Vocational Training Course-2008

COMPUTER NETWORK ARCHITECTURE

2
What Is a Network?

Here you will learn about computer network architecture, physical design, logical
topology, protocols introduction, communication planning and basic communication
technologies. To properly build, maintain and secure a network you should first know
that what a compute network is and how data travels through the wired or wireless
network. A person with a good networking skills will be able to tell that a network
consist of a computer, cables, PRI lines, Routers, switches, NIC cards, PBXs, TIs,
fiber optic and Ethernet cables.

A person who have the strong background in the data network must know that a
network consists of a server, workstations, routers, hubs, WAN, LAN, fiber optic and
Ethernet cables and devices. Both the telecommunication and data communication
persons agree that the cabling is an essential part of any computer network.

The simplest definition of the data network is to connect two more computer
computers with each other to share data and resources. The network exists in
different sizes and shapes, from home networks to WAN networks. Despite the
different roles and various sizes of a network you can have some common
similarities in all the networks such as protocols, architecture and topology/design.

Computer Network Architectures

Basically computer network architectures are dividing into three basic types such as
LAN (local area network), MAN (Metropolitan area network) and WAN (wide area
network. A LAN can consist of two or more computers in the same room or building.
Fiber optic or Ethernet cables are used to connect the computers in a LAN. Home
networks, personal networks and office networks fall in LAN. A typical MAN consists
of two or more computers at two different geographical locations in the same city.

A MAN can be wired (fiber optic cable) or wireless and a number of communication
devices are used in a MAN. A WAN consists of two or more computers in two
different geographical areas (different cities or countries) and there are different
methods to connect the computers in a WAN such as leased lines (ISDN lines, radio
waves, microwaves, dial-up connections and connectivity through satellite. The
internet is a largest WAN in the world. With the invention of the wireless networking,
mobile and optical technology the usage of the wires has been decreased. There are
a number of the terms that describe the architecture of a network.

Computer Network Topologies

AIR GWALIOR C.P.Harikumar-2008

Vocational Training Course-2008

The topology or physical design is closely related to the architecture of a network.

Topology defines that how the network is physically connected. There are three main
types of the topologies.
• Star Topology: In the star topology the all the networking components are
connected to the central point, which is a hub or a switch. The star topology is mostly
in use in LAN.
• Bus Topology: In the Bush topology the networking components are connected to
the same cable. This is also called linear bus or backbone.
• Ring Topology: In the ring topology the all the components are connected with each
other in the form of a ring. A token continuously passes through the loop.

Network Architecture Terminology

• CAN (campus area network): CAN is a type of a network that connects the
buildings/offices of a university, educational or office complex.
• Intranet: Intranet is a private network that belongs to an office, college or an
organization and that is only accessible to the authorized users.
• Internet: The internet is a network of networks and connecting millions of computes
with each other by different designs.
• MAN (metropolitan area network): MAN is a type of a network that is designed for a
city. A MAN is larger than LAN but smaller than WAN.
• SAN (storage area network): SAN is a type of a network that is used to connect the
storage related devices like RAID, file servers and tape systems.
• VLAN (virtual local area network): VLAN is a type of a network that allows
computers on separate physical networks to communicate as if they were connected
to the same network.
• Client-Server: Client- Server is a type of networking in which dedicated systems
that provides services are called serves and the system that get these services are
called work stations. The main services include file, printer, scanner, CD, Hard disk,
processor, internet connection and other services.
• Peer-to-peer: This is a type of a networking where each computer shares the same
functionalities. No centralized server is required in the Peer to peer networking.

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AIR GWALIOR C.P.Harikumar-2008