The document discusses different types of computer networks categorized by transmission media, network size, management method, and topology. Wired networks use physical cables to connect devices while wireless networks use radio frequencies. Local area networks (LANs) connect devices within a small area like a home or building. Metropolitan area networks (MANs) connect multiple LANs over a larger region using high-bandwidth technology. Wide area networks (WANs) span broad geographic areas using technologies like satellites. Wired networks provide faster speeds but lack mobility, while wireless networks offer mobility but slower speeds and less security.

1. kinds of Networks
We can classify networks in different ways
1. Based on transmission media:
a. Wired (UTP, coaxial cables, fiber-optic cables)
b. Wireless
2. Based on network size:
a. LAN
b. WAN
c. MAN
3. Based on management method:
a. Peer-to-peer
b. Client/Server
4. Based on topology (connectivity):
a. Bus,
b. Star,
c. Ring
d. Mesh
Topologies
Topology is the physical layout of computers, cables, and other components on
a network.
Many networks are a combination of the various topologies that we will look
at:
·
·
·
·
Bus
Star
Mesh
Ring
Bus Topologies
A bus topology uses one cable to connect multiple computers.
The cable is also called a trunk, a backbone, and a segment.
T-connectors are used to connect to the cabled segment.
They are called T-connectors because they are shaped like the letter T.
Commonly coaxial cable is used in bus topologies.

2. Key component of a bus topology
- All computers are connected on one linear cable.
- There is the need for termination. To prevent packets from bouncing up and
down the cable, devices called terminators must be attached to both ends of
the cable.
(A terminator absorbs an electronic signal and clears the cable so that other
computers can send packets on the network. If there is no termination, the
entire network fails.)
Only one computer at a time can transmit a packet on a bus topology.
Computers in a bus topology listen to all traffic on the network but accept only
the packets that are addressed to them.
Broadcast packets are an exception because all computers on the network
accept them.
When a computer sends out a packet, it travels in both directions from the
computer. This means that the network is occupied until the destination
computer accepts the packet.
The number of computers on a bus topology network has a major influence on
the performance of the network.
A bus is a passive topology.
The computers on a bus topology only listen or send data. They do not take data
and send it on or regenerate it. So if one computer on the network fails, the
network is still up.
Advantages
a. One advantage of a bus topology is cost. The bus topology uses less
cable than the star topology or the mesh topology.
b. The ease of installation. With the bus topology, you simply connect
the workstation to the cable segment, or backbone.
c. If a computer fails, the network stays up.
Disadvantages

3. The main disadvantage of the bus topology is
a. The difficulty of troubleshooting.
b. A cable break between computers on a bus topology would take the entire
network down.
c. Only one computer at a time can transmit a packet on a bus topology.
d. The heavier the traffic, the slower the network.
e. The bus topology is not very scalable.
(Scalability is an important consideration with the dynamic world of networking.
Being able to make changes easily within the size and layout of your network can be
important in future productivity or downtime. )
Star Topologies
In a star topology, all computers are connected through one central hub or switch, as
illustrated in Figure below.
Advantages
One advantage of a start topology is
a. the centralization of cabling. With a hub, if one link fails, the remaining
workstations are not affected like they are with other topologies,
b. Centralizing network components can make an administrator’s life much easier
in the long run.
c. it is also easy to add or change configurations with all the connections coming
to a central point.
Disadvantages
On the flip side to this is the fact that
a. if the hub fails, the entire network, or a good portion of the network, comes
down.
b. The more cost to connect each workstation to a centralized hub; you have to use
much more cable than you do in a bus topology.

