INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER

NETWORKS
EDWARD.C.MWALIMU
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 • Networks are not new to humanity

• We often collaborate with others; share

information and other resources

• These networks we form are called social

networks

• These networks are created by individuals or

organizations

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 • Grouping of individuals into specific groups
• Like small rural communities or a
neighborhood subdivision

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 What is a Computer Network???

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• Computer network A collection of computing devices that
are connected in various ways in order to communicate and
share resources.

• According to Ross (2006), a computer network consists of

two or more computers that are connected for the purpose
of sharing data.

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• They are connected through telecommunication
technologies such as fibre optic cable, satellite and copper
cables.

• To connect to a network, each device such as computer and

printer should be equipped with a Network Interface Card
(NIC).

• NIC is also commonly referred to as an Ethernet card and

network adapter.
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 Advantages of computer
networks
1. Sharing networked hardware and software
reduces costs
In a network, hardware such as printers and
scanners can be shared
No need for each office to have a printer
You can also buy network software that can be
used by many computers

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 Advantages of computer network
Cont…

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 Advantages of computer
networks
2.Sharing networked hardware provides access
to a wide range of services and specialized
peripheral devices
In a network, multiple users can access for
example internet through a single connection
You can access networked scanners, printers etc

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 Advantages of computer
networks

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 Advantages of computer
networks
3. Sharing of data on a network is easy
For standalone computers, to share data
requires you coping on flash and take it to
another PC
In networked environment, you can share
through e-mails and login to the PC with data

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 Advantages of computer
networks

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 Advantages of computer
networks
4. Networks enable people to work together regardless of
time and place
Using groupware or specialized network applications, several
people can work on the single document or software via e-
mail, instant messaging, and participate in online
conferences and Webcasts.

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 Advantages of computer
networks

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 Disadvantages of computer
network
1. Unauthorized access to network information resource
Unlike standalone devices, a networked device is vulnerable
to au-authorized users
Intruders can access data

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 Disadvantages of computer
network
2. Networks are also vulnerable to malicious code- viruses and
worms
Viruses such as Trojan horses etc are sent through networks to
attack all devices connected to such networks

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 Types of Networks

PAN
LAN
WAN
MAN

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 Personal Area Network (PAN)
 These networks are sometimes
referred to as interconnection of
personal digital devices
They cover approximate 10 meters
Examples PAN include wireless
transmission of data from Smart
Phone to another

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 PAN (Personal Area Network)

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 LAN (Local Area Network)
 They connect personal computers
within a limited geographical area-usually a
single building
They use a variety of wireless and wired
technologies and protocols
Examples of LAN include Home network and
campus Network
UNZA LAN is an example of LAN
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 LAN (Local Area Network)

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 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
This is a public high-speed network capable of
voice and data transmission within 50 miles
(80km)
MAN can extend beyond 50 miles by using
networking tools such as network bridges and
towers to reach far places
Examples of MAN include local Internet Services
Providers (ISPs) such as Zamnet, iconnet and
Zamtel
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 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
MAN also include Cable TV and
Telephone companies such as MUVI TV,
Airtel and MTN
Many banks run MAN that are linked to
the Internet

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 MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)

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 Wide Area Network (WAN)
Covers a large geographical area and usually
consists of several smaller networks, which might
use different computer platforms and network
technologies
The Internet is the world’s largest LAN
Note that Networks for nationwide banks can be
too classified as WANs

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 Wide Area Network (WAN)

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 Organizational Structure of Computer
Networks
Like organizations that have structures of authorities,
computer networks too have structures

Some organizations have flat structures (where

decision making are decentralized; shared by peers)
while others have hierarchical structure (where
decision making powers rest in one top officer)
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 Organizational Structure of Computer
Networks
Computer networks use the above two models to
transport data

In networking language, the two models are

called peer-to peer and server-client architectures

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 Peer-to peer Structure
This is sometimes referred to as P2P
In this architecture, every computer is treated as an
“equal”
Therefore, computers participating in the network can
each store network data, which can be transported directly
to other computers without passing through a central
server

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 Peer-to peer Structure Cont…

P2P is the common architecture used by simple file

sharing networks

In P2P all computers act as a client (requesting for a

services) and as a server (central storage computer
providing services to clients)

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 Example of P2P Architecture

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 Advantages of P2P

It is easy to install and so is the configuration of

computers on this network

 All the resources and contents are shared by all the

peers, unlike server-client architecture where Server
shares all the contents and resources.

