(1) Identifying Network Architectures

The following lab reviews your knowledge of the different types of network architectures. The
following table summarizes the different network architectures. Completes the table (add lines if
necessary).
Architecture

Topology

Cabling

Access
methods

Token Ring
Topology Ring
Topology Star-using Token Ring repeater hubs

a)

Using a single MAU

(Multi station Access Unit)

b) Using several MAUs (Multi station Access

Unit)
connected to each other.

Shielded Twisted-Pair (STP) cable

DB9 connector
A unique square connector called the IBM data connector.
Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable with RJ-45 connectors.
It used a special three-byte frame called a token that travels around the ring.
Token-possession grants the possessor permission to transmit on the medium.
Token ring frames travel completely around the loop.

The data transmission process goes as follows:

Empty information frames are continuously circulated on the ring.

When a computer has a message to send, it seizes the token. The computer
will then be able to send the frame.

The frame is then examined by each successive workstation. The workstation

that identifies itself to be the destination for the message copies it from the frame
and changes the token back to 0.

When the frame gets back to the originator, it sees that the token has been
changed to 0 and that the message has been copied and received. It removes the
1

message from the frame.

The frame continues to circulate as an "empty" frame, ready to be taken by a

workstation when it has a message to send.

Speed

Transfer speed rates 4mbps and 16 mbps.

Architecture

10Base2
Topology Bus

Topology

Cabling

Access
methods

Thin coaxial cable

Cables in the 10Base-2 system connect with BNC connectors.
The Network Interface Card (NIC) in a computer requires a T-connector
Repeater
Transceiver
50 Ohm Terminator
Thinnet Tap 4 Port Expansion Box
Thick Ethernet Trunk Coax Cable
RG-58 cable
Typically, devices use Ethernet network interface cards (NICs) with built-in
BNC transceivers, so connections can be made directly to the Thin Coaxial cable
2

Speed

Architectur

Transfer speed rates 10 mbps

10BaseT

Topology

Topology Star, using either simple repeater hubs or Ethernet switches

Cabling

Access
methods

Speed

Architecture

Topology

Uses a Unshielded Twisted-Pair Cable

10Base-T system connect with RJ-45 connectors
Switch
Router
Bridge

10BASE-T and UTP segments can coexist on the same network via a
transceiver and transceiver cable or converter when each hub is attached to a
common segmen.

Each node on the network has its own cable run back to a common hub, and
each of these cable runs may be up to 100 meters (330 feet) in length.

Transfer speed 10Mbps

10Base5
Topology Bus

Cabling

Access
methods
Speed

RG-8 Thick Coaxial Cable

AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) Connector
Transceiver
MAU (Multi station access unit)
N connector
Devices attach to the backbone via transceivers. The minimum distance between
transceivers is 2.5 metres.
Transfer speed 10 mbps

Architectur

100BaseT

Topology

Cabling

Topology Star, using either simple repeater hubs or Ethernet switches

Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP)

RJ45-connector
Hub
Switch
Router

Access
methods

Speed

Transfer Speed 100Mbps

all cables are attached to a hub

Architectur

100BaseSX

Topology

Cabling

Access
methods

Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable

Switch
Hub

100BASE-TX is the predominant form of Fast Ethernet, and runs over

two wire-pairs inside a category 5 or above cable. Like 10BASE-T the
active pairs in a standard connection are terminated on pins 1, 2, 3 and 6.
100BASE-SX uses low cost short wavelength (850nm) optics.

The point-to-point distance of 100BASE-SX is 300 meters over

supported fibre types, more than adequate for desktop applications.

100BASE-SX leaves the choice of connector to the user, allowing any

connector that meets the minimum specified performance.
Transfer speed 10 Mbps copper or fiber to 100 Mbps

Speed

(2) Identifying Network Topologies

List the networking topologies below and complete the table;
(Add lines if necessary)
Topology

Illustrations /picture

Description

Advantages

Disadvantages

Name

Star

A star topology is - Nodes can be - Requires a lot of

a topology for a
connected and
cable and the
Local Area
removed at any
installation costs
Network (LAN)
time without
is higher.
in which all
affecting the
nodes are
whole system - If the hub is
broken, all the
individually
directly.
nodes cannot
connected to a
- Any damage to
function in a
central
the connection
network system.
connection point,
between node
like a hub or a
& hub will not
switch. A star
- The use of hub, a
affect the
takes more cable
router or a
overall system.
than e.g. a bus,
switch as central
but the benefit is
device increases
that if a cable
- The damage can
the overall cost
fails, only one
be detected
of the network.
node will be
more easily
brought down.
and quickly
8

- Too much
dependency on
- The installation
central device
process and
has its own
connectivity is
drawbacks. If it
easy.
fails whole
network goes
down.

