Introduction to Computer Network
and it’s Applications
Computer Network
Network is a group of computers connected to each other.
Using network we can share resources and services.
The shared resource can be data, a printer, a fax modem, or
a service such as a database or an email system.
The individual systems must be connected through a
pathway (called the transmission medium) that is used to
transmit the resource or service between the computers.
All systems in the network must follow a set of common
communication rules for data transmission.
These set of common rules for data communication are
known as Protocols.
Advantages of Networking
The goal of computer networking is not simply to
exchange data but to understand and use data received
from other entities on the network.
It reduces equipment costs.
Networking is to provide different services like… filing
services, printing services etc…
Enabling centralized administration and security of the
resources within the system.
Supporting network applications such as electronic mail
and database services.
Types Of Computer Network
Networks come in different shapes and sizes.
According to geographical size network basically
classify in following three types.
1) LAN - Local Area Networks
2) MAN - Metropolitan Area Networks
3) WAN - Wide Area Networks
1. Local Area Networks
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computers
and network communication devices interconnected
within a geographically limited area, such as a
building or a campus.
Example of LAN :Network in home, office, school,
university.
LANs are characterized by the following:
They transfer data at high speeds (higher
bandwidth).
They exist in a limited geographical area.
LANs are designed to allow resources to be shared
between personal computers or workstations.
2. Metropolitan Area Networks (MANs)
MAN is a connected network that spans the geographic
boundaries of a city.
By interconnecting smaller networks within a large
geographic area, information is easily spread throughout
the network.
Local libraries and government agencies often use a MAN
to connect to citizens and private industries.
Examples of MAN are Cable TV network, Cable through
Internet service.
3. Wide Area Networks (WANs)
A Wide Area Network (WAN) provides long-distance
transmission of data, voice, image and video information
over large geographical areas that may comprise a country
or whole world.
They exist in an unlimited geographical area.
They usually interconnect multiple LANs.
They often transfer data at lower speeds (lower
bandwidth).
Connectivity and resources, especially the transmission
media, usually are managed by a third-party carrier such
as a telephone or cable company.
Example of WAN : Internet
WANs can be further classified into two categories:
1. Enterprise WANs
An enterprise WAN connects the widely separated
computer resources of a single organization.
An organization with computer operations at several
distant sites can employ an enterprise WAN to
interconnect the sites.
An enterprise WAN can combine private and commercial
network services, but it is dedicated to the needs of a
particular organization.
2. Global WANs
A global WAN interconnects networks of several
corporations or organizations.
A connected network that spans the geographic
boundaries of an organization.
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.
1. Bus Topology
All devices are connected to a central cable, called the bus
or backbone.
Data is transmitted along this single cable, and each device
receives the data, checking if it's addressed to them.
If a device recognizes its address in the data, it processes
the information; otherwise, it ignores the data.
Advantages:
It is easy to handle and implement.
It is best suited for small networks
Disadvantages:
If the common cable fails, then the whole system will crash
down.
Bus topology is not good for large networks.
Identification of problems becomes difficult if the whole
network goes down.
2. Ring Topology
All devices are connected to one another in the shape of a
closed loop, so that each device is connected directly to two
other devices, one on either side of it.
Ring topologies are relatively expensive and difficult to
install, but they offer high bandwidth and can span large
distances.
A ring is created to which each device attaches. A special
signal, called a token travels around the ring letting it know
that it is that device’s turn to transmit.
Advantages:
A central server is not required for the management of this
topology.
The possibility of collision is minimum in this type of
topology.
Cheap to install and expand.
Disadvantages:
The failure of a single node of the network can cause the
entire network to fail.
The addition of stations in between or the removal of
stations can disturb the whole topology.
3. Star Topology
In star topology each device in the network is connected
to a central device called hub.
Unlike Mesh topology, star topology doesn’t allow direct
communication between devices, a device must have to
communicate through hub.
If one device wants to send data to other device, it has to
first send the data to hub and then the hub transmit that
data to the designated device.
Advantages:
Less expensive because each device only need one I/O
port and needs to be connected with hub with one link.
It is Robust. If one link fails only that link will affect and
not other than that.
Less amount of cables required.
Disadvantages:
If hub goes down everything goes down, none of the
devices can work without hub.
Hub requires more resources and regular maintenance.
4. Tree topology
Tree topologies have a root node, and all other nodes are
connected which form a hierarchy. So it is also known as
“hierarchical topology”.
It combines characteristics of both star and bus
topologies, featuring a central root node from which
multiple branches (or child nodes) extend.
This creates a layered, hierarchical network where nodes
can have their own child nodes, forming a tree-like
structure.
Advantages:
Failure of one node never affects the rest of the network.
Node expansion is fast and easy.
Detection of error is an easy process.
Disadvantages:
The cost is high because, it is heavily cabled topology.
If more nodes are added, then its maintenance is difficult.
5. Mesh Topology
In mesh topology, devices are interconnected in a non-
hierarchical, decentralized manner, with each node
directly connected to multiple other nodes. This creates
multiple paths for data to travel, enhancing redundancy
and fault tolerance.
Implementing the mesh topology is expensive and
difficult.
Advantages:
The arrangement of the network nodes is such that it is
possible to transmit data from one node to many other
nodes at the same time.
Mesh Topology is robust.
Disadvantages:
Installation and configuration are difficult.
The cost of cables is high as bulk wiring is required, hence
suitable for less number of devices.
The cost of maintenance is high.
6. Hybrid Topology
Hybrid topology combines two or more different network
topologies, like star, bus, or ring, to create a more flexible
and scalable network structure.
This combination of topologies is done according to the
requirements of the organization.
For example, if there is a ring topology in one office
department while a bus topology in another department,
connecting these two will result in Hybrid topology.
Star –Ring and Star –Bus networks are most common
examples of hybrid network.
