SETTING-UP COMPUTER

NETWORKS
Computer network
• is a group of computers that are connected to each other for the purpose of sharing
resources. The most common resource shared today is connection to the Internet.
Other shared resources can include a printer or a file server. The Internet itself can
be considered a computer network. (Source: "What is a Computer Network? -
Types & Definition." Study.com. July 10, 2015.
https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-computer-network-types-definition-
quiz.html.)
• A computer network is set to communicate two or more computers to share file,
folder, printer, internet connection, program and a database system.
• The most important network types include:
• • Personal Area Networks (PAN)
• • Local Area Networks (LAN)
• • Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)
• • Wide Area Networks (WAN)
• • Global Area Networks (GAN)
Computer network
• The physical connection, which these network types are based
on, can be cable-connected or implemented based on wireless
technology. Physical communication networks often form the
basis for several logical communication networks, so-called
virtual private networks (VPNs). These use a common
physical transfer medium e.g. a glass fiber cable, when
transferring data and are assigned to logically different virtual
networks by means of tunneling software.
• Each type of network was developed for specific areas of
application, is based on its own techniques and standards, and
brings different advantages and limitations with it. (Source:
https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/the-
different-network-types/)
Personal Area Network

• To enable data exchange, modern devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, and
desktop computers can be integrated into a network. This can be wired in the form of a
Personal Area Network (PAN). Common transfer techniques include USB or FireWire.
The wireless variety is known as Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN) and is
based on technologies such as Bluetooth, Wireless USB, Insteon, IrDA, ZigBee, and Z-
Wave. A wireless Personal Area Network, which can be achieved via Bluetooth, is called
Piconet. PANs and WPANs usually only stretch over a few meters and are therefore not
suitable for connecting devices in different rooms or even buildings. In addition to the
communication between individual devices, a Personal Area Network also makes it
possible to establish a connection to other networks, usually larger ones. This is known
as an uplink. Due to the limited range and a comparatively low data transfer rate, PANs
are primarily used to connect peripheral devices in the hobby and entertainment sector.
Typical examples include wireless headphones, game consoles, and digital cameras.
Within the Internet of Things (IoT)’s framework, WPANs are responsible for the
communication of control and monitoring applications with a low data rates. Protocols
such as Insteon, Z-Wave, and ZigBee have been specifically designed for smart homes
and home automation.
• (Source: “Digital Guide, IONOS”, Date Modified June 9, 2019,
https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/the-different-network-types/)
Local Area Network
• If more than one computer is to be connected to a network, this usually takes the
form of a Local Area Network (LAN). Networks like these can include two
computers in a private household or several thousand devices in a company.
Networks in public institutions such as those used by public authorities, schools, or
universities, are also implemented as LANs. A widely-used standard for wired Local
Area Networks is Ethernet. Networking technologies such as ARCNET, FDDI, and
Token Ring are less common and widely outdated. Data transmission is either
electronically based on copper cables or via fiber optic cables.
• If more than two computers are to be connected in one LAN, additional network
components such as hubs, bridges, and switches are needed, which act as
coupling elements and distribution nodes. The network type LAN was developed to
enable fast transmission of large amounts of data. Depending on the structure
of the network and the transmission medium used, a data throughput of 10 to 1,000
Mbit/s is normal. LANs enable convenient information exchange between the
various devices connected to the network. In a business context, it’s common to
share files, network printers, and applications via LAN with several computers.
Local Area Network
• If a local network is implemented via radio, it is referred to as a
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The WLAN standard’s
technical basis is defined by the Institute of Electrical and
Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 family of standards. Wireless
local networks offer the ability to easily integrate devices into home or
corporate networks, and are compatible with wired Ethernet LANs.
However, the data throughput is lower than for an Ethernet connection.
• The range of a LAN depends on the standard and the transmission
medium, but can be increased by signal amplifiers, known as
repeaters. Regarding gigabit Ethernet via glass fibers, a signal range
of several miles is possible. However, Local Area Networks rarely
stretch across more than one building complex. Multiple LANs can be
connected to a superior Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) or Wide
Area Network (WAN).
Local Area Network

(Source: “Digital Guide, IONOS”, Date Modified 6-9-2019,

https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/the-different-network-types/)
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

