Introduction and definition of Network: Basics and Infrastructure:

A network can be defined as interconnection of computing devices in order to share

data. The network infrastructure is built with a combination of computer hardware and
software.
Networking is a process by with data communication is performed between two or
more connected devices. Using network we can transfer data from one remote machine to
another remote machine. A group of such connected machines are called as a Network. We can
also establish communication or networking from one network to another.
Networks are an interconnection of computers. These computers can be linked together
using a wide variety of different cabling types, and for a wide variety of different purposes. A
network is made up of two or more computers that are connected in order to exchange
messages and information.

Types of Networks:
Computer Networks are classified into the following categories:
LAN- LOCAL AREA NETWORK: Networks used to interconnect computers in a
single room, rooms within a building or buildings on one site are called as LOCAL AREA
NETWORK (LAN). The defining characteristics of LANs, in contrast to wide area networks
(WANs), include their usually higher data-transfer rates, smaller geographic area, and lack of a
need for leased telecommunication lines. LAN transmits data with a speed of several megabits
per second (106 bits per second). The transmission medium is normally coaxial cables.

MAN-

METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK: METROPOLITAN ARE

NETWORK (MAN) is a network spanning a physical area larger than LAN but smaller than
WAN, such as a city. A MAN is typically owned and operated by a single entity such as a
government body or large corporation. It mainly connects a few LOCAL AREA NETWORK
(LAN) using high speed backbone technologies. The large network MAN s backbone
comprises of an optical fiber set-up.
WAN- WIDE AREA NETWORK: The term WIDE ARE NETWORK (WAN) is used
to describe a computer network spanning regional, national or global area. The distance
between computers connected to WAN is larger. Therefore the transmission mediums used are
normally telephone lines, microwaves and satellite links. The worlds most popular WAN is the
INTERNET.

WLAN- WIRELESS LOCAL AREA NETWORK: A wireless local area network

(WLAN) links two or more devices using some wireless distribution method (typically spreadspectrum or OFDM radio), and usually providing a connection through an access point to the
wider Internet. This gives users the mobility to move around within a local coverage area and
still be connected to the network. Most modern WLAN s are based on IEEE 802.11 standards,
marketed under the Wi-Fi brand name.

CAN- CAMPUS AREA NETWORK: A campus area network is a computer network

made up of an interconnection of local area networks (LANs) within a limited geographical
area. The networking equipments (switches, routers) and transmission media (optical fiber,
copper plant, Cat5 cabling etc.) are almost entirely owned by the campus tenant / owner: an
enterprise, university, government etc.

INTRANET:
An intranet is a computer network that uses Internet Protocol technology to share
information, operational systems, or computing services within an organization. This
term is used in contrast to internet, a network between organizations, and instead refers to
a network within an organization. Sometimes, the term refers only to the organization's
internal website, but may be a more extensive part of the organization's information
technology infrastructure, and may be composed of multiple local area networks. The
objective is to organize each individual's desktop with minimal cost, time and effort to be
more productive, cost efficient, timely, and competitive.
An intranet may host multiple private websites and constitute an important component
and focal point of internal communication and collaboration. Any of the well known
Internet protocols may be found in an intranet, such as HTTP (web services), SMTP (email), and FTP (file transfer protocol). Internet technologies are often deployed to
provide modern interfaces to legacy information systems hosting corporate data.
An intranet can be understood as a private analog of the Internet, or as a private extension
of the Internet confined to an organization. The first intranet websites and home pages
were published in 1991, and began to appear in non-educational organizations in 1994.

EXTRANET:
An extranet is a computer network which allows controlled access from the outside, for
specific business or educational purposes. In a business-to-business context, an extranet
can be viewed as an extension of an organization's intranet that is extended to users
outside the organization, usually partners, vendors, and suppliers, in isolation from all
other Internet users. In contrast, business-to-consumer (B2C) models involve known
servers of one or more companies, communicating with previously unknown consumer
users. An extranet is similar to a DMZ in that it provides access to needed services for
channel partners, without granting access to an organization's entire network.
It can also be defined as an extranet is a private network that uses Internet technology and
the public telecommunication system to securely share part of a businesss information or
operations with suppliers, vendors, partners, customers, or other businesses. An extranet
can be viewed as part of a companys intranet that is extended to users outside the
company. It has also been described as a state of mind in which the internet is
perceived as a way to do business with other companies as well as to sell products to

customers. An extranet requires security and privacy. These can include firewall server
management, and use of digital certificates or similar means of user authentication,
encryption of messages, and the use of virtual private networks (VPN s) that tunnel
through the public network.

NETWORK STRUCTURE:
The network structure describes the manner in which resources attached to computers can
be accessed by another computer. Resources can be clients, servers or any physical
devices, files that reside on computer.
There are two types of networks:
a) Peer to- peer network.
b) Server- based networks.

Peer-to-Peer network:
A peer-to-peer network is a type of decentralized and distributed network architecture in
which individual nodes in the network (called "peers") act as both suppliers and
consumers of resources, in contrast to the centralized clientserver model where client
nodes request access to resources provided by central servers.
In a peer-to-peer network, tasks (such as searching for files or streaming audio/video) are
shared amongst multiple interconnected peers who each make a portion of their resources
(such as processing power, disk storage or network bandwidth) directly available to other
network participants, without the need for centralized coordination by servers.

