Paper No: 05 ICT for Libraries

Module : 07 Networking: Concepts, Needs and Advantages

Principal Investigator
&
Dr. Jagdish Arora, Director
Subject Coordinator INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar

Development Team
Principal Investigator
Paper Coordinator
Dr. Jagdish Arora, Director
&
INFLIBNET Centre, Gandhinagar
Subject Coordinator
Content Writer

Dr. Usha Mujoo Munshi, Librarian,

Paper Coordinator Indian Institute of Public Administration
Content Reviewer

Dr. Lalitha Poluru, Librarian

Content Writer NIRMA University

Dr. R.S.R.Varalakshmi, Retired Professor

Content Reviewer Dept of Library and Information Science, Andhra
University

Paper Coordinator
Content Reviewer

 Networking: Concepts, Needs and Advantages

I. Objectives
The objectives of this module are to impart knowledge on the following aspects of
networks:
Aspects of communication technology
Development of computer networks
Basic components of computer communication networks
Network Topologies
Need for computer communication networks
Services that are offered through computer communication networks

II. Learning Outcome

After studying this lesson, learners would attain knowledge about switching
technologies including circuit switching, packet switching, cell switching and
network media used for transmission. You will be introduced to the topologies
used for interconnecting computers such as Bus, Ring, Star, Mesh, Hybrid
topologies, etc. You will also be introduced to network devices such as Modems,
Hub, Switches, Gateway and Routers.

III. Structure of Module

1. Introduction
2. Communication Networks
3. Computer Networks
4. Basic Components of Computer Networks
5. Network Topology
6. Need for Computer Networks
7. Advantages of Computer Networks

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8. Summary
9. References

1. Introduction
Communication technology, with its ability to transmit data and information from
one location to another, serve as a tool to exploit potentials and ability of computer
to store and process vast amount of information. Initially computers were being
used as stand-alone systems to fulfill the organizational requirements. The
concept of information sharing and services brought the computer networks into
existence on which we are vastly dependent. ARPANET (Advanced Research
Project Agency Network) was the first network that used technique of packet
switching in 1970, which is used for transferring data between computer systems
with an objective to facilitate networked computers to communicate seamlessly
across multiple, geographically dispersed locations. Internet was in originating
stage during 1973with the appearance of IP protocol(B.M.Leineret al.Brief History
of the Internet - Internet Timeline / Internet Society,2012). The Transmission
Control Protocol (TCP) and Internet Protocol (IP), called TCP / IP suite, is the
backbone of Internet and other TCP /IP based networks.

2. Communication Networks
The communications networks can be grouped into the following three
categories based on the technology and communication media used by them:

i. Public Switched Telephone Network: PSTN are managed by common carriers

usually telephone companies / departments the world over. The PSTN generally
provide two basic services, the normal dial-up connections to the subscribers
and permanent leased connection between two subscribers points. The
permanent leased connections provide single traceable line between two
subscriber points. The leased lines are generally less prone to noise than dial-up
lines.
ii. Public Data Network: Analogous to the public telephone network, many
domestic common carriers provide data communications services via a
specialized network called a Public Data Network (PDN). Most Internet Service

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 Providers (ISPs) use combination of PDN and PSTN for providing Internet
connectivity.
iii. Integrated Services Digital Networks (ISDN):An ISDN is a network that
provides end-to-end digital connectivity to support a wide range of services,
including voice and non-voice services.
3. Computer Networks
A computer communication network is an interconnection of a collection of
several computers from which the user can select the service required and
communicate with any computer as a local user. A computer communication
networks can be viewed as a collection of nodes with computing resources and
nodal-switching computers that facilitate communication through a set of
transmission links. Developments in communication technology have made it
possible to interconnect geographically dispersed computing resources of different
kinds and makes. Users can access the network through PCs and terminals attached
to a node and messages traverse these networks through the switching nodes. Since
computer communicates using digitized signals instead of electric signals, it
requires different transmission facilities than those used for transmitting analogue
electrical signals. It is, however, a common practice to use conventional
telecommunication links for data transmission by converting digital signals into
analogue signals using a process called "Modulation" and the device that performs
the conversion is called the MODEM (MOdulator - DEModulator). Currently,
terrestrial, satellite-based data networks, Integrated Service Digital Network
(ISDN) and wireless networks are available that can handle all kinds of
communication requirements (i.e. voice, data, telemetry, facsimile and video)
without discrimination. Computer networking can be defined as a group of
interconnected systems sharing resources and interacting using a shared
communication link.
The computer networks can be grouped into four categories based on geographical
locations of its computer terminals, i.e.
i. Local Area Network (LAN): Interconnection of many computers within a
given local area, more often premises of a single organization building. A very
high speed of data transmission can be attained within a limited geographic
area. LANs are typically configured in a star, bus or ring. Low speed LANs use
telephone wires or copper cables, optical fibre cables are used to achieve high-
speed transmission of data.

