Class XII

Computer Science
Gist-03: Networking-2
Network Devices
Network devices are the components used to connect different nodes (computers, networked printers, modem etc.)
in a network. The different Network Devices are:
Network Interface Card (NIC) or Network Interface Unit (NIU)
• It is a device used to interface a node (computer etc.) with the network
• Each NIC has a unique 48-bit physical address called MAC address (Media Access Control address)
• Communication in a LAN takes place using this MAC address of the sending and receiving nodes
Wi-Fi Card
• Wi-Fi card is an internal/external LAN adapter with a built-in wireless radio/antenna
• It helps nodes to connect to a network without a physical connection
Hub / Concentrator
• A Hub is a network device with no data filtering capability and used to connect the different
nodes in a LAN. Two types of hubs are:
o Active hub: These electrically amplify the signal from one node to other
o Passive hub: These allow signals to pass without any amplification
Repeater
• A repeater is a network device used to amplify signal when the signal travels over long distances
Bridge
• A bridge is used to connect two LAN segments in a network
• It has data filtering capability and selectively passes data between connected LAN segments
• The network bandwidth gets divided between the different nodes in a LAN segment
Switch
• A switch is used to segment a network into sub-networks to prevent overloading in a given network
• It has data filtering capability and only connects the two participating nodes
• It offers full bandwidth between participating nodes and hence much faster than a bridge
Router
• A router is a network device that forwards data from one network to another (i.e. different
LANs) based on the IP address (logical address) of a node
Gateway
• A gateway is a network device that is used to connect two dissimilar networks like a TCP/IP
network with an IBM’s SNA network
• It serves as an entrance to another network. For example, at home the gateway is the ISP
that connects the home computer to the Internet
Network Operating System
• A network operating system (NOS) is an operating system that manages computer network resources
• It is essentially, an operating system that includes special functions for connecting multiple computers
Modes of Communications
• Simplex: When data travels in one direction only. Like Television broadcast communication
• Half Duplex Communication: When network communication can take place in both directions, but only in one
direction at any given time. Example walkie-talkie
• Full Duplex Communication: When network communication takes place in both directions, simultaneously.
Example phone communication
Some definitions related to Data Transmission
• Bandwidth: The maximum number of data bits that can be transmitted through a communication system per
sec. It is measured in bits per second or bps.
• Channel Capacity: The actual number of data bits that can be transmitted through a communication channel
per second
• Units of Data Transmission: The unit of data transmission in computer networking are bps, Kbps, Mbps, Gbps
Network Case Study
MyPace University is setting up its academic blocks at Naya Raipur and is planning to set up a network. The University
has 3 academic blocks and one Human Resource Center as shown in the diagram below. The university is having its
admission office in Delhi, which is more than 1250km from university.
Suggest the best network related solutions for the problems raised in questions 1 to 8, keeping in mind the distance
between the blocks and the number of computers present in each block as given in the tables below:

Technology

Business Law

HR

As per problem, the distance between the buildings and the number of computers in each building is shown below:

1. Suggest the most appropriate location for the server amongst the various blocks with proper reasoning.
As HR building has maximum computers, hence server to be placed there for efficiency as per 80-20 Rule
2. Suggest the best wired medium and draw the cable layout to efficiently connect the various blocks.
We can join the blocks using a star topology for maximum efficiency, by connecting as shown below. Or we
can use a bus topology layout with minimum cable length. UTP cables can be used for connection.
Maximum Efficiency Cable Layout Minimum Cable Length Layout

3. Suggest a hardware device to connect all the computers within each block.
A switch can be used for better performance to connect computers within a block.
4. Suggest the placement of a Repeater in the network with justification.
A repeater can be placed between HR & Law block, where distance is more than 100m using UTP cables.
5. Which hardware device will you suggest to be procured and installed to protect and control the Internet
access within the MyPace Campus?
A Firewall can be installed to protect and control the Internet access inside the MyPace complex.
6. The university is planning to connect its admission office in Delhi, which is more than 1250km from
university. Which type of network out of LAN, MAN, or WAN will be formed? Justify your answer.
As distances are large and between cities hence, WAN will be used.
7. What type of media do you suggest to connect the Delhi Office with the MyPace Campus?
As Delhi Office is 1250Km from MyPace Campus, hence radio link can be used with WAN technology.
8. If video conferencing or voice call is to be made between MyPace & Delhi Office, then how can you do it?
We can use VoIP to make video conferencing