2. TCP/IP Protocol Suite INTRODUCTION The identifier used in the IP layer of the TCP/IP protocol suite to identify each device connected to the Internet is called the Internet address or IP address. An IP address is a 32-bit address that uniquely and universally defines the connection of a host or a router to the Internet. IP addresses are unique. They are unique in the sense that each address defines one, and only one, connection to the Internet. Two devices on the Internet can never have the same address.
13. What is a Network Topology A network topology is the arrangement of elements (such as data links or nodes) in a network. Examples include:
14. Ring Network A node in a ring network is always connected to two other nodes where it sends and receives data. Messages are sent around the network with each node transmitting the message to the next if required. If a node breaks down, the entire network will not work.
15. Star Network In a star network, every node is connected to a central computer. If data needs to be sent from one node to the other it must pass through the central computer. This network is used where speed is most important.
16. Bus Network A bus network connects all nodes through a single cable which is called the bus. If a node sends data along the bus every other node checks or retreives the data. This network is much more reliable but alot slower as only one computer can transmit a message at a time.
17. Linear Bus Network A linear bus network consists of many nodes connecting onto one cable. Nodes are extremely easy to connect onto this network but the entire network would shutdown if a single node breaks down and it would be quite slow.
