmission;
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) does not.
 Shielded cable is used in older telephone
networks, networks, and data communications to
reduce outside interference.
HUB
 A Hub is a networking device which receives a signal from the source,
amplifies it and send it to multiple destinations or computers.
 Sometimes, hubs are also called Ethernet Hub, Repeater Hub, Active Hub,
and Network Hub.
 Basically, it is a networking device which is used multiple devices like
Computers, Servers, etc. to each other and make them work as a single
network segment.
 Types of HUB:
1. Active Hub
2. Passive Hub
3. Intelligent Hub
ACTIVE HUB

 As its name suggests, Active Hub is a hub which can amplify or regenerate the
information signal.
 This type of HUB has an advantage as it also amplifies the incoming signal as
well as forward it to multiple devices.
 This HUB also known as Multiport Repeater. It can upgrade the properties if
incoming signal before sending them to a destination.
PASSIVE HUB

 Passive Hub works like a simple Bridge.

 It is used for just creating a connection between various devices.
 It does not have the ability to amplify or regenerate any incoming signal. It
receives a signal and then forwards it to multiple devices.
INTELLIGENT HUB

 This is the third and last type of HUB.

 It can perform tasks of both Active and Passive buses. Also, it can perform
some other tasks like Bridging and routing.
 It increases the speed and effectiveness of total network thus makes the
performance of the whole network fast and efficient.
NETWORK INTERFACE CARD (NIC)

 A network interface card (NIC) is a hardware component without which a

computer cannot be connected over a network.
 It is a circuit board installed in a computer that provides a dedicated network
connection to the computer.
 It is also called a network interface controller, network adapter, or LAN
adapter.
PURPOSE OF NIC

 NIC allows both wired and wireless communications.

 NIC allows communications between computers connected via local area
network (LAN) as well as communications over the large-scale network
through Internet Protocol (IP).
 NIC is both a physical layer and a data link layer device, i.e. it provides the
necessary hardware circuitry so that the physical layer processes and some
data link layer processes can run on it.
TYPES OF NIC
 Internal Network Cards:
• In internal network cards, the motherboard has a slot for the network card
where it can be inserted.
• It requires network cables to provide network access. Internal network cards
are of two types.
• The first type uses the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) connection,
while the second type uses Industry Standard Architecture (ISA).
 External Network Cards:
• In desktops and laptops that do not have an internal NIC, external NICs are
used. External network cards are of two types: Wireless and USB based.
• Wireless network card needs to be inserted into the motherboard; however,
no network cable is required to connect to the network.
• They are useful while traveling or accessing a wireless signal.