Data Communication & Networking

Introduction to Data Communication & Computer Networks

Lecture 2

Computer Networks
A network is a set of devices (often referred to as nodes) connected by communication links. A node can be a computer, printer, or any other device capable of sending and/or receiving data generated by other nodes on the network.

Distributed Processing
Most networks use Distributed Processing, in which a task is divided among multiple computers, instead of one large machine being responsible for all aspects of a process.

Network Criteria
A network must be able to meet a certain number of criteria.
Performance
Transmit time, response time, throughput, delay

Reliability
Frequency of failure, time required to recover from the failure

Security
Protecting data from unauthorized access, protecting data from damage

Connection Types
There are two possible types of Connections: Point-to-point
Provides a dedicated link between two devices.

Multipoint
Is one in which more than two specific devices share a single link.

Connection Types

Physical Topology
The term of Physical Topology refers to the way in which a network is laid out physically. Two or more devices connect to a link; two or more links form a topology. The topology of a network is the geometric representation of all the links and linking devices (usually called nodes) to one another.

Categories of topology

1. A fully connected Mesh Topology (five devices)

Mesh Topology
Mesh topology work on the concept of routes. In Mesh topology, message sent to the destination can take any possible shortest, easiest route to reach its destination. Internet employs the Mesh topology and the message finds its route for its destination. Router works in find the routes for the messages and in reaching them to their destinations. The topology in which every devices connects to every other device is called a full Mesh topology unlike in the partial mesh in which every device is indirectly connected to the other devices.

2. A star topology connecting four stations

Star Topology
In the computer networking world the most commonly used topology in LAN is the star topology. Star topologies can be implemented in home, offices or even in a building. All the computers in the star topologies are connected to central devices like hub, switch or router. As compared to the bus topology, a star network requires more devices & cables to complete a network. The failure of each node or cable in a star network, wont take down the entire network as compared to the Bus topology.

3. A bus topology connecting three stations

Bus Topology
Bus topology uses a common backbone to connect all the network devices in a network in a linear shape. A single cable functions as the shared communication medium for all the devices attached with this cable with an interface connector. The device, which wants to communicate send the broadcast message to all the devices attached with the shared cable but only the intended recipient actually accepts and process that message.

4. A ring topology connecting six stations

Ring Topology
In ring Network, every computer or devices has two adjacent neighbors for communication. In a ring network, all the communication messages travel in the same directory whether clockwise or anti clockwise. Any damage of the cable of any cable or device can result in the breakdown of the whole network. Ring topology now has become almost obsolete.

5. A hybrid topology: a star backbone with three bus networks

Categories of Networks
There are 3 basic categories of networks: 1. LAN 2. WAN 3. MAN

Categories of Networks
1. LAN: (Local Area Network) A group of computers that share a common connection and are usually in a small area or even in the same building. For example an office or home network. They are usually connected by Ethernet cables and have high speed connections. If it was a wireless setup it would be called a WLAN, which would have a lower connection speed.

An isolated LAN connecting 12 computers to a hub in a closet

Categories of Networks
2. WAN(Wide Area Network) This is the largest network and can interconnect networks throughout the world and is not restricted to a geographical location. The Internet is an example of a worldwide public WAN. Most WANs exist to connect LANs that are not in the same geographical area. This technology is high speed.

WANs: a switched WAN and a point-to-point WAN

Categories of Netwroks
3. MAN(Metropolitan Area Network) This is a larger network that connects computer users in a particular geographic area or region. For example a large university may have a network so large that it may be classified as a MAN. The MAN network usually exist to provide connectivity to local ISPs, cable TV, or large corporations. It is far larger than a LAN and smaller than a WAN. Also large cities like London and Sydney, Australia have metropolitan area networks.

A heterogeneous network made of four WANs and two LANs