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 Advantages of P2P Cont…
It is more reliable as central dependency is eliminated.
Failure of one peer doesn’t affect the functioning of other
peers.
No need for full-time System Administrator. Every user is
the administrator of his machine. User can control their
shared resources.
 It is cheap-requires less hardware.

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 Disadvantages of P2P
It is difficult to mange it because the whole system is
decentralized. That is one person cannot determine the
whole accessibility setting of whole network.

Security in this system is compromised as viruses,

spywares, trojans, etc malwares can easily transmitted
over this P-2-P architecture.
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 Disadvantages of P2P Cont…

Data recovery or backup is very difficult. Each

computer should have its own back-up system

P2P is suitable for less than 10 devices

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 Client-Server Architecture
In this architecture, one computer is a server which
provide computing services to other computers on the
network

The server keeps all the files and other information

resources which are requested and accessed by other
computers on the network
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 Examples of Client-Server Architecture

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 Advantages of Client-server Architecture

Easy to administer- Servers help in

administering the whole set-up. Access
rights and resource allocation is done by
Servers
 Better management of files as they are
stored at the same place. It also becomes
easier to find files.

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 Advantages of Client-server Architecture
Cont…
Back-up and Recovery possible in that all the
data is stored on server . Therefore, it is easy
to make a back-up of it.
Scalability of the network is possible and
easy. Changes can be made easily by just
upgrading the server. Also new resources and
systems can be added by making necessary
changes in server.
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 Advantages of Client-server Architecture
Cont…
 Network resources can be accessed remotely by
devices using various platforms
As new information is uploaded in databases , each
workstation need not have its own storage capacities
increased
Security to data access is tight as rules defining
security and access rights are defined at the time of set-
up of server.

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 Disadvantages of Client-server Architecture
Congestion in Network as too many requests from the
clients may lead to congestion. Overload can lead to
breaking-down of servers.
 Client-Server architecture is not as robust as a P2P
and if the server fails, the whole network goes down.
It is very expensive to install and manage this type of
network
You need professional IT people to maintain the servers
and other technical details of network
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 Network Topologies
Topology - Physical and logical network layout
Physical – actual layout of the computer cables and other
network devices
Logical – the way in which the network appears to the
devices that use it.
Common topologies: – Bus, ring, star, mesh and wireless

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 Bus topology
oUses a trunk or backbone to which all of the computers
on the network connect.
o Computers connect to this backbone using terminators
or taps.
oTerminators stop the signal after reaching the end of
the wire it bounce back and travel back up the wire,
oCoaxial cablings were popular options years ago.

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Advantages Disadvantages
Cheap and easy to implement Network disruption when
computers are added or removed

Require less cable A break in the cable will prevent

all systems from accessing the
network.
Does not use any specialized Difficult to troubleshoot.
network equipment.

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 Star Topology
oAll computers/devices connect to a central device
called hub or switch.
oEach device requires a single cable point-to-point
connection between the device and hub.
oMost widely implemented
oHub is the single point of failure

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Less expensive then mesh since Expansion to the network can
each device is connected only cause network disruption
to the hub
Installation and configuration A single break in the cable can
are easy disrupt the entire network.
Less cabling is needed

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Robustness.(if one link fails,
only that links is affected
Easy to fault identification & to
remove parts

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 Ring Topology
In ring topology all the nodes are connected to each-other in such a
way that they make a closed loop.
Data travels around the network, in one direction. Sending and
receiving of data takes place by the help of TOKEN.
Token Passing: Token contains a piece of information which along
with data is sent by the source computer.
This token then passes to next node, which checks if the
signal is intended for it. If yes it receives, no passes on to the
next node.
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Advantages Disadvantages
Each node gets to send the Expansion to the network
data when it receives an can cause network
empty token. disruption
This helps to reduces
chances of collision.

