Computer networks

Lab 1
Kavya Aggarwal (Roll no.
102117105)

Q1. Discuss the concept of Networking, advantages, disadvantages and applications.

Ans: Computer networking refers to interconnected computing devices that can exchange data and
share resources with each other. These networked devices use a system of rules, called
communications protocols, to transmit information over physical or wireless technologies.

Advantages of Network: 
These are the main advantages of Computer Networks: 
 
1. Central Storage of Data – 
Files can be stored on a central node (the file server) that can be shared and made
available to each and every user in an organization. 
 
2. Anyone can connect to a computer network – 
There is a negligible range of abilities required to connect to a modern computer
network. The effortlessness of joining makes it workable for even youthful kids to start
exploiting the data. 
 
3. Faster Problem-solving – 
Since an extensive procedure is disintegrated into a few littler procedures and each is
taken care of by all the associated gadgets, an explicit issue can be settled in lesser
time. 
 
4. Reliability – 
Reliability implies backing up information. Due to some reason equipment crashes,
and so on, the information gets undermined or inaccessible on one PC, another
duplicate of similar information is accessible on another workstation for future use,
which prompts smooth working and further handling without interruption. 
 
5. It is highly flexible – 
This innovation is known to be truly adaptable, as it offers clients the chance to
investigate everything about fundamental things, for example, programming without
influencing their usefulness. 
 
6. Security through Authorization – 
Security and protection of information are additionally settled through the system. As
just the system clients are approved to get to specific records or applications, no other
individual can crack the protection or security of information. 
 
7. It boosts storage capacity – 
Since you will share data, records, and assets with other individuals, you need to
guarantee all information and substance are legitimately put away in the framework.
 With this systems administration innovation, you can do the majority of this with no
issue, while having all the space you require for capacity. 

Disadvantages of Network: 
These are the main disadvantages of Computer Networks: 
 
1. It lacks robustness – 
If a PC system’s principal server separates, the whole framework would end up futile.
Also, if it has a bridging device or a central linking server that fails, the entire network
would also come to a standstill. To manage these issues, gigantic systems ought to
have a ground-breaking PC to fill in as a document server to influence setting up and
keeping up the system less demanding. 
 
2. It lacks independence – 
PC organizing includes a procedure that is worked utilizing PCs, so individuals will
depend on a greater amount of PC work, rather than applying an exertion for their
jobs that needs to be done. Besides this, they will be subject to the primary document
server, which implies that, in the event that it separates, the framework would end up
futile, making clients inactive. 
 
3. Virus and Malware – 
On the off chance that even one PC on a system gets contaminated with an infection,
there is a possibility for alternate frameworks to get tainted as well. Infections can
spread on a system effectively, in view of the availability of different gadgets.
 
4. Cost of the network – 
The expense of executing the system including cabling and equipment can be
expensive. 

Computer networks support an enormous number of applications and services such as

access to the World Wide Web, digital video, digital audio, shared use of application and
storage servers, printers, and fax machines, and use of email and instant
messaging applications as well as many others.

Q2. Discuss the peer-to-peer connections and multipoint connection.

Ans: Point-to-Point Connection

The point-to-point is a kind of line configuration which describes the method to connect two
communication devices in a link. The point-to-point connection is a unicast connection. There is a
dedicated link between an individual pair of sender and receiver. The capacity of the entire channel
is reserved only for the transmission of the packet between the sender and receiver.

If the network is made up of point-to-point connections, then the packet will have to travel through
many intermediate devices. The link between the multiple intermediate devices may be of different
length. So, in point-to-point network finding the smallest distance to reach the receiver is most
important.

Multipoint Connection
The multipoint connection is a connection established between more than two devices. The
multipoint connection is also called multidrop line configuration. In multipoint connection, a single
link is shared by multiple devices. So, it can be said that the channel capacity is shared temporarily
by every device connecting to the link. If devices are using the link turn by turn, then it is said to be
time shared line configuration. The multipoint networks are also called “Broadcast network”. In a
broadcast network, the packet transmitted by the sender is received and processed by every device
on the link. But, by the address field in the packet, the receiver determines whether the packet
belongs to it or not, if not, it discards the packet. If packet belongs to the receiver then keeps the
packet and respond to the sender accordingly.

Q3.Discuss the components required to make a computer network.

Ans: Computer networks share common devices, functions, and features including servers, clients,
transmission media, shared data, shared printers and other hardware and software resources,
network interface card(NIC), local operating system(LOS), and the network operating system (NOS).

