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Detailed Note on Network Basics

A network is a system that connects computers and devices for communication and resource sharing, essential for modern computing. Key uses include data and software sharing, peripheral device sharing, communication, and data backup, with common types being LAN, WAN, and hybrid networks. Network structures vary from server-based to peer-to-peer, and topologies include bus, star, ring, and mesh, utilizing both wired and wireless media for connectivity.

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7 views3 pages

Detailed Note on Network Basics

A network is a system that connects computers and devices for communication and resource sharing, essential for modern computing. Key uses include data and software sharing, peripheral device sharing, communication, and data backup, with common types being LAN, WAN, and hybrid networks. Network structures vary from server-based to peer-to-peer, and topologies include bus, star, ring, and mesh, utilizing both wired and wireless media for connectivity.

Uploaded by

Sahan Kaveesha
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Detailed Note on Network Basics

A network is a system of technologies that connect computers and other devices,


enabling communication, resource sharing, and collaboration. Networks are fundamental
to modern computing, supporting various applications from personal communication to
large-scale enterprise operations.

Key Uses of a Network


. Data Sharing:
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○ Shared files stored on servers allow simultaneous access by multiple users.
○ Access can be restricted or limited based on user roles.
. Software Sharing:
○ Networks support the use of site licenses or network versions of
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applications.
○ Application servers enable centralized access to software.
. Peripheral Device Sharing:
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○ Devices like printers and faxes are shared to reduce costs per user.
○ Print servers manage and prioritize print jobs in a network environment.
. Communication:
○ Networks facilitate personal and group communication via:
◆ Email
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◆ Teleconferencing and videoconferencing
◆ Voice over IP (VoIP), enabling phone calls over the network.
. Data Backup:
○ Centralized backup simplifies the process and ensures data safety by
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creating copies in removable media or secure locations.

Common Network Types


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. Local Area Network (LAN):
○ Covers a small geographic area like a single office or building.
○ Includes printers, servers, and computers in close proximity.
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. Wide Area Network (WAN):
○ Connects multiple LANs over large geographic areas.
○ Utilizes public or leased lines (e.g., phone lines, satellite links).
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○ The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.
. Hybrid Networks:
○ Campus Area Network (CAN): Connects LANs within a single organization
over a large campus.
○ Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Links different organizations across a
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○
city or region, often managed by a provider.
○ Home Area Network (HAN): Found in residential settings to connect
personal devices and entertainment systems.
○ Personal Area Network (PAN): Covers very short distances (e.g., Bluetooth
between a smartphone and a smartwatch).

Network Structures
. Server-Based Network:
○ Centralized servers control access to resources and data.
○ Users must log in to access network services.
○ Server reliability is critical for the network's functionality.
. Client/Server Network:
○ Combines roles of nodes (clients) and servers, where servers manage
access and data security.
○ Common in organizations for database and application access.
. Peer-to-Peer Network (P2P):
○ Nodes (computers) are equal and directly share resources.
○ Simple to set up but lacks centralized control.

Network Topologies
. Bus Topology:
○ Single cable connects all nodes; a terminator ends the cable.
○ Advantages: Simple and cost-effective.
○ Disadvantages: Prone to network crashes and limited scalability.
. Star Topology:
○ All nodes connect to a central hub.
○ Advantages: Easy to set up; a single cable failure doesn’t disrupt the
network.
○ Disadvantages: Hub failure brings the entire network down.
. Ring Topology:
○ Nodes are connected in a circular format using tokens for communication.
○ Advantages: Predictable data transmission time, no collisions.
○ Disadvantages: Slow and challenging to troubleshoot.
. Mesh Topology:
○ Every node connects to every other node.
○ Advantages: Highly reliable, no single point of failure.
○ Disadvantages: Expensive and complex to maintain.
Network Media
. Wire-Based Media:
○ Twisted-Pair Cabling (Cat5/Cat6): Common in LANs; supports speeds
from 1 Mbps to 1 Gbps.
○ Coaxial Cable: Shielded cable with up to 10 Mbps; nearly obsolete.
○ Fiber-Optic Cable: Uses light for data transmission, immune to
interference, and supports up to 100 Gbps.
. Wireless Media:
○ Uses radio waves for LANs and microwave signals for WANs.
○ Easy to set up but more challenging to secure compared to wired media.

Network Hardware
. Hubs:
○ Central point for a star topology; broadcasts data to all nodes, making it
slower and less secure.
. Switches:
○ Advanced replacement for hubs; sends data only to the intended recipient
node, improving speed and security.
. Bridges:
○ Connect multiple LANs based on MAC addresses, segmenting networks to
reduce traffic.
. Routers:
○ Connects multiple LANs and routes data based on IP addresses.
○ Essential for connecting internal networks to the Internet.
. Gateways:
○ Link networks using different protocols, such as converting coaxial signals
to twisted-pair.

Network Protocols
. TCP/IP:
○ The most widely used protocol suite, essential for Internet communication.
○ Defines packet structure, error correction, and collision handling.
. Other Protocols:
○ IPX/SPX: Used in older Novell NetWare systems.
○ NetBEUI: A simple protocol used in early Windows networks.
○ Token Ring: Often found in manufacturing and finance industries.

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