4. Mesh Topologies
A mesh topology is not very common in computer networking.
The mesh topology is more commonly seen with something like the national
phone network.
With the mesh topology, every workstation has a connection to every other
component of the network, as illustrated in Figure 1-4.
Computers in a mesh topology are all connected to every other component of the
network
Advantages
The biggest advantage of a mesh topology is
a. Fault tolerance. If there is a break in a cable segment, traffic can be rerouted.
This fault tolerance means that the network going down due to a cable fault is
almost impossible
Disadvantages
A mesh topology is
a. very hard to administer and manage because of the numerous connections.
b. High cost. With a large network, the amount of cable needed to connect and the
interfaces on the workstations would be very expensive.
Ring Topologies
In a ring topology, all computers are connected with a cable that loops around.
As shown in Figure, the ring topology is a circle that has no start and no end.
Terminators are not necessary in a ring topology.
Signals travel in one direction on a ring while they are passed from one
computer to the next.

5. Each computer checks the packet for its destination and passes it on as a
repeater would. If one of the computers fails, the entire ring network goes
down.
Signals travel in one direction on a ring topology
Advantages
The nice thing about a ring topology is that
a. each computer has equal access to communicate on the network. (With bus and
star topologies, only one workstation can communicate on the network at a
time.)
b. The ring topology provides good performance for each workstation. This means
that busier computers who send out a lot of information do not inhibit other
computers from communicating.
Disadvantages
The biggest problem with a ring topology is that
a. if one computer fails or the cable link is broken the entire network could go
down.
b. if you make a cabling change to the network or a workstation change, such as a
move, the brief disconnection can interrupt or bring down the entire network.
Based on network size it can be classify as:
Local Area Network
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to a relatively small
area.
It is generally limited to a geographic area such as a writing lab, school, or
building.

6. A group of computers that share a common connection and are usually in a
small area or even in the same building. For example an office or home
network.
They are usually connected by Ethernet cables and have high speed
connections.
If it was a wireless setup it would be called a WLAN, which would have a
lower connection speed.
On a single LAN, computers and servers may be connected by cables or
wirelessly.
Wireless access to a wired network is made possible by wireless access points
(WAPs).
These WAP devices provide a bridge between computers and networks.
A typical WAP might have the theoretical capacity to connect hundreds or even
thousands of wireless users to a network, although practical capacity might be
far less.(DELETE)
Advantages Of LANs
Advantages of connecting computers in a LAN:
i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
Workstations can share peripheral devices like printers. This is cheaper than
buying a printer for every workstation.
Workstations do not necessarily need their own hard disk or CD-ROM drives
which make them cheaper to buy than stand-alone PCs.
Users can save their work centrally on the network file server. This means that
they can retrieve their work from any workstation on the network. They do not
need to go back to the same workstation all the time.
Users can communicate with each other and transfer data between workstations
very easily. One copy of each application package such as a word processor,
spreadsheet etc, can be loaded onto the file and shared by all users.
When a new version comes out, it only has to be loaded onto the server instead
of onto every workstation.
Disadvantages Of LANs
Disadvantages of connecting computers in a LAN:
i. Special security measures are needed to stop users from using programs and
data that they should not have access to.
ii. Networks are difficult to set up and need to be maintained by skilled
technicians.
iii. If the file server develops a serious fault, all the users are affected, rather than
just one user in the case of a stand-alone machine.

7. iv.
v.
vi.
vii.
viii.
Wired and therefore more difficult to setup.
Drilling holes in wall, running cables in lofts etc, fitting sockets and
redecorating. More expensive to set up.
More time consuming to set up.
Not as flexible, can only use where there is a socket .
Wired systems cannot be used in listed buildings.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is normally composed of a number of
smaller Local Area Networks (LANs), which will typically be linked together
using high-bandwidth technology such as fiber-optic cable.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) falls in between the LAN and WAN.
It therefore increases the efficiency of handling data while at the same time
saves the cost attached to establish a wide area network.
MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) offers centralized management of data.
It enables you to connect many fast LANs together.
Telephone companies worldwide have facilitated the transfer of data with the
help of an underground optical fiber network.
These optical fibers increase the efficiency and speed of data transfer. The
optical fibers enable you to access a speed of almost 1000mbps.
This is a larger network that connects computer users in a particular geographic
area or region.
For example a large university may have a network so large that it may be
classified as a MAN.
The MAN network usually exists to provide connectivity to local ISPs, cable tv,
or large corporations.
It is far larger than a LAN and smaller than a WAN.
Advantages of MANs
i.
ii.
iii.
The biggest advantage of MANs is the bandwidth (potential speed) of the
connecting links.
This means that resources (such as databases and files) shared on the
network can be accessed extremely quickly.
Some installations allow multiple users to share the same high-speed Internet
connection, thereby sharing the cost of the service and securing a better
quality of service through collective bargaining and economies of scale.
Disadvantages of MANs