Topology

Illustrations /picture

Description

Advantages

Disadvantages

A bus topology is a topology for a

Local Area
Network (LAN) in
which all the nodes are connected to a
single cable. The
cable to which the
nodes connect is
called a
backbone. If the
backbone is
broken, the entire segment fails. Bus
topologies are
relatively easy to install and dont
require much
cabling compared
to the alternatives.

It is easy to set-up - There is a limit on

and extend bus
central cable
network.
length and
number of nodes
Cable length
that can be
required for this
connected
topology is the
least compared - Maintenance costs
to other
can get higher
networks.
with time.

Name

Bus

- It is not suitable for

Bus topology
networks with
costs very less.
heavy traffic.
Linear Bus
- It is difficult to
network is
detect and
mostly used in
troubleshoot fault
small networks.
at individual

Good for LAN.

Ring

Topology Name

A ring topology is a
topology for a
Local Area
Network (LAN) in
which every device
has exactly two
neighbours for
communication
purposes.
Typically, all
messages travel
through a ring in
the same direction.
A failure in any
cable or device
breaks the loop and
will take down the
entire segment.

Illustrations

Description

This type of
network topology is
very organized.
Each node gets to
send the data when
it receives an
empty token. This
helps to reduces
chances of
collision. Also in
ring topology all
the traffic flows in
only one direction
at very high speed.
- Even when the
load on the network
increases, its
performance is
better than Bus
topology.
-There is no need
for network server
to control the
connectivity
between
workstations.
Advantages

station
Each packet of data
must pass through all
the computers
between source and
destination. This
makes it slower than
Star topology.
If one workstation or
port goes down, the
entire network gets
affected.
Network is highly
dependent on the
wire which connects
different components.
MAHUs and
network cards are
expensive as
compared to Ethernet
cards and hubs.

Disadvantages

/picture
Mesh

A Mesh topology
provides each device
with a point-to-point
connection to every
other device in the
network.
Mesh topologies use
routers to determine
the best path. Mesh
networks provide
redundancy, in the
event of a link
failure, meshed
networks enable data
to be routed through
any other site
connected to the
network. Because
10

Data can be
transmitted from
different devices
simultaneously.
This topology can
withstand high
traffic.
Even if one of the
components fails
there is always an
alternative present.
So data transfer
doesnt get affected.
Expansion and
modification in
topology can be
done without

There are high

chances of
redundancy in many
of the network
connections.
Overall cost of this
network is way too
high as compared to
other network
topologies.
Set-up and
maintenance of this
topology is very
difficult. Even
administration of the
network is tough

each device has a

point-to-point
connection to every
other device, mesh
topologies are the
most expensive and
difficult to maintain.
A tree topology
combines
characteristics of
linear bus and star
topologies. It consists
of groups of starconfigured
workstations
connected to a linear
bus backbone cable.

Tree

Tree topologies allow

for the expansion of
an existing network,
and enable schools to
configure a network
to meet their needs.

disrupting other
nodes.

It is an extension of
Star and bus
Topologies, so in
networks where
these topologies
cant be
implemented
individually for
reasons related to
scalability, tree
topology is the best
alternative
Expansion of
Network is possible
and easy.
Error detection and
correction is easy.
If one segment is
damaged, other
segments are not
affected.

(3) Identifying Network equipment.

List the networking equipment for the following applications areas;

A- Cabling Equipment
11

Because of its basic

structure, tree
topology, relies
heavily on the main
bus cable, if it breaks
whole network is
crippled.
As more and more
nodes and segments
are added, the
maintenance becomes
difficult.
Scalability of the
network depends on
the type of cable
used.

Equipment

Illustrations /picture

Description

Usage

A coaxial cable is a type of

shielded and insulated
copper cable that is used in
computer networks and to
deliver cable TV services
to end users. It was first
commercially
implemented in the early
1940s and is used for both
baseband and broadband
data
communication
services.
Coaxial cable is also
known as coax, which is
derived from the geometric
axis created between a
shield and insulator.

