Physical Structures Before Discussing Networks, We Need To Define Some Network Attributes

Physical Structures
Before discussing networks, we need to define some network

.attributes
Type of Connection
Point-to-Point -1
point-to-Multi point -2
Figure 1.3a Types of connections: point-to-point
Figure 1.3a Types of connections: point-to-Multi point
Physical Topology
The term physical topology refers to the way in which a network is
laid out physically tow or more devices connect to a link; two or
more links form a topology. The topology of a network is the
geometric representation of the relationship of all the links and
linking devices (usually called nodes) to one another. There are
four basic topologies
Possible: mesh, star, bus, and ring (see Figure 1.4).
Figure 1.4 Categories of topology
Mesh In a mesh topology, every device has a dedicated point-to-
point link to every other device.
No of cable used= n(n -1) /2

No of node =n
• A mesh offers several advantages over other network
topologies. First, the use of dedicated links guarantees that
each connection can carry its own data load, thus eliminating
the traffic problems that can occur when links must be shared
by multiple devices.
• Second, a mesh topology is robust. If one link becomes
unusable, it does not incapacitate the entire system. Third,
there is the advantage of privacy or security. When every
message travels along a dedicated line, only the intended
recipient sees it. Physical boundaries prevent other users from
gaining access to messages. Finally, point-to-point links make
fault identification and fault isolation easy. Traffic can be
routed to avoid links with suspected problems. This facility
enables the network manager to discover the precise location
of the fault and aids in finding its cause and solution.
• The main disadvantages of a mesh are related to the amount of
cabling and the number of I/O ports required. First, because
every device must be connected to every other device,
installation and reconnection are difficult. Second, the sheer
bulk of the wiring can be greater than the available space (in walls,
ceilings, or floors) can accommodate.
Star Topology In a star topology, each device has a dedicated
point-to-point link only to a central controller, usually called a
hub. The devices are not directly linked to one another. Unlike a
mesh topology, a star topology does not allow direct traffic
between devices. The controller acts as an exchange: If one
device wants to send data to another, it sends the data to the
controller, which then relays the data to the other connected
device (see Figure 1.6)
Start
Each device has a dedicated point-to-point link only to a central
controller ( hub ). Does not allow direct traffic between devices
Advantages:
less expensive. Why ?
each device needs only one link and one i/o port
Easy to install and reconfigure
One link fails, only that link is affected.
Disadvantages :
More cabling
Bus Topology The preceding examples all describe point-to-point
connections. A bus topology, on the other hand, is multipoint.
One long cable acts as a backbone to link all the devices in a
network (see Figure 1.7).
Figure 1.7 A bus topology connecting three stations
Bus
P2P or multipoint?
Consists of one long cable acts as a backbone to link all the
devices in a network.
Use coaxial cable
Advantages :
Use less cabling
Ease of installation.
Disadvantages:
Difficult reconnection.
difficult to add new devices
. A fault in the bus cable will stop all transmission
Ring Topology In a ring topology, each device has a dedicated
point-to-point connection with only the two devices on either side
of it. A signal is passed along the ring in one direction, from
device to device, until it reaches its destination. Each device in
the ring incorporates a repeater. When a device receives a signal
intended for another device, its repeater regenerates the bits and
passes them along (see Figure 1.8).
Figure 1.8 A ring topology connecting six stations
Ring-3
Data is passed along the ring in one direction until it reaches its
destination
Advantages :
Easy to install and reconfigure
Suitable for fiber optic transmission
Disadvantages :
. 1 node down, network down
Hybrid Topology A network can be hybrid. For example, we can
have a main star topology with each branch connecting several
stations in a bus topology as shown in Figure 1.9.
Figure 1.9 A hybrid topology: a star backbone with three bus
networks
Transmission Mode
The term transmission mode is used to define the direction of
signal flow between two linked devices. There are three types of
transmission modes:
1- simplex
2- half-duplex
3- full-duplex
Simplex
In simplex mode the communication is unidirectional as a one-
way street. Only one of the two stations on a link can transmit the
.other can only receive
Half Duplex
In half duplex mode, each station can both transmit and receive
but not at the same time. When one device is sending the other
can only receive.
The half duplex mode is like a one –lane road with two directional
traffic. While cars are traveling one direction cars going the other
.way must wait
Full Duplex
In full-duplex mode (also called duplex), both stations can
transmit and receive simultaneously. The full-duplex mode is like
a two way street with traffic flowing in both directions at the same
.time
Categories Of Networking:
Local area network
A local area network is usually privately owned and links the
devices in a single office ,building ,or campus .Depending on the
needs of an organization and the type of technology used , a LAN
can be as simple as two PCs and a printer in some one’s home
office or it can extend through out a company and include voice
,sound ,and video peripherals .Currently ,LAN size is limited to a
few kilometers.
LANs are designed to allow resources to be shared between
personal computers or workstations
Metropolitan Area Network
MAN is designed to extend over an entire city. It may be a single
network such as a cable television network, or it may be a means
of connecting a number of LANs into a larger network so that
recourses may be shared LAN-LAN as well as device-to-device
.for example , a company can use a MAN to connect the LANs in
. all of its offices throughout a city
Wide Area Network
WAN provides long –distance transmission of data, voice, image,
and video information over large geographical areas that may
.comprise a country, a continent, or even the whole word
Internet works
Example Network
modem end
office
Digital Signal
Inside the
PSTN Network
end modem
Telephone
office
Exchange Copper Cable
Analog Signal Asynchronous
)voice band( RS-232C
Digital COM port

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Before discussing networks, we need to define some network

No of cable used= n(n -1) /2

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