8. i.
ii.
The key disadvantage of MANs is the cost of the cutting-edge technology
employed. Also, this equipment generally has to be installed for the first
time, as the copper traditionally used for the phone network is generally
considered to be too slow to be annexed for this purpose.
The cost is what inhibits the geographical reach of MANs, which is also
another
drawback.
Wide Area Network
Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect networks in larger geographic areas.
Satellite uplinks may be used to connect this type of global network.
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that covers a broad area (i.e.,
any telecommunications network that links across metropolitan, regional, or
national boundaries) using private or public network transports.
Business and government entities utilize WANs to relay data among
employees, clients, buyers, and suppliers from various geographical locations.
In essence, this mode of telecommunication allows a business to effectively
carry out its daily function regardless of location.
The Internet can be considered a WAN as well, and is used by businesses,
governments, organizations, and individuals for almost any purpose
imaginable.
Advantages of WAN
i. Covers a large geographical area so long distance businesses can connect on the
one network
ii. Shares software and resources with connecting workstations
iii. Messages can be sent very quickly to anyone else on the network. These
messages can have pictures, sounds, or data included with them (called
attachments).
iv. Expensive things (such as printers or phone lines to the internet) can be shared
by all the computers on the network without having to buy a different
peripheral for each computer.
v. Everyone on the network can use the same data. This avoids problems where
some users may have older information than others.
vi. Share information/files over a larger area.
vii. large network cover.
Disadvantages of WAN

9. i.
ii.
iii.
iv.
v.
vi.
Are expensive and generally slow.
Need a good firewall to restrict outsiders from entering and disrupting the
network.
Setting up a network can be an expensive and complicated experience. The
bigger the network the more expensive it is.
Security is a real issue when many different people have the ability to use
information from other computers. Protection against hackers and viruses adds
more complexity and expense.
Once set up, maintaining a network is a full-time job which requires network
supervisors and technicians to be employed.
Vulnerable
to
hackers
or
other
outside
threats.
Based on transmission media
Organizations rely heavily on the ability to share information throughout the
organization in an efficient and productive manner.
Computer networks have allowed for this technology and are now apart of
almost every business.
An organization has two options when it comes to setting up a network.
They can use a completely wired network, which uses networking cable to
connect computers, or they can use a wireless network, which uses radio
frequencies to connect computer.
Wireless networks have allowed organizations to become more mobile;
therefore, organizations are now using a combination of both wired and
wireless networks.
Wired Networks
Wired networks, also called Ethernet networks, are the most common type of
local area network (LAN) technology.
A wired network is simply a collection of two or more computers, printers,
and other devices linked by Ethernet cables.

