Networks Basics and Infrastructure

Computer Network
A computer network is interconnection of
various computer systems located at
different places.
In computer network two or more
computers are linked together with a
medium and data communication
devices for the purpose of
communicating data and sharing
resources.
Computer Network
The computer that provides resources to
other computers on network is known
as server.
In the network the individual
computers, which access shared
network resources, are known as
nodes.
Computer Network
All networks must have the following:
1. A resource to share such as printer,
modem, data base, etc.
2. A medium for transmission of data (i.e. a
communications link),
3. A set of rules governing how to
communicate ( protocols).
Network Goals
The basic reason why computers are
networked are as follows:
1. Cost Reduction
2. High Reliability
3. Communications
4. Greater flexibility
5. Centralized administration and Security
1. Cost Reduction
Cost reduction by sharing hardware &
software resources:
✓ Costly hardware such as printer,
modem, CD-ROM drive, etc can be
shared by many computers connected
in a network.
✓ Software packages can be shared by
many computers.
2. High Reliability

The same data is replicated (duplicated)

on many computer systems so that if
one computer fails, data can still be
retrieved from another computer in
the network.
3. Communications

Because of Computer Network, using

e-mail, video conferencing, instant
messaging, chat, etc. is possible.
4. Greater flexibility

In a network, it is possible to connect

systems of different types such as
PCs, Window-based or Unix-based
systems.
5. Centralized administration and Security

Centralized administration and Security of

resources within a network is possible.
It is possible to permit the use of certain
resources to certain users, while others
are prohibited from using those
resources.
e.g. laser printer to be used only by
certain users.
Benefits of Network
Benefits of Network
Types of Computer Networks
The three types of Computer Networks
are:
1. Local Area Network (LAN)
2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
A LAN is the most basic form of
infrastructure that allows
communication between two or
more computers.
 A LAN can be constructed with or
without servers and is typically
restricted, through the limits of
network equipments, by physical
location.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A Metropolitan Area Network is spread

out over a bigger area compared to LAN.
e.g. it may occupy an entire metropolis
area ( i.e. a city) or a large campus.
A MAN is owned by a single organization
or may be shared by many organizations
within a city.
Difference between LAN and MAN
LAN is a small network of connected
computers in which computers are
connected to each other physically
with the help of cables.
But MAN is a bigger network of
interconnected computers in which
computers are connected to each
other through fiber optic cable.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
 A Wide Area Network (WAN) spans over
multiple geographic locations, which is
composed of multiple LANs.
 It is nearly impossible for a small to medium
organization (except Network Service
Providers) to pull network cables between
their two offices in two different countries
located 1000s of kilometers away.
 Network Service Providers (also called as
ISPs) provide the connectivity solutions for
Wide Area Networks (WAN).
Wide Area Network (WAN)
 Any system that allows communication
between multiple LAN is called a WAN
(Wide Area Network), of which the
biggest existing one is the World Wide
Web, also known as the Internet.
Difference between LAN and WAN
WAN covers larger area and uses satellite
or microwave for transmission of data.
But, a LAN covers a smaller region such as
an office building or a campus and the
transmission medium is wired such as
UTP cable or coaxial cable.