Servers - Servers are computers that hold shared files, programs, and the network operating system.
Servers provide access to network resources to all the users of the network. There are many
different kinds of servers, and one server can provide several functions. For example, there are file
servers, print servers, mail servers, communication servers, database servers, fax servers and web
servers, to name a few. Sometimes it is also called host computer, servers are powerful computer
that store data or application and connect to resources that are shared by the user of a network.
Clients - Clients are computers that access and use the network and shared network resources.
Client computers are basically the customers(users) of the network, as they request and receive
services from the servers. These days, it is typical for a client to be a personal computer that the
users also use for their own non-network applications.
Transmission Media - Transmission media are the facilities used to interconnect computers in a
network, such as twisted-pair wire, coaxial cable, and optical fiber cable. Transmission media are
sometimes called transmission medium channels, links or lines.
Shared data - Shared data are data that file servers provide to clients such as data files, printer
access programs and e-mail.
Shared printers and other peripherals - Shared printers and peripherals are hardware resources
provided to the users of the network by servers. Resources provided include data files, printers,
software, or any other items used by clients on the network.
Network Interface Card - Each computer in a network has a special expansion card called a network
interface card (NIC). The NIC prepares(formats) and sends data, receives data, and controls data flow
between the computer and the network. On the transmit side, the NIC passes frames of data on to
the physical layer, which transmits the data to the physical link. On the receiver's side, the NIC
processes bits received from the physical layer and processes the message based on its contents.
Local Operating System - A local operating system allows personal computers to access files, print to
a local printer, and have and use one or more disk and CD drives that are located on the computer.
Examples are MS-DOS, Unix, Linux, Windows 2000, Windows 98, Windows XP etc. The network
operating system is the software of the network. It serves a similar purpose that the OS serves in a
stand-alone computer
Network Operating System - The network operating system is a program that runs on computers
and servers that allows the computers to communicate over the network.
Hub - Hub is a device that splits a network connection into multiple computers. It is like a
distribution center. When a computer requests information from a network or a specific computer, it
sends the request to the hub through a cable. The hub will receive the request and transmit it to the
entire network. Each computer in the network should then figure out whether the broadcast data is
for them or not.
Switch - Switch is a telecommunication device grouped as one of computer network components.
Switch is like a Hub but built in with advanced features. It uses physical device addresses in each
incoming messages so that it can deliver the message to the right destination or port.
Unlike a hub, switch doesn't broadcast the received message to entire network, rather before
sending it checks to which system or port should the message be sent. In other words, switch
connects the source and destination directly which increases the speed of the network. Both switch
and hub have common features: Multiple RJ-45 ports, power supply and connection lights.

Router - When we talk about computer network components, the other device that used to connect
a LAN with an internet connection is called Router. When you have two distinct networks (LANs) or
want to share a single internet connection to multiple computers, we use a Router. In most cases,
recent routers also include a switch which in other words can be used as a switch. You don’t need to
buy both switch and router, particularly if you are installing small business and home networks.
There are two types of Router: wired and wireless. The choice depends on your physical office/home
setting, speed and cost.
LAN Cable A local area Network cable is also known as data cable or Ethernet cable which is a wired
cable used to connect a device to the internet or to other devices like computer, printers, etc.

Q4. Discuss the types of networks as LAN, WAN and MAN.

Ans: LAN
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a group of computer and peripheral devices which are
connected in a limited area such as school, laboratory, home, and office building. It is a widely useful
network for sharing resources like files, printers, games, and other application. The simplest type of
LAN network is to connect computers and a printer in someone’s home or office. In general, LAN will
be used as one type of transmission medium. It is a network which consists of less than 5000
interconnected devices across several buildings
Characteristics of LAN
Here are the important characteristics of a LAN network:

 It is a private network, so an outside regulatory body never controls it.

 LAN operates at a relatively higher speed compared to other WAN systems.
 There are various kinds of media access control methods like token ring and ethernet.

Advantages of LAN
Here are the pros/benefits of LAN:

 Computer resources like hard-disks, DVD-ROM, and printers can share local area networks.
This significantly reduces the cost of hardware purchases.
 You can use the same software over the network instead of purchasing the licensed software
for each client in the network.
 Data of all network users can be stored on a single hard disk of the server computer.
 You can easily transfer data and messages over networked computers.
 It will be easy to manage data at only one place, which makes data more secure.
 Local Area Network offers the facility to share a single internet connection among all the
LAN users.

Disadvantages of LAN
Here are the cons/drawbacks of LAN:

 LAN will indeed save cost because of shared computer resources, but the initial cost of
installing Local Area Networks is quite high.
 The LAN admin can check personal data files of every LAN user, so it does not offer good
privacy.
 Unauthorized users can access critical data of an organization in case LAN admin is not able
to secure centralized data repository.
 Local Area Network requires a constant LAN administration as there are issues related to
software setup and hardware failures
WAN
 (Wide Area Network) is another important computer network that which is spread across a large
geographical area. WAN network system could be a connection of a LAN which connects with other
LAN’s using telephone lines and radio waves. It is mostly limited to an enterprise or an organization.
Characteristics of WAN
Below are the characteristics of WAN:

 The software files will be shared among all the users; therefore, all can access to the latest
files.
 Any organization can form its global integrated network using WAN.

Advantages of WAN
Here are the benefits/pros of WAN:

 WAN helps you to cover a larger geographical area. Therefore business offices situated at
longer distances can easily communicate.
 Contains devices like mobile phones, laptop, tablet, computers, gaming consoles, etc.
 WLAN connections work using radio transmitters and receivers built into client devices.

Disadvantages of WAN
Here are the drawbacks/cons of WAN network:

 The initial setup cost of investment is very high.