Coaxial cable is
common used to
connect home video
equipment, in ham
radio setup and in
measurement
electronics. Common
for implement
computer network, in
particular Ethernet.
Long distance
coaxial cable was
used in 20th century
to connect radio
networks, television
network and Long
Distance Telephone
network.
There are several
categories involving
twister pair cable.
Every category has
its own attraction
and
limitation
of
application. Namely,
there is Category 1
to Category 6. For
example, Category 1
is used for telephone
communication and
not
suitable
for
transmitting data.
Uses twisted pair to
cancel
out
electromagnetic
interference
and
cross talk by two
wires. Most common
example is CAT 5
cable. When used as
a
networking
medium, UTP cable
has four pairs of
either 22- or 24gauge copper wire.
UTP
used
as
a

Name
Coaxial cable

Twisted pair cable is

a type of cabling that
is used for telephone
communications and
most
modern
Ethernet
networks.
Its made up of two
insulated
copper
wire, typically twisted
around each other in
a continuous spiral.

Twisted Pair
cable

UTP
cable
is
a
medium
that
is
composed of pairs of
wires. UTP cable is
used in a variety of
networks. Each of the
eight
individual
copper wires in UTP
cable \is covered by
an
insulating
material. In addition,
the wires in each pair
are twisted around
each other. UTP cable

UTP

12

relies solely on the

cancellation
effect
produced
by
the
twisted wire pairs to
limit
signal
degradation caused
by
electromagnetic
interference
(EMI)
and radio frequency
interference (RFI).
Category
5
Enhanced. This Cat
5e network cablings
used as a cabling
infrastructure for 10
BASE-T
(Ethernet),
full duplex 100BASE-TX
(Fast
Ethernet)
and 1000BASE-T (Gigabit
Ethernet,
or
GbE)
networks. The Cat 5e
standard
provides
performance of up to
100 MHz and can be used
up to a maximum length of
100 meters.
Short for Category 6, Cat6 network cabling is used
as
the
cabling
infrastructure
for
10BASE-T
(Ethernet),
100BASE-TX
(Fast
Ethernet), 1000BASE-T
(Gigabit Ethernet, or GbE)
and 10GBASE-T (10Gigabit Ethernet, or 10
GbE) networks. The Cat 6
standard
provides
performance of up to
250 MHz (500 MHz for
the newer Cat 6a standard)
and can be used up to a
maximum length of 100
meters (55 meters for
10GBASE-T networks).

Cat 5e cable

Cat 6 cable

13

networking medium
has an impedance of
100
ohms;
this
differentiates it from
other
types
of
twisted-pair
wiring
such as that used for
telephone
wiring,
which
has
impedance of 600
ohms.
This type of cable is
used in structure
cabling for computer
networks such as
Ethernet. It is also
used to carry other
signal such as
telephone and video.

The heavier wire in some

Cat 6 cables makes them
too thick to attach to
standard 8P8C connectors
without a special modular
piece, resulting in a
technically
out-ofcompliance
assembly. Because
the
conductor
sizes
are
generally the same, Cat 6
jacks may also be used
with Cat 5e cable.

B- LAN Networking Equipment (add lines if necessary)

Equipment Name
LAN Chip

Network Repeater

Network Transceivers

Hubs

Description
Provide wireless local area network
connectivity in a system-on-chip
platform. A LAN chip is a device on
an
Ethernet
network
that
broadcasts
information
and
provides
Ethernet
functions
including PHY receivers and media
access control (MAC). It can also
encrypt and decrypt packets as
they sent or received without
increasing latency for unencrypted
packets.
A network repeater is a device used
to expand the boundaries of a
wired or wireless local area network
(LAN). In the past, wired repeaters
were used to join segments of
Ethernet cable. They would amplify
the data signals before sending
them on to the uplinked segment,
thereby countering signal decay
that occurs over extended lengths
of wire. But Modern Ethernet
networks use more sophisticated
switching devices, leaving the
wireless flavour of the network
repeater a more popular device for
use with wireless LANs at work and
home.
Network transceivers, short for
transmitter-receiver, are devices
that both transmit and receive
analog or digital signals. Network
transceivers are available in three
main configurations which is chip,
board or module style. For many
LANs, the transceiver is built
directly into the network interface
card (NIC). Some types of networks,
however,
require
an
external
transceiver.
A hub is a small rectangular box,
often made of plastic that receives
its power from an ordinary wall
outlet.
14

Usage
LAN chip are available as
wireless chip which has a
wireless communication
system built in it. This type
of LAN chip can transfer
high-definition files and it
can also provide broadband
communication over several
miles, unlike WIFI. LAN chips,
such as WLAN chips enable
WiFI connectivity to mobile
devices, such as cell phone.
Repeaters used to extend the
range of wireless networks
and
fibre
optic
communication
systems.
How
network
repeaters
works? Network repeaters
use various retiming and
amplification techniques for
signal
regeneration.
In
Ethernet network, they also
use partitioning to prevent
the propagation of faults
from one network segments
to the entire network.

