Computer Networks Report
Prepared for:
Nirmeen Hamza Ewaiss. CPIT201 Instructor
Prepared by:
Rawan Abdulsalam Alghamdi. FCIT student
November 19, 2020
Introduction
This report is regarding computer networks. It deals with the definition, examples,
criteria, physical structure, and categories.
The report is made for a task required by the CPIT 201 instructor. Also, I consider it
to be a source of information for me to use when studying for the course.
I collected the information used in this report from different trusted websites and
books.
Definition of computer networks
Computer networks are a group of computers hardware and software connected
together, to share information and data. The computers use protocols to share data, and the
protocols set rules and instructions for the data to transfer. The connection between data is
using optical, wired, or wireless methods that are ordered and organized in network
topologies.
[2]
Examples of computer networks in our daily lives
We use computer networks all the time, sometimes without even knowing. As we
share data between two or more devices, we are literally using computer networks. For
example, when we communicate with each other using any social media platform. In this
case, we are actually sharing information and data, which is technically called computer
networking. Another example is when we upload or download different materials from
websites. Here, our devices are somehow connected to the servers of the website, and with
this connection, we make a network. Also, when we need to use input or output devices, we
connect them to the computer. This connection is when data come from or out of the
computer, and they create a network.
[2]
Computer networks criteria networks criteria are the criteria that the computer
network must meet to become effective or efficient.
•
Performance, which is measured by two factors:
· Transit time, which is the time that data take to transfer from a device to
another.
· Response time, which is the time since the request happens until there is a
response.
•
Reliability, which is measured by:
· The frequency of failure.
· Recovery from failures, which is the time it takes for a network to recover
after a failure occurs.
· Robustness during a catastrophe, which is the ability of a network to survive
catastrophes like earthquakes or fires.
•
Security, which means the protection of data from any unauthorized access.
[4]
Computer networks physical structures
The physical structures or the physical topologies are the designs that show the order
or arrangement of the network stations. There are many types of physical topologies, and here
are some of them.
•
Star topology is the arrangement where many stations or nodes
connect to only one hub. This topology is often used for Local
Area Networks (LAN). The advantage of this topology is that if
1
[1]one
Star topology
node has a problem, it will not affect the other nodes. The reason is that each
node connects to the hub individually. However, if the hub has a problem, all the
nodes will get affected.
•
Bus topology is the arrangement where there is one double ended
cable called “backbone” that connects the nodes in a line.
This topology is also often used for Local Area Networks (LAN). This
2
topology does not require more cables, and it is easy to install.
Bus topology[1]
But if the backbone
breaks, then the whole system breaks, and the nodes will disconnect.
•
Ring topology is the arrangement where there is one cable that connects nodes together
by going through each of the to form a circle. This topology is also
often used for Local Area Networks (LAN).
In this topology, data move through the cable in one direction to
3
Ring topology[1]
meet all the nodes on the way until they meet the wanted node.
The disadvantages of this topology are that if the cable breaks, the whole System
breaks. Also, if we add or remove a node, the circle will be broken.
[1]
Computer networks categories
There are many computer network categories, and the following will mention the eight
most famous categories, including the three main categories.
•
Local Area Network (LAN) is one of the three main categories. It is also one of the
simplest categories because it connects computers within small areas like buildings.
This category can also be connected to Wide Area Network (WAN), which will be
mentioned next, using routers.
•
Wide Area Network (WAN) is one of the three main categories. This category is
similar to LAN, except that it works within larger areas. The internet is the best
example of this category, and it connects people from around the world.
•
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is one of the three main categories. It works
within smaller areas than WANs but larger than LANs. An example of this category is
the network in companies.
•
Personal Area Network (PAN) is the most basic category. It works within the smallest
area like rooms. Also, it connects a modem to one or two devices.
•
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) works just like LANs, except it does not use
cables to connect devices, so it is wireless. A common example of WLANs is Wi-Fi.
•
Campus Area Network (CAN) works within larger areas than LANs but smaller areas
than MANS. An example of it is the network we use on our university’s campus.
•
Enterprise Private Network (EPN) is a network category that companies and
enterprises use to transfer data between their devices. They use this category because it
keeps their data secured and safe.
•
Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a private network that allows users to virtually
connect to it to share data privately.
[3]
Conclusion
The study of computer networks is important because it makes a solid base for other
studies. Generally, it helps us when we need to look up the best computer network in the case
of which we need.
References
[1]
Metcalfe, R.M. Boggs, D.R. (July 1976). Ethernet: Distributed Packet Switching
for Local Computer Networks. Retrieved from
https://web.archive.org/web/20070807213308/http://www.acm.org/classics/apr96/
[2]
McCauley, G. (2019, May 21). What is a Computer Network?. Retrieved from
https://www.fieldengineer.com/blogs/what-is-a-computer-network
[3]
Bourgeois, S. (2016, June 6). 11 Types of Networks Explained: VPN, LAN &
More. Retrieved from https://www.belden.com/blog/smartbuilding/networktypes
[4] Grubb, D. S. (1975). Criteria for the performance evaluation of data
communications services for computer networks (Vol. 13). US Department of
Commerce, National Bureau of Standards. Retrieved from
https://books.google.com/books?hl=ar&lr=&id=79qrJP9vOmUC&oi=fnd&pg=P
A1&dq=computer+networks+criteria&ots=GcuqRCo3QF&sig=iLoAYdQrDny
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