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ii. Wide Area Network (WAN): WAN is used to interconnect a number of
widely dispersed computers in various cities of a country or different countries.
WANs use communication media maintained by telegraph or telephone
companies. These networks usually have land telephone lines, underground
coaxial cables, microwave communication and satellite communications.
iii. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): MAN refers to inter- connection within
geographical limits of a city or town.
iv. Gateways: Gateways consist of software and hardware that are required to
interconnect networks amongst them. Gateways contend with any differences in
packet sizes, protocols and addressing methods between the two networks it
connect. Gateways are also used to connect LANs to WANs and WANs, in
turn, can be linked through gateways to create national and international data
communication networks.
Computer networks use physical channels through which information is
transmitted between computers in a network. Media may be classified as bounded
i.e., wires (twisted pair telephone wires or UTP CAT 5), cables (co-axial) and
optical fibers; or unbounded i.e., radio waves or microwaves.
Data communication is an integral part of the modern information storage and
retrieval systems in terms of their online access. Today, network technology works
on client-server architecture with middleware used for connecting software
components or applications on clients and servers. With developments in
communication technology, institutions have options to set-up fiber optic-based
gigabit LAN or wireless LAN. Depending on the geographical location,
institutions have options to buy terrestrial or satellite-based Internet bandwidth its
combinations from a number of Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

4. Basic Components of Computer Networks

The following are essential components for computer networking.
a. Network hardware
The basic component of computer network hardware is a computer. Computers on
a network can be divided into two categories, server and clients or nodes.
Server is the computer of higher power, and speed. It costs more. To this computer
resources are attached. And the clients, also known as nodes access, are the

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resources which are attached to server. In peer to peer computer networks there are
no servers.
b. Transmission media
Communication of data propagation and processing of signals is called
transmission. Signals travel from transmitter to receiver via a path. This path is
called medium. Medium can be guided or unguided.

Guided Media
In guided media, data is sent along a physical path i.e. cables. There are several
types of cables used in network. The type of cable chosen for a network is related
to the networks topology, protocol and size.
Different types of cables are: coaxial cables, twisted pair copper wire, and optical
fiber cable.
Coaxial cable looks like cable that brings the cable TV signal to television.
Twisted pair copper wire cable looks like phone cable. Twisted pair cables
come in two varieties, shielded and unshielded.
Optical fiber cable

Unguided Media
Here no wire is installed. The data communication is predominantly sent by radio
waves and microwaves.
Network Card
Most important part of connection is the network card. This is the middle part of
connection. These cards are 8 bit cards, 16 bit cards and 32 bit cards. Each card has
its own method of sending information (network protocol) through the cable. The
most commonly used is Ethernet Protocol. A network card is called Interface card,
network adapter, a NIC etc. It is a circuit board or chip which allows the computer
to communicate to other computers on a network. Modem (MODulator /
DEModulator) A modem converts digital signals (computer signals) from the
computer into analogue signals for transmission and vice versa for reception over
telephone line. There are four basic types of modems for a PC: External, USB,
Internal and Built-in.External and USB are set on to desk outside the PC, while as
Internal and Built-in are inside the PC. Present day modems have 56 kilobits per
second speed. ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) circuits are digital. In
this conversion from digital to analogue is not required.

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 Switch
Switches are basically bridges, but usually have multiple ports. Switches
connect network segments, using a table of addresses to determine the
segment on which a packet needs to be transmitted.
Hubs
A hub is used to connect multiple computers and devices via a dedicated
cable. It is cheap and connections are easy. It generally has 4, 8, 12, 24 ports.
Router
These are used to connect networks and to determine the optimal path along
which the network traffic should be forwarded. They are occasionally called
gateways. There are other network devices like repeaters, bridges, ports,
etc.(Ganguly, n.d.).
c) Network Operating Software
Network operating software (NOS) is a collection of software and associated
protocols that allow a set of autonomous computers, which are interconnected by a
computer network, to be used together in a convenient and cost effective manner. It
is similar to any other operating system like windows, DOS, etc. except it operates
over more than one computer. It controls operation of the network system,
including who uses it, when they can use it, what they have access to, and which
network resources are available. At a basic level, the NOS allows network users to
share files and peripherals such as disks and printers. They provide data integrity
and security. The examples can be categories of NOS: The NetWare, LAN
Manager, Solaris and Windows 2000 etc.
The main categories of network software are:
Peer to peer software
In peer to peer networking operating software users can share resources and files
located on their computers and can access shared resources on other computers.
There is no central server. All computers in the network are equal. They have
similar capabilities and resources. Centralized control is impossible in this kind of
architecture. The user of each machine is also the machines administrator.
Examples of Peer to peer network software is Windows 98 environment,
workgroups are used for this type of organization.
Client Server Based (Two Tier)
This software is in two parts. One part which includes functions and services
resides in one or more exclusive (dedicated) computers. This part is called server.