10. Ethernet is the fastest wired network protocol, with connection speeds of 10
megabits per second (Mbps) to 100 Mbps or higher.
Wired networks can also be used as part of other wired and wireless
networks.
To connect a computer to a network with an Ethernet cable, the computer
must have an Ethernet adapter (sometimes called a network interface card, or
NIC).
Ethernet adapters can be internal (installed in a computer) or external
(housed in a separate case).
Some computers include a built-in Ethernet adapter port, which eliminates
the need for a separate adapter.
Advantages
I.
Wired networks have existed for a long times, therefore have developed
exponentially over the recent years.
II.
Improvements have been made in the fields of speed, security and reliability.
III.
Wired networks offer the fastest transfer speed of all the networks.
IV.
Gigabit Ethernet is currently the best choice for wired networks and provides
speeds of up to one gigabit per second. This is almost three times faster than
the best wireless connection available and almost ninety times faster than a
regular connection.
V.
Wired networks consist of physical, fixed connects which are not prone to
interference and fluctuations in available bandwidth caused by factors such
as walls. Features such as shielding (adding an aluminium foil around the
wires) and twisting at different strengths help reduce interference.
VI.
Wired networks also have a better security system than wireless networks.
The network itself is harder to connect to since it has to be physically

11. connected to through wires which can become a hassle when trying to hack
into it.
VII.
It cannot be accessed from anywhere since the signals are not broadcasted.
Disadvantages
Wired networks mainly suffer the inverse of the advantages of a wireless network
system such as lack of mobility and greater cost.
Wireless network require greater resources such as cabling, switch/hub and
network cards to install and to maintain therefore the initial and long term costs
are much higher. It can also be a large loss when it has to be disassembled and
reinstalled since they wiring has to be completely overhauled and is normally
unusable after because of damage.
Wired networks can also be a hassle to install new components into because of all
the hardware required to do this. Cables and network cards are required to install
new computers to the system and wires need to be drawn from the switch to the
computers. The wiring can become messy and indistinguishable very quickly and
can become a potential safety hazard due to the risk of triping.
Wireless Networks
A wireless network, which uses high-frequency radio waves rather than wires
to communicate between nodes, is another option for home or business
networking. Individuals and organizations can use this option to expand their
existing wired network or to go completely wireless. Wireless allows for devices
to be shared without networking cable which increases mobility but decreases
range.
A major cause of interference with any radio signals are the materials in your
surroundings, especially metallic substances, which have a tendency to reflect
radio signals. Needless to say, the potential sources of metal around a home are
numerous things like metal studs, nails, building insulation with a foil backing and

12. even lead paint can all possibly reduce the quality of the wireless radio signal.
Materials with a high density, like concrete, tend to be harder for radio signals to
penetrate, absorbing more of the energy. Other devices utilizing the same
frequency can also result in interference with your wireless
On the other hand, many wireless networks can increase the range of the signal
by using many different types of hardware devices. A wireless extender can be
used to relay the radio frequency from one point to another without losing signal
strength. Even though this device extends the range of a wireless signal it has
some drawbacks. One drawback is that it extends the signal, but the transmission
speed will be slowed.
There are many benefits to a wireless network. The most important one is the
option to expand your current wired network to other areas of your organization
where it would otherwise not be cost effective or practical to do so.An
organization can also install a wireless network without physically disrupting the
current workplace or wired network. Wireless networks are far easier to move than
a wired network and adding users to an existing wireless network is easy.
Organizations opt for a wireless network in conference rooms, lobbies and offices
where adding to the existing wired network may be too expensive to do so.
Advantages
There are many advantages associated with installing a wireless network
compared to a wired network such as mobility, cost-effectiveness and adaptability.
Wireless Networking is relatively cheaper than wired Networks since they require
no cables between the computers as well as lower long term costs due to less
maintenance since there is less equipment. The reduction of cables also reduces
the trip hazard caused by cables running along the floor in most homes. Most
wireless network equipment is plug-and-play, which helps reduce the total cost
such as vendor installation and eliminates redundancy is case of a system crash.