All the traffics flows in one A single break in the cable

direction only at a very high can disrupt the entire
speed. network.

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Advantages Disadvantages
No need for network server Each packet of data must
to control the connectivity pass through all the
between workstations. computers between source
and destination. This makes
it slower.

Each computer has equal Difficult to add and remove

access to resources. devices once the network
has been set up.

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Advantages Disadvantages
Receiver and repeater boost Data sharing accomplished
the signal and send it to the through one direction only.
next node along with the It takes more time to send
token and data. or receive data.

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 Tree Topology

Integrates the characteristics

of star and bus topology.
In tree topology number of
star network connected using
bus. The backbone cable is
called as Bus.

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Advantages Disadvantages
Expansion of Network is Relies heavily on the main bus
possible and easy. cable, if it breaks whole network
is crippled.
Networks divided into With more nodes and segments
segments, that can be easily are added, the maintenance
maintained. becomes difficult.

Error detection and correction Heavy traffic slows down the

is easy. network.

If one segment is damaged,

other segments are not
affected.
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 Mesh Topology

Computers in mesh
topologies are
connected directly to
each other with cables.

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Advantages Disadvantages
Data can be transmitted Overall cost of this
from different devices network is way too high
simultaneously. This as compared to other
topology can withstand high network topologies.
traffic.
Even if one of the Set-up and maintenance
components fails there is of this topology is very
always an alternative difficult. Even
present. So data transfer administration of the
doesn’t get affected. network is tough
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 Advantages Disadvantages
Expansion and Connections not fully
modification in topology utilized.
can be done without
disrupting other nodes.

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 A network which contain all type of physical structure
and connected under a single backbone channel.

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 ADVANTAGES
• Reliable : Unlike other networks, fault detection and
troubleshooting is easy in this type of topology.
• The part in which fault is detected can be isolated from the rest of
network and required corrective measures can be taken,
WITHOUT affecting the functioning of rest of the network.
• Scalable: Its easy to increase the size of network by adding new
components, without disturbing existing architecture.

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 ADVANTAGES CONT’
• Flexible: Hybrid Network can be designed according to the
requirements of the organization and by optimizing the available
resources. Special care can be given to nodes where traffic is high
as well as where chances of fault are high.
• Effective: Hybrid topology is the combination of two or more
topologies, so we can design it in such a way that strengths of
constituent topologies are maximized while there weaknesses
are neutralized.

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 Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology

• Complexity of Design: One of the biggest drawbacks of

hybrid topology is its design. Its not easy to design this
type of architecture and its a tough job for designers.
• Configuration and installation process needs to be very
efficient.

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 Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology Cont’

• Costly Hub: The hubs used to connect two distinct

networks, are very expensive. These hubs are different
from usual hubs as they need to be intelligent enough to
work with different architectures and should function even
if a part of network is down.

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 Disadvantages of Hybrid Topology Cont’

• Costly Infrastructure: Hybrid architectures are usually

larger in scale, they require a lot of cables, cooling
systems, sophisticated network devices, etc.

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The term Transmission media refer to the technical
device which employs the material substance to
transmit or guide the waves.
Transmission media are the physical pathways that
connect computers, other devices, and people on a
network—the highways and byways that comprise the
information superhighway

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 Twisted pair
Co-axial cable
Fiber optic

Microwave
infrared

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Least expensive and widely used
Consists of two copper wires arranged in regular spiral
pattern.
Can transmit both analog and digital.
Most commonly used medium in telephone network.
Two types:
UNSHIELDED TWISTED PAIR (UTP) CABLE
SHIELDED TWISTED PAIR (STP) CABLE
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 Set of twisted pairs of cable within a plastic sheet
Transmission rate of 10-100Mbps
Least expensive
Maximum cable segment is 100meters
Very flexible and easy to work
Uses RJ-45 connector
Most susceptible to electrical inference or cross talk

