Introduction to Computer Networks

Types Of Networks
Communication Media Scale Topology Organisational Scope Communication protocol

Introduction to Computer Networks

Communication Media
Wired technologies Wireless technologies

Wired Technologies Twisted Pair Coaxial Cable Optical Fiber

Introduction to Computer Networks

Communication Media
Twisted Pair Cables
Each wire with copper conductor Separately insulated wires Twisted together to reduce cross talk Often bundled into cables of two or four twisted pairs Common for telephone interconnection at home and office buildings Less expensive medium; limited in distance, bandwidth, and data rate

Coaxial Cables
Can transmit analog and digital signals Used in TV distribution (cable TV); long distance telephone transmission; short run computer system links Local area networks

Introduction to Computer Networks

Communication Media
Optical Fiber
Glass or plastic core of optical fiber = 2to125 m Cladding is an insulating material Jacket is a protective cover Laser or light emitting diode provides transmission light source Long distance telecommunication

Wireless technologies Terrestrial microwave Communications satellites Wireless LANs

Introduction to Computer Networks

Communication Media
Terrestrial microwave
300MHz to 20000 GHz: for infrared spectrum; used for point to point and multiple point application (line of sight) Terrestrial microwave long haul telecommunication service (alternative to coaxial or optical fiber) Few amplifier and repeaters Propagation via towers located without blockage from trees, etc (towers less than 60 miles apart)

Communications satellites
Satellite is a microwave relay station Geostationary orbit (22,000 miles) and low orbit (12000 miles) Satellite ground stations are aligned to the space satellite, establishes a link, broadcast at a specified frequency. Ground station normally operate at a number of frequencies full duplex Satellite space antenna is aligned to the ground station establishes a link and transmits at the specified frequency. Satellite are capable of transmitting at multiple frequencies simultaneously, full duplex.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Communication Media
Wireless LAN
Wireless local area network use a high-frequency radio technology similar to digital cellular and a low-frequency radio technology. Wireless LANs use spread spectrum technology to enable communication between multiple devices in a limited area.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Scale: LAN, MAN & WAN

Network in small geographical Area (Room, Building or a Campus) is called LAN (Local Area Network)

Network in a City is call MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

Network spread geographically (Country or across Globe) is called WAN (Wide Area Network)

Introduction to Computer Networks

Difference: LAN, MAN & WAN

Introduction to Computer Networks

Network Topology
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.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Bus Topology
Commonly referred to as a linear bus, all the devices on a bus topology are connected by one single cable.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Star & Tree Topology

The star topology is the most commonly used architecture in Ethernet LANs. When installed, the star topology resembles spokes in a bicycle wheel.

Larger networks use the extended star topology also called tree topology. This topology significantly reduces the traffic on the wires by sending packets only to the wires of the destination host.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Ring Topology
A frame travels around the ring, stopping at each node. If a node wants to transmit data, it adds the data as well as the destination address to the frame. The frame then continues around the ring until it finds the destination node, which takes the data out of the frame.

Single ring All the devices on the network share a single cable
Dual ring The dual ring topology allows data to be sent in both directions.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Mesh Topology
The mesh topology connects all devices (nodes) to each other for redundancy and fault tolerance.

It is used in WANs to interconnect LANs and for mission critical networks like those used by banks and financial institutions.
Implementing the mesh topology is expensive and difficult.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Networking Devices
HUB, Switches, Routers, Wireless Access Points, Modems etc.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Organizational Scope
Internet : An intranet is a set of networks, using the Internet
Protocol and IP-based tools such as web browsers and file transfer applications, that is under the control of a single administrative entity. That administrative entity closes the intranet to all but specific, authorized users. Most commonly, an intranet is the internal network of an organization.

Extranet : An extranet is a computer network that allows controlled

access from the outside, for specific business or educational purposes. An extranet can be viewed as an extension of a company's intranet that is extended to users outside the company, usually partners, vendors, and suppliers.

Internet : The Internet is a global system of interconnected

governmental, academic, corporate, public, and private computer networks. It is based on the networking technologies of the Internet Protocol Suite.

Introduction to Computer Networks

Networking Protocol: TCP/IP