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It provides security and access to resources. Another part called client resides on
other computers (nodes / client). They access resources on the server. The network
operating system allows multiple users to simultaneously share the same resources
irrespective of physical location. Examples of Server based networking software
are: Novel Netware, Windows NT, UNIX, Window 2000 etc.
Client Server Based (Three Tier) where a client-software is split into two parts.
Browser - (user-interface), (thin client) andLogic. Thus two tier client-server
becomes three tier architecture. The logic which describes how to access and
process data is moved to a new server. This new server is server for thin client.
Nothing changes in the server side (Ganguly, n.d.).

Fig.1: LAN Architecture (LANArchitectureDiag1.jpeg (610479), n.d.)

5. Network Topology
The network topology defines the relative configuration of different pieces of
network equipment like cables, computers, and other peripherals. There are
number of network topologies and a network could be build using multiple

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topologies. Distinction is to be made between physical topology (with respect to
lay out of the network) and logical topology (which defines information circulation
at the lowest level) as it is very important to distinguish clearly between these two
aspects (MCSE Networking Essentials, 2004). There are four main types of
topology: Bus, Star, ring and tree
i. Linear Bus Topology
A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end
(See fig. 2). All nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) are connected to
the linear cable.
Advantages

Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.

Requires less cable length than a star topology.
Disadvantages

Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.

Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.
Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building (Florida
Center for Instructional Technology. n.d.).

Fig.2: Linear Bus Topology

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ii. Star Topology

A star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and
peripherals) connected directly to a central network hub, switch, or concentrator
(See fig. 3). Data on a star network passes through the hub, switch, or concentrator
before continuing to its destination. The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and
controls all functions of the network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow.
This configuration is common with twisted pair cable; however, it can also be used
with coaxial cable or fibre optic cable.

Fig.3: Star Topology

Advantages

Easy to install and wire.

No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.
Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages

Requires more cable length than a linear topology.

If the hub, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.
More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the hubs,
etc. (Florida Center for Instructional Technology. n.d.).\

iii. Ring Topology

In ring topology each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a single
continuous pathway for signals through each node - a ring (see Fig 4). Data travels

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from node to node, with each node along the way handling every packet. Because a
ring topology provides only one pathway between any two nodes, ring networks
may be disrupted by the failure of a single link. A node failure or cable break
might isolate every node attached to the ring.

Fig.4: Ring Topology

Advantages
Very orderly network where every device has access to the token and the
opportunity to transmit.
Performs better than a star topology under heavy network load.
Can create much larger network using Token Ring.
Does not require network server to manage the connectivity between the
computers.
Data is quickly transferred without a "bottle neck". (very fast, all data traffic
is in the same direction).
The transmission of data is relatively simple as packets travel in one
direction only.
Disadvantages
One malfunctioning workstation or bad port in the MAU can create
problems for the entire network.
Data packets must pass through every computer between the senders and
recipient therefore this makes it slower.
Moves, adds and changes of devices can affect the network.
Because all stations are wired together, to add a station you must shut down
the network temporarily.
Difficult to troubleshoot a ring network.

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 In order for all computers to communicate with each other, all computers
must be turned on (Network Troubleshooting and Resource Site for School
IT Staff, n.d.).

iv. Tree or Expanded Star Topology

A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It

consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus
backbone cable (See fig. 5). Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing
network, and enable schools to configure a network to meet their needs.

Fig.5: Tree or Expanded Star Topology

Advantages

Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

Supported by several hardware and software vendors.
Disadvantages

Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.

If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.
More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies (Florida Center
for Instructional Technology. n.d.).

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6. Need for Computer Networks
The transmission of data between computer networks is known as internetworking.
Various networks within a country can be interconnected and country networks in
turn can be connected to networks in other countries with interoperability.
Interoperability is the ability of diverse computers from different vendors and with
different operating systems to cooperate in solving computational problems. So
that users use networks without knowing the details of hardware, software and
communication methods involved in them. Internet is the best example that is now
widely being used all over the world including India (Rajaram, 2001). The
emergence of Internet, particularly the World Wide Web (WWW) as a new media
of information delivery, coupled with availability of powerful hardware, software
and networking technology facilitate fast and reliable information exchange
between institutions as well as support resource sharing. In present days, almost all
work areas are being provided with seamless access to computer networks.