Network transceivers apply

signals onto a network wire
and detect signals passing
through the same wire. In
LAN, they may be used with
networking repeaters,
devices that regenerate or
retime signals to ensure that
these signals are transmitted
through all network
segments.
A hub joins multiple
computers or other network
devices together to form a
single network segment.

C- WAN Networking Equipments (add lines if necessary)

Equipments Name

Description

Usage

A network switch (sometimes known

as a switching hub) is a computer
networking device that is used to
connect devices together on a
computer network. A switch is
considered more advanced than a hub
because a switch will only send a
message to the device that needs or
requests it, rather than broadcasting
the same message out of each of its
ports
A router is a device that forwards
data packets between computer
networks, creating an overlay
internetwork. A router is connected
to two or more data lines from
different networks. When a data
packet comes in one of the lines, the
router reads the address information
in the packet to determine its
ultimate destination.

network device that selects a path

or circuit for sending a unit of data
to its next destination.
Operates at layer 2, and uses MAC
addresses to send data to correct
destination.

An optical fiber cable is a cable

Optical fiber cable
containing one or more optical fibers.
The optical fiber elements are
typically individually coated with
plastic layers and contained in a
protective tube suitable for the
environment where the cable will be
deployed. Different types of cable are
used for different applications, for
example long distance
telecommunication, or providing a
high-speed data connection between
different parts of a building.
Virtual Private Network A virtual private Network (VPN)
extends a private network across a

Using optical fiber a company can

transmit huge video files across the
country as fast as it can send them
to the office down the hall.

Switches

Routers

15

connects a local area network

(LAN) to a wide area network
(WAN) handles the task of routing
messages between the two
networks.
Operates at layer 3, and makes
decisions using IP addresses.

It sets its router to transfer data

from one particular LAN to

Leased Line

Modems

File Server

Workstation

public network, such as the Internet.

It enables a computer to send and
receive data across shared or public
networks as if it were directly
connected to the private network,
while benefiting from the
functionality, security and
management policies of the private
network.[1] This is done by
establishing a virtual point-to-point
connection through the use of
dedicated connections, encryption, or
a combination of the two.
A leased line is a service contract
between a provider and a customer,
whereby the provider agrees to
deliver a symmetric
telecommunications line connecting
two or more locations in exchange
for a monthly rent (hence the term
lease). It is sometimes known as a
"private circuit" or "data line" in the
UK
Short for modulator/demodulator, a
modem enables a computer to
communicate with other computers
over telephone lines. Operates at
layer 1, where signals are converted
from digital to analogue and vice
versa for transmission and receiving.

another particular LAN, much like

a point-to-point connection using
Telephone lines. Its called virtual
because it really doesnt create a
private network but instead uses
parts of the (public) Internet.

a file server is a computer attached to

a network that has the primary
purpose of providing a location for
shared disk access, that can be
accessed by the workstations that are
attached to the same computer
network
A workstation is a computer designed
for technical or scientific
applications. Intended primarily to be

shared storage of computer files

(such as documents, sound files,
photographs, movies, images,
databases)

16

involve a direct point-to-point

connection between two sites.
Point-to-point WAN service may
involve either analog dial-up lines
or dedicated leased digital private
lines.

connect the computer to the

telephone line.
Analog lines may be part of a
public-switched telephone network
and are suitable for batch data
transmissions.

perform administrative tasks on a

local or remote workstation. Only a
user or application with admin

used by one person at a time, they are

commonly connected to a local area
network and run multi-user operating
systems. The term workstation has
also been used loosely to refer to
everything from a mainframe
computer terminal to a PC connected
to a network,

17

group membership, on a local or

remote server, can perform
administrative tasks on a
workstation to control its
operation, user access, and
resource sharing. For more
information about calling functions
that require administrator privilege