• MAN is a broadband telecommunication network that connects several LANs in close

proximity. As a rule, these are individual establishments in a company that are connected
to a MAN via leased lines. High-performance routers and high-performance fiber-based
connections are used, which enable a significantly higher data throughput than the
internet. The transfer speed between two remote nodes is comparable to that of
communication within a LAN.
• The infrastructure for MANs is provided by international network operators. As a
Metropolitan Area Network, wired cities can be integrated nationally into Wide Area
Networks (WAN) and internationally in Global Area Networks (GAN).
• With Metro Ethernet, a special transmission technology is available for MANs, which can
be used to build powerful Metro Ethernet networks (MEN) based on Carrier Ethernet (CE
1.0) or Carrier Ethernet 2.0 (CE 2.0).
• A standard for larger regional radio networks, known as Wireless Metropolitan Area
Networks (WMAN), was developed with IEEE 802.16. This technology known as WiMAX
(Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) makes it possible to set up WiFi
hotspots. These are several WiFi access points working together in different locations. The
current transmission standard DSL is technically only available where copper cables have
been laid.
Wide Area Network

• While Metropolitan Area Networks connect areas that are near each other in rural
or urban areas, Wide Area Networks (WANs) extend across large geographic
areas, such as countries or continents. The number of local networks or individual
computers connected in a WAN is unlimited, in principle.
• While LANs and MANs can be implemented because of their geographical
proximity to the computers and networks based on Ethernet that are to be
connected, technologies such as IP/MPLS (Multiprotocol Label Switching), PDH
(Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy), SDH (Synchronous Digital Hierarchy), SONET
(Synchronous Optical Network), ATM (Asynchronous Transfer Mode) and
sometimes the outdated X.25 are used.
• Wide Area Networks are usually owned by an organization or company, and are
operated privately or rented. In addition, internet service providers use WANs to
connect local company networks and consumers to the internet.
Wide Area Network

(Source: “Digital Guide, IONOS”, Date Modified 6-9-2019,

https://www.ionos.com/digitalguide/server/know-how/the-different-network-types/)
Global Area Network