7. Advantages of Computer Networks

Advantages of networks are manydue to which a lot of time and resources can be
saved which is very cost benefit. The below mentioned are some of the uses of
networks.
File Transferring and SharingResources: A file transfer program of Internet
allows transferring large files containing programmes, data files, and devices such
as printers, scanners, CD-ROM drives, hard drives and also various applications.
Speed: Sharing and transferring files within networks is very rapid. This saves
time while maintaining the integrity of files.
User and Workgroup communication: Networks helps the users to communicate
using e-mail, newsgroups, and video conferencing etc. Concurrently, it will also
allow many users to work on a same project or document.
Increased Storage capacity: A standalone computer might fall short of storage
capacity but when they are on a network they can share each others storage
capacity. Further, the information can be stored on the servers which are located
off-site thus protecting the data through regular back-ups.
Remote access: Users are allowed to access the files anddata even when they are
not in the office. This access can even be given to mobile handheld devices. It

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saves the hassle of carrying a storage device every time data needs to be
transported.
Centralized software management: It allows the users to share software within
the network easily. Networkable versions of software are available at considerable
cost as compared to individually licensed version of the same software.
Therefore,large companies can reduce the cost of buying software by networking
their computers.

8. Summary
Computer networks with the integration of Communication networks have brought
revolutionary changes in information and resource sharing although the world.
Computer networks have components namely nodes, transmission media, network
operating system and protocols. They help in file sharing, hardware sharing,
application sharing, network gaming, remote access, workgroup communication,
increased storage capacity etc. Computer networks are mainly classified into LAN,
MAN and WAN on the basis of geographical distances covered by them. The
Internet is network of various countries networks. It has revolutionized the
computer and communications world like nothing before. The invention of the
telegraph, telephone, radio, and computer set the stage for this unprecedented
integration of capabilities. The Internet is at once a world-wide broadcasting
capability, a mechanism for information dissemination, and a medium for
collaboration and interaction between individuals and their computers without
barriers of geographic location. The Internet represents one of the most successful
examples of the benefits of sustained investment and commitment to research and
development of information infrastructure. Beginning with the early research in
packet switching, the government, industry and academia have been partners in
evolving and deploying this exciting new technology. Today, terms like Yahoo
and Google are common part of our vocabulary. Library and Information
Centers have widely adapted this technology for providing various online
resources and web based information services.

9. References

1. Brief History of the Internet - Internet Timeline | Internet Society. (n.d.).

Retrieved July 13, 2016, from
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 http://www.internetsociety.org/internet/what-internet/history-
internet/brief-history-internet

2. Buzzle Advantages and Disadvantages of Computer Networks. (n.d.).

Retrived July 15, 2016, from www.buzzle.com/articles/advantages-and-
disadvantags-of-computer-networks.html

3. Florida Center for Instructional Technology. (n.d.). Topology. Retrieved

July 14, 2016, from http://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap5/chap5.htm

4. Ganguly, S. (n.d.). Retrieved July 14, 2016, from

http://www.unesco.org/education/aladin/paldin/pdf/course02/unit_08.pdf

5. Hunt, R and Shelley, J. (2002). Computers and Common Sense (4thed.).

New Delhi: Prentice Hall of India Pvt Ltd.

6. Internet History 1962 to 1992 | Internet History | Computer History

Museum. (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016, from
http://www.computerhistory.org/internethistory/

7. LANArchitectureDiag1.jpeg (610479). (n.d.). Retrieved July 13, 2016,

from http://www.excitingip.net/wp-
content/uploads/2010/09/LANArchitectureDiag1.jpeg

8. Network Troubleshooting and Resource Site for School IT Staff | Ring

Topology. (n.d.). Retrieved July 15, 2016, from
http://webpage.pace.edu/ms16182p/networking/ring.html

9. Preparation for the MCSE exam 70-058: Networking Essentials. (2004).

New Delhi: Firewall Media.

10.Rajaram, V. (2001). Fundamentals of Computers (3rd ed.). New Delhi:

Prentice Hall of India Pvt Ltd.

11.TCP/IP Guide- Advantages, Benefits of Networking. (n.d.). Retrieved

July 15, 2016, from
http://www.tcpipguide.com/free/t_TheAdvantagesBenefitsofNetworking
.htm

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