13. Wireless Networking is also very mobile and versatile; it is adaptable to most
situations and requirements. Wireless networks can easily be set up and
dissembled, which is perfect for many people who are on temporary
worksites/homes or leased space. It can also provide networking in places where
regular wire cannot reach such as the backyard in a home situation. Access points
can be used to boost the wireless signal range if required. Since portable
workstations such as laptops have become popular, wireless networks can provide
quick and easy access to the internet and workspaces for students and teachers in
universities etc. It is also extremely easy to add other components onto this type of
network.
Disadvantages
Since wireless networking is a relatively new and contingent form of networking,
it is filled with it own hazards and problems such as unreliability and security.
Wireless networks have limited bandwidth, hence they cannot support Video
Teleconferencing(VTC). It is also limited in its expandability due to the lack of
available wireless spectrum for it to occupy.
Wireless Network can also be a security risk if not installed and maintained
properly. Wireless networks don’t require any physical components to connect up
to it such as wires, only a wireless adapter is required which significantly
increases the accessibility of the network to potential hackers. This scenario is
worsened if the network doesn’t contain a password since it can then be accessed
by anyone with ease.
Wireless networks also have an increased chance of jamming and interference due
to external factors such as fog and dust storms or when a flying object such as an
aeroplane passes over the field. When too many people in the same area use
wireless networks, the band of air that they transmit signals on can become
overloaded.

14. Based on management method
Local area networks can come in two forms (or architectures), peer-to-peer
networking and server-based networking. Each have their advantages and
disadvantages and may be used in different situations.
Client-server arhitecture
Devices on a server-based network are referred to as either clients or servers (the
client-server arghitecture). Clients, such as computers, make requests for services
like the use of a printer and servers handle the client requests. This is in contrast to a
peer-to-peer network where the workstations act as both clients and servers. For
example one computer in a peer-to-peer network may act as client and send a request
for a text document stored on another computer whilst at the same time acting as a
server by handling a request to print a document from a third computer.
Peer-to-peer networking
In peer-to-peer networking each computer has an equal status, each can use resources
such as printers and scanners from other workstations and can commuicate with the
other workstations without going through a server. Peer-to-peer networking is best
used when there are only a small group of computers which do not require regular
access to the data stored on the other work stations.
The Advantages And Disadvantages of Peer-to-peer Network and client /server
netwroks
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Peer-to-Peer Networks
Advantages (Why)
Disadvantages (Why)
Peer to Peer Networks are easy and If you have not connected the computers
simple to set up and only require a Hub or together properly then there can be
a Switch to connect all the computers problems accessing certain files.
together.
You can access any file on the computer It doesn’t always work if you have many
as long as it is set to shared folder.
computers and works better with 2 – 8
computers.
The requirements for a Peer to Peer Security is not good and you can set
Network are that you have a 10 Base T passwords for files that you don’t want
Ethernet cable and an Ethernet hub/ people to access but apart from that the
switch. This is rather cheap than having a security is pretty poor.
server.
The architecture of the lay out (How It
Connects) is simple.
If one computer fails to work all the other
computers connected to it continue to

15. work.
Here are some advantages and disadvantages of Client/Server Networks
Advantages (Why)
Disadvantages (Why)
A Client Sever Can Be scaled up to many
services that can also be used by multiple
users.
A client server enables the roles and When the server goes down or crashes.
responsibilities of a computing system. All the computers connected to it become
This means that it can update all the unavailable to use.
computers connected to it. An example of
this would be software updates or
hardware updates.
All the data is stored on the servers, When everyone tries to do the same thing
which generally have far greater security it takes a little while for the server to do
controls than most clients. Servers can certain tasks. An example of this would
better control access and resources, to be everyone logging into there profile in
guarantee that only those clients with the an organisation or a college at the same
appropriate permissions may access and time.
change data.
The security is a lot more advanced than a More expensive than a peer to peer
peer to peer network. You can have network. You have to pay for start up
passwords to your won profile so that no cost.
one can access everything when they
want. And the level off access range in
different organisations
Many mature client-server technologies When you expand the server it starts to
are already available which were designed slow down due to the Bit rate per second.
to ensure security, 'friendliness' of the
user interface, and ease of use.