Introduction to Networks Types of Networks Networks Topology

Definition Benefits Devices Needed

Definition
A network consists of two or more

computers that are linked. Share resources, exchange files, and allow electronic communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, infrared light beam.

Benefits
File Sharing
Sharing Devices Sharing Internet Access

Speed
Cost Security Centralized Software Management Electronic Mail Flexible Access

Devices Needed in Computer Network (1. Hub)

Provides a common connection point for nodes on a network

Devices Needed in Computer Network (2. Network Interface Card)

Allow computers to communicate over a computer network.

Devices Needed in Computer Network (3. Router)

Forwards data packets along networks.
Connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISPs network.

Devices Needed in Computer Network (4. Connector RJ45)

Short for Registered Jack 45,
An eight-wire connector used commonly to connect

computer onto a local-area network (LAN).

Devices Needed in Computer Network (5. Modem)

Short for modulator-demodulator.
Enables a computer to transmit data over telephone or cable lines.

LAN MAN WAN

Types of Computer Network

1. Local Area Network (LAN)
Groups of computers and network devices connected

together Usually within the same building.

Types of Computer Network

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
MAN is a network that Interconnect users with

computer resources in a geographic area or region. Larger than LAN

Types of Computer Network

3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
A group of computers and network devices connected

across a large physical area. Often connected through the telephone system Largest WAN - Internet

Differences; Type of Computer Networks

Criteria LAN MAN WAN

Cost
Network Size Speed Transmission Media Type Number of computer

Low
Small Fastest Twisted-Pair

High
Larger Faster

Higher
Largest Fast

Twisted-Pair and Fibre-Optic, Fibre-Optic radio wave and satellite Large Largest

Smallest

Exercise
1. Give 2 benefits of computer networks and explain?

Star Ring Bus

Types of Network Topology

1. Star Network
Designed with each node connected directly to a central

network hub. The hub will control the flow of communication in the network If one nodes fails, the star network will still function as long as the hub is still working.

Types of Network Topology

2. Ring Network
All computers and other devices connected in a loop
Each node connects directly to the neighbouring nodes. If the device on a ring network fails, all the devices before

the failed device are unaffected but those after the failed device will not function.

Types of Network Topology

3. Bus Network
Consists of a single cable to which all the computers and

other devices are connected. Must have a central cable to connect all the devices If one of the nodes fails, the buss network will still function

Wi-Fi Bluetooth

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)

Refers to wireless LAN
Applies IEEE 802.11 specification

Advantages of Using Wi-Fi

Simplicity
Cost Easy Access

How its work?

Computers wireless adapter translates data into a radio

signal The signal transmits using antenna Wireless router receives the signal and decodes it It sends the information to the internet using a physical, wired connection.

Bluetooth
A protocol that defines how two devices use short-range

radio waves to transmit data Data transfers; up to 2Mbps Must be within 10 metres to communicate but can be extended to 100 metres with additional equipment

Bluetooth
A Bluetooth device contains a small chip that allows it to

communicate with another Bluetooth device Examples desktop computers, notebook computers, handheld computers, PDAs, smart phones, headset, microphones. Bluetooth wireless port adapter can be purchased to convert an existing USB port into a Bluetooth port

Are Wi-Fi and Bluetooth competing technologies?

Bluetooth Designed for limited data transfer between two devices, one of which is usually a mobile device.
Wi-Fi Supports data transfer at faster rates Allow users to network many computers and devices together wirelessly

Glossary
Roaming The ability to move from one coverage area to another without interruption in service or lost in connectivity Hot Spot A geographic area that is covered by a wireless network so that internet access is made available to any device with a wireless card

Glossary
Antenna A component of a radio devices that radiates radio waves from the source and also receives signals from other transmitters Decodes The conversion of encoded data back to its original form