Computer Networks aNd web teChNologies

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES
1. Distinguish among types of networks

Data communication is the transmission of data and information between two or more
computers. Data communication is essential in sharing tasks and information.

A network is a group of two or more computer systems that are connected to each other.
Networks allow computers to communicate and transmit data to each other. Computers
connected on a network can easily transfer data, information and resources between each
other. Peripheral devices such as printers can also be a part of a network.

There are many reasons why organisations want to create a network for their users:

• It allows computer users to use common printers, scanners and other peripheral
devices. Otherwise each user would have to have access to their own facilities,
which would be a waste of money and space.

• Users can share their resources, such as documents, and users can communicate
with each other easily using e-mail.

• Once a network is set-up, it is easy to add new users

• An administrator can control the resource use of network users, such as internet
access. This is important in office environments where there is a high risk of
computer viruses and abuse of resources.

• A typical network has a central server, such as a file server, that stores data and
controls access to that data. Having a central server is much more efficient than
each person storing all the data on their computer. It is a way to control
modification of data.

Disadvantages of networks:
• It can be time-consuming and expensive to set up a network
• Viruses spread easily in a network
• If many people have access to a file server, data is likely to be corrupted
• If a central server fails, many users will not be able to do their work until the
server is repaired, because they will not be able to access the data they need

Computers can be linked in different ways, or configurations, to transmit data. Two

configurations are:
 a. Point-to-point: a direct link between two computers in a network

b. Broadcast: using one computer to transmit data and information to serve the
needs of several terminals or computers to it in a network

Server – a computer, device or program that is dedicated to managing network

resources.

Types of networks

Local Area Network (LAN)

This is a network of computers within the same area, although they do not have to be
in the same building. Most small offices and schools use LANs to connect all their
users to one system. Cables are typically used to connect computers in a LAN.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

This type of network is larger than a LAN and can span several buildings and possibly
into other cities. MANs are used by large companies, universities and stores that
occupy several office blocks or occupy large areas of land. A MAN might therefore
be owned and operated by a single organization or a university, and accessed by
students and other associated organisations.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
This extends much further than a single LAN or MAN. A WAN can consist of several
LANs and can connect computers across cities, states and even countries. WANs are
used by companies that have offices in different cities and countries. Government
departments use WANs to communicate with their subdivisions and municipalities.

Mobile Network – Cellular or mobile networks is a communication network where

the last link is wireless. The network is distributed over land areas called cells, each
served by at least one fixed location transceiver, known as a cell or base station.

2G – the second-generation of cellular telephone technology and the first to use digital
encryption of conversations. 2G networks were the first to offer data services and SMS
(short message service) text messaging, but their data transfer rates are lower than
those of their successors.

3G networks succeed 2G ones, offering faster data transfer rates and are the first to
enable video calls. This makes them especially suitable for use in modern
smartphones, which require constant high-speed internet connection for many of their
applications.

4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone communications standards. It is a

successor of the 3G and provides ultra-broadband internet access for mobile devices.
The high data transfer rates make 4G networks suitable for use in USB wireless
modems for laptops and even home internet access.

5G - enables a new kind of network that is designed to connect virtually everyone and
everything together including machines, objects and devices. 5G wireless technology
is meant to deliver higher multi-Gbps peak data speeds, ultra-low latency, more
reliability, massive network capacity, increased availability, and more uniform user
experience to more users.

Wireless network technologies

Bluetooth
This technology allows devices to connect to each other automatically. Bluetooth-
enabled devices can transmit radio signals within a range of addresses. It can establish
a connection with another Bluetooth-enabled device. Many cell phones can connect to
 computers using Bluetooth. Bluetooth can be used to transmit data if the devices are
in the same room or even the same building, if walls and objects do not interfere with
the signal too much. Bluetooth is not suitable for long-distance connection.

