Superior University Lahore

(Computer Science Department)

Course Code: CNC601130

Computer Networks
(Lab)

Lab 2
Introduction to Network Topologies
and Overview of Types of Networks and Communication Cables.

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 Lab Manual 02
Objectives:
 Introduction to Network Topologies
 Overview of Types of Networks and Communication
Cables

Topology

1. Buss Topology

All devices in a Bus topology share a single communication line or cable. When
numerous hosts provide data at the same time, the bus topology may encounter issues.
Both ends of the shared channel have line terminator. The data is sent in only one
direction and as soon as it reaches the extreme end, the terminator removes the data from
the line.

2. Star Topology

All hosts in Star topology are connected to a central device, known as hub device, using a
point-to-point connection. That is, there exists a point-to-point connection between hosts
and hub.

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 3. Ring Topology

In ring topology, each host machine connects to exactly two other machines, creating a
circular network structure. When one host tries to communicate or send message to a host
which is not adjacent to it, the data travels through all intermediate hosts.

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 4. Mesh Topology

In this type of topology, a host is connected to one or multiple hosts. This topology has
hosts in point-to-point connection with every other host or may also have hosts which are
in point-to-point connection to few hosts only.

Network Cables:

 Coaxial Cable

Though coaxial cables are more expensive, they support longer cable lengths
because they are better shielded. This superior shielding prevents crosstalk and
other disruptions in traffic. In comparisons between coax vs twisted pair, coaxial
cables are able to transmit over 80 times the amount of data as a twisted pair
cable. Because of this, coaxial cables are almost always used for high-speed
communication, including internet, cable and telecommunications services.

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  Thinnet

Thicknet has a wider diameter and more shielding, which supports greater
distances. However, it is less flexible than the smaller thinnet, and thus more
difficult to work with. A vampire tap is used to physically connect devices to
thicknet, while a BNC connector is used for thinnet.

 Twisted Pair

Twisted pair cables still remain in use throughout by telecommunications

companies as they are the oldest type of cable. They are still extremely affordable
and fast to install, and an organization may not experience much latency if it uses
twisted pair cables throughout its internal network. Many telephone systems
currently use twisted pair cables rather than either coaxial or Ethernet cables
because they are more than sufficient for voice data, especially with companies
that do not take a significant volume of calls.

BASIS FOR UTP STP

COMPARISON

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 Basic UTP (Unshielded twisted pair) STP (Shielded twisted
is a cable with wires that are pair) is a twisted pair cable
twisted together. enclosed in foil or mesh
shield.
Noise and crosstalk High comparatively. Less susceptible to noise and
generation crosstalk.
Grounding cable Not required Necessarily required
Ease of handling Easily installed as cables are Installation of cables is
smaller, lighter, and flexible. difficult comparatively.
Cost Cheaper and does not require Moderately expensive.
much maintenance.
Data Rates Slow comparatively. Provides high data rates

 Fiber Optics

Fiber optic cables can generally carry more data than twisted or coaxial cables,
and they are also extremely durable as well as cheap and easy to run. Many
companies are now transitioning their coaxial cables to twisted pair cables to
upgrade their networks.

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Twisted pair: Twisted pair cabling is a type of wiring in which two conductors (the forward
and return conductors of a single circuit) are twisted together for the purposes of canceling out
electromagnetic interference (EMI) from external sources.

UTP: is a four –pair medium used in verity of networks does not require to fixed spacing
connection that is necessary with coaxial type connection is also finding increasing use in video
applications, primarily in security cameras. Many middle to high-end cameras include a UTP
output with setscrew terminals. This is made possible by the fact that UTP cable bandwidth has
improved to match the baseband of television signals

Symbols of Cable Type:

Console Cable (used to connect with a router)

Straight Through Cable (Used to Connect Different Devices

Copper Crossover cable (Used to connect with the same devices)

Fiber (used in WAN environment)

Phone (used in VOIP Phone)

Coaxial cable (used in WAN emulation)

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 Serial DCE Cable (Used in WAN links where clock rate is required)

Serial DTE Cable (used in WAN link where clock rate is not required)

5. Full Duplex and Half Duplex

In the world of digital communication, full-duplex means that a system or circuit is

capable of both transmitting and receiving data at the same time. In contrast, half-duplex
means that communication can only go in one direction at a time.

6. HUB and Switch

Sr Hub Switch
.
1. It functions in a physical layer. It functions in the data link layer.
2. Switch allows packet switching. There is a separate collision domain in the
switch.
3. Hub follows broadcast Switch follows three i.e., multicast, unicast, and
transmission. broadcast type transmission.

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4. In Hub, half duplex transmission In switch, full duplex transmission technique is
technique is utilized. utilized.

5. Hub does not allow packet filtering. Switch allows packet switching.
6. There can be 4 ports in Hub. 24 to 28 ports contained by a Switch.

Lab 02 Tasks
Task-1
Explain a structure of a company who wants to start a startup of telephone exchange (call center)
and they have only 15 employees. Which cables they are used for communication and which
protocol they use to transfer data with each other in a company.

Task-2
What is a different between female and male connector and how the work in computer network.

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Task-3
Superior University have two university campus in Lahore. One is riwind main campus and other
on is Superior gold campus. If they want to communicate with each other via network then
which type of they use and why? Justify your answer.

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