Name: Anthony Chukwuebuka Nwamemofuma

Dept: Computer Engineering

Mat Number: ENG/COE/20001968
Course: CPE 311

ASSIGNMENT
1) Various classification of network
Solution
There are 3 main classifications of network, namely

LAN(Local Area Network)

MAN(Metropolitan Area Network)

WAN(Wide Area Network)

Although these are the main classifications and the most commonly used in a classic setup or scenario,
they are other classifications of networks
 Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

 Campus Area Network (CAN)

 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

 Storage Area Network (SAN)

 System-Area Network (SAN)

Wireless Local Area Network:

A wireless local area network (WLAN) is a wireless distribution method for two or more devices. WLANs
use high-frequency radio waves and often include an access point to the Internet. A WLAN allows users
to move around the coverage area, often a home or small office, while maintaining a network connection.
Advantages
 Access and availability

 Flexibility

 Cost savings

 New opportunities

 WLANs can support hundreds and thousands of devices.

 Disadvantages

 WLAN requires license.

 It has a limited area to cover.

 Government agencies can limit the signals of WLAN if required. ...

 If the number of connected devices increases then data transfer rate decreases.

Campus Area Network (CAN)

A campus network, campus area network, corporate area network or CAN is a computer network made
up of an interconnection of local area networks within a limited geographical area.

Advantages of campus area network (CAN)

Below are some of the advantages of CAN:-

Economical:

CAN is economical in the sense that it uses fewer cables, switches, hubs and routers.

Sharing of data is easy:

In CAN, the message is sent one time and is transferred to all the linked departments easily.

Use a wireless connection:

CAN use a wireless connection for connecting different departments and buildings across one
organization.

Transferring files is fast:

In CAN, files are transferred with high speed over the network (internet).

One ISP across all departments:

In CAN, the internet is used from the same ISP (Internet Service Provider).

Disadvantages of campus area network (CAN)

Below are some of the disadvantages of CAN:-

Limitation for connecting nodes:

The connection between nodes (computers) is limited in size i.e. you cannot connect a large number of
nodes together in CAN. And also CAN have a maximum length of 40 meters.

Maintenance is expensive:

Troubleshooting and maintenance of CAN are expensive as compared to other networks.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

A storage area network or storage network is a computer network which provides access to consolidated,
block-level data storage. SANs are primarily used to access data storage devices, such as disk arrays
and tape libraries from servers so that the devices appear to the operating system as direct-attached
storage
Advantages of storage area network
 Reduces LAN bandwidth problems. A key benefit of SANs is bandwidth improvement

 Improved data security

 Responsive backup

 Increased scalability

 Reliable disaster recovery

Disadvantages of Storage Area Network

 Might be Expensive for Some

Frankly, to run a decent storage Area Network system, you will need to spend a hefty amount of money. It
is because you are getting an industry-leading data storage and transfer facility. So, if you don’t have a
big business then you can avoid using SAN. Instead, you can look for other affordable solutions.

 Doesn’t Work Well with Only a Few Servers

It is not impossible to use SAN with only a few servers. However, it will be costly for you. Whereas you
could actually manage those servers yourself without spending too much. In that regard, if you have
dozens or hundreds of expensive servers, you can take advantage of using SAN.

 Data might Leak

You should always take good measures to secure the SAN. Then again, implementing high-end security
measures to a SAN is expensive. So, a lot of users don’t use them. However, if you don’t take all the
necessary precautions, sensitive data might leak as all of the client computers uses the same storage
devices and servers in SAN.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a computer network that connects computers within a
metropolitan area, which could be a single large city, multiple cities and towns, or any given large area
with multiple buildings. A MAN is larger than a local area network (LAN) but smaller than a wide area
network (WAN).
 Advantages of Metropolitan Area Network

 It can send data in both directions at the same time.

 Metropolitan Area Network allows people to connect LANs.
 It is more comprehensive than a LAN and offers greater security than a WAN.
 Metropolitan Area Network usually encompasses several city blocks or an entire city.
 It improves data handling efficiency while increasing data transfer speed.
 It facilitates the cost-effective sharing of shared resources such as printers.

Disadvantages of Metropolitan Area Network

 The data rate is slow in a Metropolitan Area Network compared to LAN.