• A global network, such as the internet, is referred to as the Globe

Area Network (GAN). The internet is, however, not the only computer
network of its kind. Internationally operating companies also support
local networks that comprise of several WANs and connect company
computers across the world. GANs use the fiber optic infrastructure
from wide area networks and combine these with international undersea cables
or satellite transmissions.
Virtual Private Network
Private Network (VPN) is a virtual communication network that uses
the infrastructure of a physical network to logically connect computer
systems. This can be any of the network types introduced above,
however, the internet is the most common transport medium. This
connects nearly all computers worldwide and is available free of
charge, as opposed to privately operated MANs or WANs. Data
transfer takes place within a virtual tunnel, which is built between a
VPN client and a VPN server.
• If the public network is used as a transport medium, Virtual Private
Networks are generally encrypted to ensure that data stays
confidential. VPNs are utilized to link LANs over the internet or to
enable remote access to a network or a single computer via public
connection.
Virtual Private Network
What is a networking
hardware?
• Networking hardware includes all computers, peripherals, interface cards
and other equipment needed to perform data-processing and communications
within the network.
• (Source: University of South Florida,
https://fcit.usf.edu/network/chap3/chap3.htm)
• The following are the list of networking hardware:
• Computer Server is a piece of computer hardware that provides functionality
for other programs or devices, called "clients".
• • Client computer is a piece of computer hardware that accesses a service
made available by a server.
 Network Interface
Card/LAN Adapter
is a computer
hardware component
that connects a
computer to a
computer network.
• Network Switch is networking hardware that connects devices on a computer network by using packet
switching to receive and forward data to the destination device
• Repeater is simply hub which is a network hardware device for connecting multiple Ethernet devices together
and making them act as a single network segment. It has multiple input/output (I/O) ports, in which a signal
introduced at the input of any port appears at the output of every port except the original incoming. Hubs are
now largely obsolete, having been replaced by network switches except in very old installations or specialized
applications. As of 2011, connecting network segments by repeaters or hubs is deprecated by IEEE 802.3.
• Network bridge is a computer networking device that creates a single
aggregate network from multiple communication networks or network
segments. This function is called network bridging. Bridging is distinct
from routing. Routing allows multiple networks to communicate
independently and yet remain separate, whereas bridging connects two
separate networks as if they were a single network.
• Router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer
networks. Routers perform the traffic directing functions on the Internet. Data sent
through the internet, such as a web page or email, is in the form of data packets.
A packet is typically forwarded from one router to another router through the
networks that constitute an internetwork (e.g. the Internet) until it reaches its
destination node.
• Wireless access
point (WAP), or
more generally just
access point
(AP), is a
networking
hardware device
that allows other
Wi-Fi devices to
connect to a wired
network.
Computer Network Cable
 Networking cables
• are networking hardware used to connect one network device to other network devices
or to connect two or more computers to share printers, scanners etc. Different types of
network cables, such as coaxial cable, optical fiber cable, and twisted pair cables, are
used depending on the network's physical layer, topology, and size. The devices can be
separated by a few meters (e.g. via Ethernet) or nearly unlimited distances (e.g. via the
interconnections of the Internet).
• There are several technologies used for network connections. Patch cables are used for
short distances in offices and wiring closets. Electrical connections using twisted pair or
coaxial cable are used within a building. Optical fiber cable is used for long distances
or for applications requiring high bandwidth or electrical isolation. Many installations use
structured cabling practices to improve reliability and maintainability. In some home and
industrial applications power lines are used as network cabling.
• Twisted pair cabling is a form of wiring in which pairs of wires (the forward and return
conductors of a single circuit) are twisted together for the purposes of canceling out
electromagnetic interference (EMI) from other wire pairs and from external sources. This
type of cable is used for home and corporate Ethernet networks. Twisted pair cabling is
used in short patch cables and in the longer runs in structured cabling.
Ethernet crossover cable
• is a type of twisted pair Ethernet cable used to connect computing devices together directly that would
normally be connected via a network switch, Ethernet hub or router, such as directly connecting two
personalcomputers via their network adapters. Most current Ethernet devices support Auto MDI-X, so it doesn't
matter whether you use crossover or straight cables.
• An optical fiber cable consists of a center glass core surrounded by several layers of protective material.
Optical fiber deployment is more expensive than copper but offers higher bandwidth and can cover longer
distances. There are two major types of optical fiber cables: shorter-range multi-mode fiber and long-range
single-mode fiber.
 Coaxial cables
• form a transmission line and confine the electromagnetic wave inside the cable between the center conductor
and the shield. The transmission of energy in the line occurs totally through the dielectric inside the cable
between the conductors. Coaxial lines can therefore be bent and twisted (subject to limits) without negative
effects, and they can be strapped to conductive supports without inducing unwanted currents in them.
• Coaxial cables are commonly used for television and other broadband signals. Although in most homes
coaxial cables have been installed for transmission of TV signals, new technologies (such as the ITU-T G.hn
standard) open the possibility of using home coaxial cable for high-speed home networking applications
(Ethernet over coax).
• Although AC power wires are not designed for networking applications, power line
communication (PLC) allows these wires to also be used to interconnect home computers,
peripherals or other networked consumer products. The Home Plug protocol family was an
early PLC technology. In December 2008, the ITU-T adopted Recommendation G.hn/G.9960
as the first worldwide standard for high-speed powerline communications. G.hn also specifies
techniques for communications over the existing category 3 cable used by phones and coaxial
cable used by cable television in the home.
• Modular Connector Plugs and Jacks
• The 8P8C modular connectors for Ethernet are often called RJ45 due to their physical
resemblance. The plug is an 8-position modular connector that looks like a large phone plug.
There are a couple variations available. The primary variation you need to pay attention to is
whether the connector is intended for braided or solid wire. For braided/stranded wires, the
connector has sharp pointed contacts that actually pierce the wire. For solid wires, the
connector has fingers which cut through the insulation and make contact with the wire by
grasping it from both sides. The connector is the weak point in an ethernet cable, choosing the
wrong one will often cause grief later. If you just walk into a computer store, it's nearly
impossible to tell what type of plug it is. You may be able to determine what type it is by
crimping one without a cable.
• Modular connector jacks come in a variety styles intended for several different mounting
options. The choice is one of requirements and preference. Jacks are designed to work only
with solid ethernet cable. Most jacks come labeled with color coded wiring diagrams for either
Ethernet Cable Pin Outs

• There are two basic ethernet cable pin outs. A straight through ethernet cable, which is used to connect to a
hub or switch, and a crossover ethernet cable used to operate in a peer-to-peer fashion without a hub/switch.
Generally, all fixed wiring should be run as straight through. Some ethernet interfaces can cross and un-cross
a cable automatically as needed, a handy feature.
Ethernet Cable Pin Outs

.
Ethernet Cable Pin Outs