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Chapter 2
Communication network
1.1. Communication network. Types of networks
A network comprises one or two devices which are mutually connected by
means of the necessary hardware and software tools allowing them to exchange
information between them and with other devices. It is the mechanism which
allows scattered communication devices and their users to share resources be-
tween themselves. Industrial computer networks are organized for the purpose
of:
Data exchange between two different devices;
Shared use of common resources: equipment, software and informational;
Distributed data processing i.e. different devices process data parts of
which are stored in other devices.
The simplest physical system for associated operation of two remote comput-
ers is possible by providing communication through a telephone line which has
at its ends two modems (these are devices which can convert transmitted data
into signals for transmission in telephone lines and vice versa).
Physical connecting of communication devices in the net does not necessarily
mean that these devices will be able to operate together. This necessitates ap-
propriate network operation system which should provide interaction between
different devices and program systems.
Hardware connection between individual computers, controllers and the
other periphery included in the network, is set up by means of cables (coaxial,
twisted pair, optical) or by means of some wireless technology (IRDA,
Bluetooth etc.).
Transmission of data in the network is specified by special rules called net-
work protocols (TCP/IP, NetBEUI, AppleTalk, PPTP, DHCP etc.). Generally
speaking, there are four types of networks:

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LAN (Local Area Network) local computer network which is in ser-
vice to an individual organization and is located in a single or several
neighboring buildings (Fig. 2.1);
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) covers the territory of a built up
area (settlement) or a large building shared by a number of organizations;
WAN (Wide Area Network) global network which utilizes high speed
distance communications or satellites to link computers located in differ-
ent geographic points (Fig. 2.2);
SAN (Storage Area Network) data storage network which is used for
connecting large arrays of data to bunched servers.


Fig. 2.1. Fig. 2.2.
1.2. Types of networks
There are two main types of LANs which are distinguished both by the au-
thorization of the devices connected in them and the way by which they obtain
this authorization. In a network of peer access each network device has authori-
zation identical with that of the other devices whereas in a client-server type of
network, it is the server that determines access authorization for other partici-
pants in the net provided there is a request on behalf of each computer-client.
Usually a network of industrial type is a combination of both types of nets.
1.2.1. Peer access network

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In this type of networks (Fig. 2.3) all communication devices are equal and at
a certain point of time a device could function as a server or as a client at
another. Access to shared network resources is not administrated by a separate
server as is the case with client-server nets. This type of networks is used when
the number of device is comparatively small and there is no need of centralized
storage of files and resources.
A substantial advantage of this type of nets is in the low set-up cost, easy
administrating of each individual node, no need of system administrator who
should be in charge of configuring and administrating.



Fig. 2.3. Fig. 2.4.
1.2.2. Client server type of network
In this type of networks (Fig. 2.4) the purpose of individual machines is fixed
from the very beginning; it is possible that there be one (or several) server(s)
administrating access to resources and services for the included work stations.
Files and applications which are accessible for each device are stored in the
server. Data security level is assured by the resource priority usage in the net.
These types of networks are faster than the nets of peer (equal) access and allow
for inclusion of more devices provided the integrity of shared resources is re-
tained. On the other hand, the equipment needed for the setup of such networks
is multiple times more expensive, they need system administrator who, apart

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from the other requirements, has to take care of security issues especially if the
network is connected to Internet or some other net.
1.2.3. Composite type of networks
This type of networks (Fig. 2.5) is a combination of the above two types. The
specific tasks which should be carried out in a certain organization make com-
posite networks quite preferable in meeting the concrete demands.
As is evident from the diagram (Fig.2.5) a particular part of the network de-
vices, forming a work
group, make up a peer
(equal) access network
in which resources are
shared among them
without engaging the
server. In the same time
these devices are also
connected to a server
which is part of a
client-server network.
Thus on one hand
the server controls the
most important re-
sources needed by the
whole network, and on
the other, it does not allocate resources for control of devices that are necessary
to support the computers from the work group which are connected in a peer
access network.

Fig. 2.5.