Wi-Fi

This is a protocol for radio signals between wireless devices. Most modern computers
have wireless receivers so they can easily join a wireless network, often called a Wi-Fi
network. Wi-Fi is often used to set up LANs because:

• It can transmit data quickly

• No cables are needed to add a device to the network
• The range is high
• Devices do not need direct line of sight with each other or the wireless
transmitter

Hotspot – a public area as small as a room or as large as many square miles that offers
Internet access over a wireless LAN. Wi-Fi hotspots can be in cafes, airports, and
hotels. Wi-Fi connections can be made up to about 300 feet away from a hotspot, to
keep users connected wirelessly while commuting.

Level of privacy

Internet – The largest computer network system in the world. It consists of many
smaller networks connected together by a global public network. The internet is often
called the information superhighway or cyberspace.

Intranet – a private network that belongs to an organization, and is designed to be

accessible only by the organisation’s members, employees, or others with
authorization.

Extranet – When part of an Intranet is made accessible to customers, partners,

suppliers, or others outside the company, that part is called an extranet.

2. Explain the functions of the basic components of a network

Transmission media – Data can be transmitted through various types of cabled (wired)
or wireless media.

Cabled media

Twisted pair
This is a cheap cabling used to connect computers and peripherals. It is made from a pair
of insulated copper wires twisted around each other. Twisted-pair cabling does not allow
very fast transmission, so it is not suitable for sending large amounts of data. It is used in
small LANs for office and homes.
Coaxial cable
This is more expensive than twisted pair. It is a copper wire covered in a very thick layer
of insulation. It provided faster transmission speeds than twisted pair, so it is suitable for
medium-sized LANs. It can also be used to transmit sound, voice and video across a
network.

Fibre-optic cable
This is the most robust and efficient cable. It is best for large WANs and MANs. The
data is transmitted as light pulses along clear glass fibres instead of as electrical signals
along copper wires. Fibre-optic cables can be used over long distances and can carry data
at high speeds. Telecommunications companies use fibre-optic cables to transmit data if
you phone a relative who lives far away, it often sounds as if they are in the next room,
because the fibre-optic cable gives a good, fast connection.
Wireless media

Satellite
An artificial satellite that relays and amplifies radio telecommunication signals via a
transponder. It creates a communication channel between a source transmitter and a
receiver at different locations on earth.

Microwave
High-frequency radio signals that can travel into space. This is a good way to transmit
data wirelessly over very large distances as they can be bounced off satellites to cover
long distances, but it would be needlessly expensive for a small network. Microwave
signals can only travel in straight lines

Infrared radiation
This is short-wave electromagnetic radiation. It can be used to transmit data fairly
quickly over a short range. To use infrared communication, each device must have an
infrared port, the infrared ports must be in line of sight and they must be fairly close to
each other, usually within 5 metres.

Switch - Switches facilitate the sharing of resources by connecting together all the
devices, including computers, printers, and servers, in a small business network. Thanks
to the switch, these connected devices can share information and talk to each other,
regardless of where they are in a building or on a campus. Building a small business
network is not possible without switches to tie devices together.
Switch

Router – a router connects multiple switches, and their respective networks, to form an
even larger network. These networks may be in a single location or across multiple
locations. When building a small business network, you will need one or more routers. In
addition to connecting multiple networks together, the router also allows networked
devices and multiple users to access the Internet.

Ultimately, a router works as a dispatcher, directing traffic and choosing the most
efficient route for information, in the form of data packets, to travel across a network. A
router connects your business to the world, protects information from security threats,
and even decides which devices have priority over others.

Modem – A hardware device that allows a computer to send and receive data over a
telephone line or a cable or a satellite connection. It both modulates and demodulates
analog carrier signals for encoding and decoding digital information for processing.
Modems accomplish both of these tasks simultaneously.
Network Interface Card/network adapter – a hardware component without which a
computer cannot be connected over a network. It is a circuit board installed in a computer
that provides a dedicated network connection to the computer. It is also called network
interface controller, network adapter or LAN adapter.