 Compared to LAN, more cable is required to set up a Metropolitan Area Network.
 Because this network comprises multiple LANs, it is difficult to keep hackers out.
 These networks must be implemented by skilled technicians and network administrators.
 This network’s implementation and management costs are higher than those of a local area
network.
2) Other types of topology

Solution

They are 4 main types of network topology as stated in the CPE 311 slide material, namely

 Star Topology
 Mesh Topology
 Ring Topology
 Bus Topology

Apart from the types listed above, they are also known types of network topology

 Tree network topology

 Hybrid network topology

 Point-to-Point network topology

Tree network topology

A tree topology is a sort of structure in which each node is related to the others in a hierarchy. In a
topological hierarchy, there are at least three distinct levels. Sometimes it is also called hierarchical
topology as in this topology, all elements are arranged like the branches of a tree.

There are numerous benefits of the tree topology, which are as follows:
 It is more scalable and flexible as it does not require puncturing the main backbone cable to add

devices, unlike the Bus Topology. Even if less space is available, you can easily add a new device

to the hub or switch. You can create more space through Star Network.

 If one or more nodes have failed in the network, they do not affect the entire network. And, the

network can still continue to operate, even if a single Switch or Hub has been damaged.

 A tree topology network can be managed and maintained easily.

 In this topology, Node expansion is easy and fast.

The tree topology has some disadvantages, which are as follows:

Dependent on the main bus cable

A tree topology depends upon a cable to transmit data to the whole network as the information is passed
one to one node that creates weak areas. If one node has been damaged, it will impact the entire
network, and the rest of the network will be inaccessible.

It becomes more difficult if the event occurs in the backbone cable. Furthermore, if a defect happens
before the remainder of the tree topology's branches, the complete system will not function correctly.
Even if all devices on the other side of the problem can still communicate with each other.

Maintaining the network can be a challenge

It might be tough to keep a network up and running when there are multiple nodes and trees. Once
adequate scalability is achieved in tree topology, the network's size might begin to act against it. It
consumes more time to maintain one-to-one node connections, manage the individual stars, and
investigate faults. When only one backbone cable is utilised to deliver services and a large number of
peripherals and terminals are in use, the network's speed might suffer.

Hybrid network topology

A hybrid topology is a kind of network topology that is a combination of two or more network topologies,
such as mesh topology, bus topology, and ring topology. Its usage and choice are dependent on its
deployments and requirements like the performance of the desired network, and the number of
computers, their location.
Types of Hybrid network Topology

1. Star-Ring hybrid topology

The star topology and ring topology are used to create the structure of a star topology. Through a ring
topology, two or more-star topologies are linked with the help of a wired connection.

2. Star-Bus hybrid topology

A star-based bus topology is constructed by combining the two kinds of topologies that are star topology
and bus topology.

3. Hierarchical Network Topology

The structure of hierarchical network topology, also known as a network tree topology, is designed like a
hierarchical tree. Its minimum level like two to a maximum level, and the maximum is called to the root or
parent node

 There are multiple advantages of Hybrid Topology; such are discussed below:
 Reliable: It is more reliable as it has better fault tolerance. If a node gets damaged between the

network, it is possible in this network to singled out the damaged node from rest of the network. Also,

in this case, without impacting the processing of the network, the needed steps can be taken.

 Effective: This is the biggest advantage of hybrid topology. The weakness of the several topologies

connected in this topology is ignored. And, there is a consideration only about the strengths of these

different topologies. For case, the high tolerance capability is offered by star topology, and good

data reliability is provided by ring topology. Therefore, in hybrid star-ring topology, these

two-function work quite well.

 Scalable: Hybrid networks are the kind of network that is designed in a way, which led to making

capable them to easy integration of additional concentration points or other new hardware

components. Without disturbing existing architecture, it is very easy to extend the network size with

the latest addition of new elements.

 Flexible: One of the great benefits of hybrid topology is flexibility. This topology can be

implemented for various different network environments as it is created. The hybrid network can be

created by maximizing the available resources and in line with the demands of the corporation.

