Networking

Computer network is a collection

of computers connected to each
other. It allows the computers to
communicate with each other
and share resources which
include information, software
and peripheral devices such as
printers, scanners.

Types of Computer
Networks

Local Area Network (LAN)

Campus Area Network (CAN)
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)

Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN is a computer network that
spans over a small area. It connects
computers and workstations to share
data and resources such as printers
or faxes. LAN is restricted to a small
area such as home, office college.

Campus Area Network (CAN)

CAN is a computer network it is made up of two or
more LANs within a limited area. It can cover many
building in an area. The main feature of CAN is that all
of the computers which are connected together have
some relationship to each other For example, different
building in a campus can be connected using CAN.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

MAN is the interconnection of
networks in a city. Generally, MAN is
not owned by a signal organization. It
acts as a high speed network to
allows sharing resources within a city.
MAN can also be formed by
connecting remote LANs through
telephone lines or radio links. MAN
supports data and voice
transmission. The best example for
MAN is the television cable network

Wide Area Network (WAN)

WAN covers a wide geographical area which
include multiple computers or LANs. It connects
computers through public networks, like
telephone system, microwave, satellite link or
leased line.
Most of the WANs use leased line for Internet
access as they provide faster data transfer.
Leased line is a dedicated telephone connection
between service provider and consumer, The main
advantage of using leased lines is that there is no
interference by other users outside the network.

Topologies
Topology provides different
configuration that are used to create
a network. A network is a group of
devices connected by paths to
exchange information and share
resources.
Topology is a pattern of computer
devices and describes the way in
which these devices are connected
Topologies can be physical or logical

Types of Topology

BUS TOPOLOGY
STAR TOPOLOGY
RING TOPOLOGY
DUAL RING TOPOLOGY
MESH TOPOLOGY
TREE TOPOLOGY
HYBRID TOPOLOGY

Bus Topology
In bus topology, devices share a common backbone
cable to send and receive data. A thick co-axial
cable is used to connect all device. Bus topology
uses daisy chain scheme to add more device in a
network. In daisy chain scheme, device 1 is
connected to device 2; device 2 is connected to
device 3. the first and last device are connected to
50 ohm terminator resistor.

Star Topology
In star topology, multiple devices are connected
to a central connection point known as hub or
switch. Devices are attached to the hub by using
either copper cable or fiber. Star networks provide
a cost-effective method for sharing information
between different users. Star topology can be
used in airline reservation counters and small
business office where employees want an access
to common application and files.

Ring Topology
In ring topology, each device is
connected to adjacent device
forming a circle. Data flows in only
one direction, clockwise or anticlockwise. Each device in the ring
topology acts as a repeater. It
amplifies the signal transmission and
transits it to the next device.

Mesh Topology
In mesh topology, every device is
connected to each and every node in
the network with many redundant
interconnection at least two paths to
and from every node.

Tree Topology
A tree topology combine the characteristics of
linear bus and star topology. In tree topology,
group of star networks are connected to the
linear bus backbone. Tree topology enable the
user to expand and configure the existing
network depending on the requirement.
Twisted pair cable is commonly used by tree
topology. Tree topology is also called as
hierarchical structure.

Hybrid Topology
Hybrid topology is a combination of
different network topologies. It is
also known as a Special Topology.
This topology is useful for corporate
offices to link their internal LANs
together while adding external
networks through Wide Area
Network(WANs).

Transmission Media
Networking involves connection of
computers, workstations and
peripheral devices. Networking
hardware involves all the peripheral
devices, interface cards, and other
equipments such as cables and wires
that are used to establish a network
connection, ,