 It is difficult to maintain the WAN network. You need skilled technicians and network
administrators.
 There are more errors and issues because of the wide coverage and the use of different
technologies.
 It requires more time to resolve issues because of the involvement of multiple wired and
wireless technologies.
 Offers lower security compared to other types of network in computer.

MAN
A Metropolitan Area Network or MAN is consisting of a computer network across an entire city,
college campus, or a small region. This type of network is large than a LAN, which is mostly limited to
a single building or site. Depending upon the type of configuration, this type of network allows you
to cover an area from several miles to tens of miles.

Characteristics of MAN
Here are important characteristics of the MAN network:

 It mostly covers towns and cities in a maximum 50 km range

 Mostly used medium is optical fibers, cables
 Data rates adequate for distributed computing applications.

Advantages of MAN
 Here are the pros/benefits of MAN network:

 It offers fast communication using high-speed carriers, like fiber optic cables.

 It provides excellent support for an extensive size network and greater access to WANs.
 The dual bus in MAN network provides support to transmit data in both directions
concurrently.
 A MAN network mostly includes some areas of a city or an entire city.

Disadvantages of MAN
Here are drawbacks/cons of using the MAN network:

 You need more cable to establish MAN connection from one place to another.
 In MAN network it is tough to make the system secure from hackers

Other Types of Computer Networks

Apart from above mentioned computer networks, here are some other important types of networks:

 WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network)

 Storage Area Network
 System Area Network
 Home Area Network
 POLAN- Passive Optical LAN
 Enterprise private network
 Campus Area Network
 Virtual Area Network

Q5. Differentiate between physical and logical topologies.

Ans:

Physical Topology Logical Topology

Physical Topology means the physical layout of the Logical topology means how the network device layout will be
network. shown and how the data will be transferred.

For example − Ring, Bus, Star, and Mesh. For example − Ring and Bus.

In this topology, we are concerned with how data This topology is concerned with the high-level representation
will be transferred from the actual path. of the data transfer.

As per the requirement, we can modify the layout of There is no change accepted.
the network.

It can affect cost, bandwidth, scalability etc. It can affect data delivery.

Types of physical topologies are star, mesh, bus, and Types of logical topologies are logical bus, and logical ring.
ring.
 Physical Topology Logical Topology

It is an actual route concerned with transmission. It is a high level representation of data flow.

Physical connection of the network. Data path followed on the network.

Q6. List the different types of networks from surroundings as client-server network, distributed
networks,
 Sharing large files over the internet is often done using a P2P (peer-to-peer) network
architecture.

 Windows 10 updates are delivered both from Microsoft's servers and through P2P.

 When a bank customer accesses online banking services with a web browser (the client), the
client initiates a request to the bank's web server. The customer's login credentials may be
stored in a database, and the webserver accesses the database server as a client.

 Turnstiles in the subway station.(client server).

 Amazon is a massive global retailer and, therefore, its distribution network spans many
countries.

 Dropbox, Gmail, Facebook(Cloud based).

Q 7. Discuss the concept of Network Topologies.

Ans:A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a
network. Nodes usually include devices such as switches, routers and software with switch and
router features. Network topologies are often represented as a graph.

Network topologies describe the arrangement of networks and the relative location of traffic flows.
Administrators can use network topology diagrams to determine the best placements for
each node and the optimal path for traffic flow. With a well-defined and planned-out network
topology, an organization can more easily locate faults and fix issues, improving its data transfer
efficiency.
Network geometry can be defined as the physical topology and the logical topology. Network
topology diagrams are shown with devices depicted as network nodes and the connections between
them as lines. The type of network topology differs depending on how the network needs to be
arranged.

Q8. Protocols and their usage e.g. TCP/IP, http, https, ftp.

1. Transmission Control Protocol (TCP): TCP is a popular communication protocol which is used

for communicating over a network. It divides any message into series of packets that are
sent from source to destination and there it gets reassembled at the destination.
2. Internet Protocol (IP): IP is designed explicitly as addressing protocol. It is mostly used with
TCP. The IP addresses in packets help in routing them through different nodes in a network
until it reaches the destination system. TCP/IP is the most popular protocol connecting the
networks.
3. Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP): HTTP is designed for transferring a hypertext among
two or more systems. HTML tags are used for creating links. These links may be in any form
like text or images. HTTP is designed on Client-server principles which allow a client system
for establishing a connection with the server machine for making a request. The server
acknowledges the request initiated by the client and responds accordingly.
4. Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS): HTTPS is abbreviated as Hyper Text Transfer
Protocol Secure is a standard protocol to secure the communication among two computers
one using the browser and other fetching data from web server. HTTP is used for
transferring data between the client browser (request) and the web server (response) in the
hypertext format, same in case of HTTPS except that the transferring of data is done in an
encrypted format. So it can be said that https thwart hackers from interpretation or
modification of data throughout the transfer of packets.
5. file Transfer Protocol (FTP): FTP allows users to transfer files from one machine to another.
Types of files may include program files, multimedia files, text files, and documents, etc.