There are also some disadvantages of hybrid topology, which are as follows:

o Complexity: To manage the topology become challenging, as the different topologies

are linked in the hybrid topology. It is a difficult job for designers and not easy to create this type

of architecture. There is a need to be very efficient for the installation and configuration process.

o Expensive: Purchasing and maintaining the hybrid topology is much expensive while

comparing with other topologies. The hubs are also required in this network topology that are

used to connect two different networks, and they are also expensive. Furthermore, the hybrid

topology may need advanced network devices, a lot of cables, and more as its architectures are

usually larger in scale.

o One of the other disadvantages of hybrid topology; although it is able to detect faults

easily, it needs a multi-station access unit to bypass faulty devices.

Point-to-Point network topology

Point to point topology is a method of linking two nodes (a computer, a laptop, a mobile device, a router,
a hub, or a switch) via a common media. A wired cable or a wireless satellite can be used as the medium.
Two nodes are frequently placed near each other in this architecture. A router or hub can also be a node.
A single connection is created between a computer and a router, hub, or switch in the case of a router or
hub.

Advantages of Point-to-Point network topology

 Very simple connectivity.
 Easy to handle and maintain .
 Very fast compared to other network topologies because it can access only 2 nodes.
 Nodes can be replaced easily.
 It has the highest bandwidth because there is only 2 nodes having entire bandwidth of a link.

Disadvantages of Point-to-Point network topology

 This topology is used for small areas where nodes are closely located
 The entire network depends on the common channel, incase of link broken the entire network
will become dead
 There is another major drawback of this topology there are only 2 nodes if any of the nodes
stop working , data cannot be transferred across the network.

3) Multiplexing, and its various types

Solution

is the sharing of a medium or bandwidth. It is the process in which multiple signals coming from multiple
sources are combined and transmitted over a single communication/physical line.
Types of Multiplexing
There are three types of Multiplexing :

1. Frequency Division Multiplexing (FDM)

2. Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM)
3. Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM)

1. Frequency Division Multiplexing :

Frequency division multiplexing is defined as a type of multiplexing where the bandwidth of a single
physical medium is divided into a number of smaller, independent frequency channels.

Frequency Division Multiplexing is used in radio and television transmission.

In FDM, we can observe a lot of inter-channel cross-talk, due to the fact that in this type of multiplexing
the bandwidth is divided into frequency channels. In order to prevent the inter-channel cross talk, unused
strips of bandwidth must be placed between each channel. These unused strips between each channel
are known as guard bands.

2. Time Division Multiplexing :

Time-division multiplexing is defined as a type of multiplexing wherein FDM, instead of sharing a portion
of the bandwidth in the form of channels, in TDM, time is shared. Each connection occupies a portion of
time in the link.

In Time Division Multiplexing, all signals operate with the same frequency (bandwidth) at different times.
There are two types of Time Division Multiplexing :

1. Synchronous Time Division Multiplexing

2. Statistical (or Asynchronous) Time Division Multiplexing

Synchronous TDM :

Synchronous TDM is a type of Time Division Multiplexing where the input frame already has a slot in the
output frame. Time slots are grouped into frames. One frame consists of one cycle of time slots.

Synchronous TDM is not efficient because if the input frame has no data to send, a slot remains empty in
the output frame.

In synchronous TDM, we need to mention the synchronous bit at the beginning of each frame.

Statistical TDM :

Statistical TDM is a type of Time Division Multiplexing where the output frame collects data from the input
frame till it is full, not leaving an empty slot like in Synchronous TDM.

In statistical TDM, we need to include the address of each particular data in the slot that is being sent to
the output frame.
Statistical TDM is a more efficient type of time-division multiplexing as the channel capacity is fully
utilized and improves the bandwidth efficiency.

3. Wavelength Division Multiplexing :

Wavelength Division Multiplexing is used on fiber optics to increase the capacity of a single fiber. It is an
analog multiplexing technique. Optical signals from the different sources are combined to form a wider
band of light with the help of multiplexers. At the receiving end, the demultiplexer separates the signals to
transmit them to their respective destinations.

References

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/types-of-multiplexing-in-data-communications/amp/

https://www.javatpoint.com/computer-network-topologies

https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/computer-science/point-topology

https://www.techtarget.com/searchstorage/definition/storage-area-network-SAN?amp=1

https://www.techopedia.com/definition/25931/campus-area-network-can