Server-based network/Client Server network:

In a server-based network, the server is the central location where users share and access
network resources. This dedicated computer controls the level of access that the users
have to share resources. Shared data is in one location, making it easy to backup critical
business information. Each computer that connects to the network is called as client
computer. In a server-based network, users have one user account and password to log on
to the server and to access shared resources. Server operating systems are designed to
handle the load when the multiple client computers access server-based resources.

Network Topologies:
Topology refers to the pattern of interconnection of nodes in a network. According to the
physical arrangement of workstations and nature of work, there are four major types of
network topology:

1) Mesh.
2) Star.
3) Bus.
4) Ring.

1) Mesh Topology: Mesh Topology is a type of networking where each node must
not only capture and disseminate its own data, but also serve as a relay for other nodes,
that is, it must collaborate to propagate the data in the network.

Advantages of Mesh Topology:

1. Point-to-point line configuration makes identification and isolation of faults easy.
2. Messages travel through a dedicated line, directly to the intended recipient; privacy
and security are thus enhanced.

Disadvantages of Mesh Topology:

1. Because every device must be connected to every other device installation and
reconnection are difficult.
2. The more extensive the network, in terms of scope or of physical area, the greater the
investment necessary to build it will be, due, among other considerations, to the amount
of cabling and the number of hardware ports it will require. For this reason, such
networks are uncommon.

2. Bus Topology: A bus topology is a network architecture in which a set of clients

are connected via a shared communications line/cables, called a bus. There are several
common instances of the bus architecture, including one in the motherboard of most
computers.

Advantages of Bus Topology:

1. Ease of installation and simple and cheap.
2. If one computer fails it does not affect the other computers.
Disadvantages of Bus Topology:
1. If the main cable fails, all the other sources will die.

2. Reconfiguration, fault isolation and installation of new devices tend to be difficult

since the network is designed to be most efficient during installation.

Star Topology: Star networks are one of the most common computer network
topologies. In its simplest form, a star network consists of one central switch, hub or
computer, which acts as a conduit to transmit messages.

Advantages of Star Topologies:

1. No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.
2. Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.
Disadvantages of Star Topologies:
1. High dependence of the system on the functioning of the central hub. Failure of the
central hub renders the network inoperable.

2. The use of hub, a router or a switch as central device increases the overall cost of the
network.

Ring Topology: A ring network is a network topology in which each node connects
to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals through each
node - a ring. Data travels from node to node, with each node along the way handling
every packet.

Advantages of Ring Topology:

1. Very orderly network where every device has access to the token and the opportunity
to transmit.
2. Does not require a central node to manage the connectivity between the computers.

Disadvantages of Ring Topology:

1. One malfunctioning workstation can create problems for the entire network. This can
be solved by using a dual ring or a switch that closes off the break.
2. Communication delay is directly proportional to number of nodes in the network.

Network Media, Wired and Wireless:

In data communication, network media plays a very significant role, it decides upon the
rate at which the transmission can take place with least amount of error.

A. Wired Media (Guided Media): Guided media are special wires to carry data
between two communicating devices. These wires are broadly categorized as twisted
pairs cable, co-axial cable and fiber optic cable.

1. Twisted Pair Cable: Twisted pair cabling is a type of wiring in which two
conductors of a single circuit are twisted together for the purposes of canceling out
electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external sources; for instance, electromagnetic
radiation from unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cables, and crosstalk between neighboring
pairs. It was invented by Alexander Graham Bell.

2. Co-axial Cable: Coaxial cable is a type of cable that has an inner conductor
surrounded by a tubular insulating layer, surrounded by a tubular conducting shield.
Many coaxial cables also have an insulating outer sheath or jacket. The term coaxial
comes from the inner conductor and the outer shield sharing a geometric axis. Coaxial
cable was invented by English engineer and mathematician Oliver Heaviside, who
patented the design in 1880. Coaxial cable differs from other shielded cable used for
carrying lower-frequency signals, such as audio signals, in that the dimensions of the
cable are controlled to give a precise, constant conductor spacing, which is needed for it
to function efficiently as a radio frequency transmission line.

3. Fiber Optic Cable: An optical fiber cable is a cable containing one or more optical
fibers. The optical fiber elements are typically individually coated with plastic layers and
contained in a protective tube suitable for the environment where the cable will be
deployed.
B. Wireless Media (Unguided Media): Wireless media using the electromagnetic waves
for propagation for data between communication devices. This type of communication is
called as wireless communication. The transmission of the signal takes place in the
atmosphere thus anyone who is authorized and capable of receiving the signal can receive
it in the given area. These three major means of communication in unguided media.
1. Radio: Frequency between 3 KHz and 1 GHz are normally called as radio waves.
Radio waves mostly are Omni directional inn nature. Radio waves, particularly those of
low and medium frequencies, can penetrate walls.
2. Microwaves: Frequency between 1 GHz to 3 GHz is called as Microwave.
Microwaves are unidirectional in nature. Microwave needs line of sight propagation. We
use microwaves for communication in mobile phones, satellite communication etc.
3. Infrared waves: Frequency between 300 GHz to 400 THz is called as infrared waves.
Due to such high frequency interference of other forces is prevented. But the distance
covered by the wave is very short and attenuation of wave rapidly takes place. It can be
used for short range communication in a closed area using Line-Of-Sight propagation.