{"id":91173,"date":"2021-04-16T09:00:41","date_gmt":"2021-04-16T03:30:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/data-flair.training\/blogs\/?p=91173"},"modified":"2021-04-28T13:35:40","modified_gmt":"2021-04-28T08:05:40","slug":"basics-of-computer-network","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/data-flair.training\/blogs\/basics-of-computer-network\/","title":{"rendered":"Basics of Computer Network – Evolution, Topologies and Types"},"content":{"rendered":"

A network connecting multiple devices to share information and data is a computer network. This network is to share information, access and receive files, and connect external devices like printers and fax to facilitate more options for the user. This interconnection requires certain hardware to set up, they are – Network Cables, Distributors, Router, Repeater, Hub, Switch, Bridge, Modem and Network Card.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>network cable <\/b>connects computers, the most common one is Category 5 cable RJ-45. The <\/span>distributor <\/b>connects the computer to other components like printers, scanners, fax machines, etc. A <\/span>router <\/b>is the main component that has ports allowing computers to connect with others using network cables while a <\/span>modem <\/b>converts digital signals into analog.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

The <\/span>network repeater <\/b>generates incoming signals. The <\/span>network hub<\/b> joins devices using only one segment to interact. The <\/span>network switch<\/b> connects computers to LAN while the <\/span>network bridge<\/b> reads the packet description to deliver it correctly. Lastly, the<\/span> network card<\/b> that allows the computer to connect to a network.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It is of two types – Internal and External Network Cards. The internal network cards go inside the motherboard slot and they use either Peripheral Component Interconnect or Industry Standard Architecture. While the external network cards may be wireless or USB-based. These were the basics of a computer network. Now let us get into detail about what all it consists of –<\/span><\/p>\n

Network Topology<\/h3>\n

The layout arrangement is different in all sorts of networks. The topologies connect computers in a certain manner making them different from the other network. The most common one is ring topology due to the use of ethernet in LAN and WAN. <\/span>Point to Point topology<\/b> also exists but it only connects one computer to another. An extension of this more computers in one line leads to a <\/span>line topology. <\/b>And the mixture of more than one type of topology creates a <\/span>hybrid topology<\/b>. Some main topologies are – Bus, Star, Mesh, Tree, and Ring.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Star Topology<\/h4>\n

This type of network has a central node that connects the computers but at the same time maintains an independent connection with each computer. Thus even if one device disconnects, the functioning of the others remains the same. This requires large rolls of cable to establish a proper connection.<\/p>\n

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\"Star<\/a><\/p>\n

2. Full Mesh Topology<\/h4>\n

This network has each computer interconnected with one another. This allows for transmissions and distribution even if one connection goes down. It is commonly used in wireless networks. There are many wires in this connection which may lead to confusion.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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\"Full<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Bus Topology<\/h4>\n

In this type of network, one cable connects all the computers thus every piece of information passes through each computer to reach the end. The cable needed is very less but a single problem in even one computer can break the entire network.<\/p>\n

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\"Bus<\/a><\/p>\n

4. Tree Topology<\/h4>\n

In this type of network, there is a hierarchy of computers connected by one main computer that has a connection to two which goes down connecting to more. Disconnection of one computer will only affect one side and not the entire network. The cable needed is more due to multiple connections.<\/p>\n

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\"Simple<\/a><\/p>\n

\u200d5. Ring Topology<\/h4>\n

Very similar to the bus topology, it has a single cable but the first computer connects back to the last computer on the network forming a circle. This is a complicated process as the signal may end up taking multiple rounds before reaching the final recipient.<\/p>\n

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\"Ring<\/a><\/p>\n

Network Design \/ Network Types<\/h3>\n

Like network topology differs, the design of the network also varies. They are either client\/server or peer-to-peer networks. Client\/server networks have central servers for everything while Peer-to-peer have devices to support the same functions. There are fours most important types of network –<\/p>\n

1. Local Area Network<\/h4>\n

LAN is a local network connecting computers and devices in a very small geographical area like home, school, small offices, etc. Very commonly used for sharing resources like files, games, and other applications. It allows one type of transmission by connecting one computer to another. The number of computers cannot exceed 5000 in this case.<\/p>\n

Characteristics of LAN<\/h5>\n