Network classifications

Computer Networks are classified according to the distance between individual computers that are attached to the network.

The classification includes the following: 1. Local Area Network (LAN) 2. Wide Area Network (WAN) 3. Metropolitan Network (MAN)

Local Area Network (LAN)

is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area such as a house, school laboratory or an office building Each computer or device on the network is called a node

Wide Area Network (WAN)

is a network that covers a large geographic area such as a city, country or the world Uses communications channels such as telephone lines, cables, and radio waves in connecting computers The Internet is the worlds largest WAN

Metropolitan Network (MAN)

is a network that spans a whole metropolitan area. It is referred to as a high speed-network that covers a city MANs use similar technology to LANs but cover a much wider geographic region

Types of LANs (Network Architecture)

There are two (2) main types of network architectures. These include: 1. Client/Server 2. Peer to Peer

Client/Server
Client -is the requesting computer machine

Server -is the supplying computer machine

Client/Server
Client -requests services -rely on the server for resources such as files, processing power and storage Server -provides the services -controls access to the hardware and software on the network and provides a centralized storage area for data

Peer-to-peer Network (P2P)

Simple and inexpensive that connects less than 10 computers using twisted pair or coaxial cables Each computer is called a peer Peers act as clients and server Each computer can share the hardware located on any other computer Each computer has equal responsibilities and capabilities

The Network Operating System (NOS) must be installed on each computer.

Ideal for small businesses and home offices

Internet Peer-to Peer

-is a different kind of peerto-peer network exists on the Internet that allows users to share files on their hard disks, essentially creating global peer-topeer networks
-sharing of music, documents, books, software and video/movie files

Network Topologies
Network Topology is the configuration or physical arrangement of the devices or nodes. The layout of the computers and devices on a network. The 3 main topologies are:
1. Ring 2. Star 3. Bus

Bus network
is a network architecture in which there is a single central cable to which all devices are attached The central cable is called a bus The bus transmits data in both directions. Only one device can transmit at a time .It is easy to add/remove devices from a bus network. It is also an inexpensive topology Failure of one device does not affect another device. The network will fail if the bus (central cable) fails

Advantages of a Bus Topology include: 1. Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus. 2. Typically the cheapest topology to implement 3. Failure of one station does not affect others Disadvantages of a Bus Topology include: 1. Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable. 2. Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable. 3. Difficulty in identifying the problem if the entire network shuts down 4. Performance degrades as additional computers are added

Network Components
o are networking hardware are needed to perform data-processing and communications within the network. o These includes:
computers communication devices (modem, hub, switch) interface cards (LAN cards)

Modem
Short for modulator/demodulator Converts digital signal to analog and vice versa

converts digital signals to analog signals and vice versa. Computer information is stored digitally whereas information transmitted over telephone lines is transmitted in the form of analog waves

Modem
Characteristics/terms that involves MODEM
Bps (bits per second) how fast the device can transmit and receive data (baud rate). The fastest ones are about 57600bps. Voice/data many support a switch to change between voice and data modes. Auto-answer enables your computer to receive calls in your absence. Voice/data many support a switch to change between voice and data modes. Auto-answer enables your computer to receive calls in your absence.

Modem

Types of Modems
External modem separate from computer Internal modem inserted into computer
Standard on most computers today

PC Card modem slides into slot on laptop

Roughly credit card size

Cable connects modem to standard phone jack

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Modem Data Speeds

Measured in bits per second (bps)
Early modems transmitted at 300 bps Fastest current modems transmit at 56,000 bps

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) restrictions prohibit actual speeds faster than 53,000 bps Actual speed depends on line conditions and other variables
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Coordinating Sender and Receiver

Sending data to remote location only works if receiving device is ready to accept it Two approaches to keeping devices in step:
Asynchronous transmission Synchronous transmission

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Simplex, Half-Duplex, and Full-Duplex Transmission

Simplex transmission sends data in one direction only
Example: television broadcasting

Half-duplex transmission sends data in both directions, but only one way at a time
Example: bank teller sends data about a deposit; after data received, a confirmation returns

Full-duplex transmission allows transmission in both directions at same time

Example: a conversation Typically used for high-speed data communication
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Multiplexer
Combines data streams from slow-speed devices into single data stream Transmits over high-speed circuit (ex T1) Multiplexer on receiving end needed to restore to component data streams

Basic Network Design

NIC
Most modern computers have these devices built into the motherboard, but in some computers you have to add an extra expansion card (small circuit board)

Network Cable

Hub

Switch

Router

Proxy Server

Bridge

Client/Server Network
Server computer controls network
Often has several hard drives, fastest printer

Client computer requests services from server

Thin client has little or no storage

Processing approaches
Client/server File server

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Firewall

Software: Network Operating Systems

The similarities and differences between a single-user operating system and a network operating system

Similarities
Controls/manages the computer hardware (e.g. memory) Provides a user interface Allows more than one program to run at the same time. Schedules jobs and configures devices Manages programs Provides file management and other utilities Starts the computer

Differences
A network operating system (NOS) is an operating system that organizes and coordinates how multiple users access and share resources on a network. A single user operating system allows only one user to run one or more programs at a time. An NOS has more security control features. It also controls a network, establish internet connection and allows more than one computers to talk to each other. An NOS allows for the management of files on other computers. NOS typically resides on a server.

Types of Communications Media

Wire pairs Coaxial cables wired transmission media (guided) Fiber optics Microwave transmission wireless transmission Satellite transmission media (unguided) Wireless Transmission

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Wire Pairs
Physical characteristics
Requires two conductors Twisted around each other to reduce electrical interference Plastic sheath

Shielded twisted pair

Metallic protective sheath Reduces noise Increases speed

Coaxial Cable
Higher bandwidth Less susceptible to noise Used in cable TV systems Physical characteristics
Center conductor wire Surrounded by a layer of insulation Surrounded by a braided outer conductor Encased in a protective sheath

Fiber Optics
Physical characterizes Glass or plastic fibers Very thin (thinner than human hair) Material is light

Microwave Transmission
Uses line-of-sight transmission of data signals
Sending microwave must see receiver

Requires relay stations approximately every 30 miles

Waves are straight, earth is curved

Offers high speed and cost-effectiveness

Easy to implement Weather can cause interference Physical characteristics
Data signals sent through atmosphere Signals cannot bend of follow curvature of earth Relay stations required

Satellite Transmission