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EASY TO TERMINATE IT IS VERY NOSIY

COST OF INSTALLATION IT COVERS LESS

IS LESS DISTANCE

HIGH INSTALLED IT SUFFERS FROM

BASE INTERFERENCE

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It offers protective sheathing around the copper wire.
Provides better performance at lower data rates.
Not commonly used
Installation is easy
Distance is only 100-500 meters
Special connecters are required.
Also suffers from outside interference.
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PARAMETER UTP STP

DATA RANGE 10-100 Mbps 150 Mbps

CABLE LENGTH 100 meters max. 500 meters max.

ELECTRICAL Most susceptible to Less susceptible to interference

INTERFERENCE interference or cross talk or cross talk

INSTALLATION Easy to install Very easy to install

COST Lowest Little costly

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 It is an electrical cable
Invented by Oliver Heaviside in1880

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 1920s- Interoffice trunks
1950s- Submarine cables
Late 1960s- Data processing
1980-1987- LANs
Used for both analog and digital data
transmission
In Cable television network

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Broadband Systems Bidirectional upgrade
required
Greater bandwidth
Great noise
Lower error rates
Higher installation cost
Used for both analog
Number of node
and digital data connections is limited
transmission
Susceptible to damage
from lightning

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Used for short range communication
Applications of IR technology are
Car locking systems
Home security systems
Telephones
Navigations systems
TVs,VCRs,CD players, stereos
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Low circuitry cost •Speed
Simple circuitry •Light weather sensitive
Higher security •Short range
•Blocked by common
High noise immunity
materials

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 EM Waves having frequencies from 1~300 GHz
Use of certain portions of the band requires
permission from authorities
Overcomes limitations of Guided Media
Unidirectional
Used in WLAN, Cellular Phones, Satellite Networks
Often known as the ‘Workhorse of the Wireless
World’

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 Repeaters are required to maintain the
signal strength.

Cellular Phone Network

Wireless LAN
Point-to-Point communication

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 It is a light pipe which is used to carry a light
beam from one place to another.
How optical fibers work?
They may be single, but often they are bundled
together in center of the cable
They are either single mode or multimode.
Multimode use multiple light paths whereas
single mode use single light path

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 Transmission rate is 100Mbps
Not affected by electrical interference
Most expensive cable
They support cable length of 2km or more
Supports video, audio and data.
Provides most secured media.
Not very flexible, difficult to work

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 Plastic core and cladding
Glass core with plastic cladding
Glass core with glass cladding
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 Wide bandwidth More strength
Low losses Security
Immune to cross talk Long distance transmission
Interference immune Environment immune
Lightweight Safe and easy installation
Small size Long term benefits

HIGH INITIAL COST

MAINTAINENCE COST AND REPAIRING
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 TWISTED PAIR CO-AXIAL CABLE FIBER OPTIC INFRARED MICROWAVES
CABLE CABLE

BANDWIDTH IS BANDWIDTH IS BANDWIDTH BANDWIDTH IS BANDWIDTH IS

LOW 1Mhz QUITE HIGH VERY HIGH LOW HIGH
1Ghz 1Thz 100Hhz

CHEAPEST MODERATELY COSTLY MODERATELY MODERATELY

COSTLY COSTLY COSTLY

LOW DATA MODERATELY HIGH DATA LOW DATA RATES HIGH DATA
HIGH DATA RATES RATES
RATES
POOR GOOD GREAT MODERATE GOOD
PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE

ERROR RATE ERROR RATE ERROR RATE ERROR RATE ERROR RATE
10–5 10–7 to 10–9 10–11 to 10–13 10–5 to10–7 10–9

HIGH LOW VERY LOW HIGH LOW

ATTENUATION ATTENUATION ATTENUATION ATTENUATION ATTENUATION

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 http://www.informit.com/articles/article.aspx?p=683070
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transmission_medium
Data communication and networking – Behrouz A.Forouzan
Computer networks

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