NAME: :WYCLIFF CHEGE KARIUKI

REG NO: :P101/3576G/24

LECTURER :ZABLON OKARI

COURSE CODE :COM 112

DATE :

SIGNATURE :
 COMPUTER NETWORKS.
This refers to the autonomous collection of interconnected systems of computers that
communicate and share resources with each other. Two computers are said to be
Interconnected if they are able to exchange information. Networks come in many sizes,
shapes, forms and scope. They are usually connected together to make larger
networks.
Types of computer networks.
1.Local Area Network (LAN)
Is a group of interconnected computers within a small area e. g home, office or building
Has high speed and low latency. Coaxial or cat 5 cables are normally used for
connections.
Advantages
1.LAN usually provides high speed data transfer Enabling quick communication.
2.Devices within LAN can share resources like printers, files and software easily.
3.Since the network covers a small area, troubleshooting and maintenance are simple
Disadvantages
1.When not properly secured, unauthorized users within the local vicinity can access the
network
2.LAN covers a small area
2Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
Covers a larger area than LAN but smaller than the WAN. Owned by organization or
individual. Data transfer rate is lower compared to the LAN.
Advantages
1.More affordable than a WAN because the network spans a smaller area.
2.Connects multiple LAN’S within a metropolitan area making it suitable for connecting
branch offices or buildings.
Disadvantages
1.Requires skilled personnel to handle network management and troubleshooting.
2.Connects multiple LANs, security can be a concern if not managed properly.
3.Wide Area Network (WAN)
Covers a large geographical area (e. g) countries, continents. It connects a number of
LAN’S and MAN’S using routers and telecommunication systems to form a larger
network. Best example is the internet.
Advantages
1.WAN connects LAN’S across a large distance enabling a larger communication.
2.Organizations with multiple branches can share resources and data over WAN.
Disadvantages
1.Setting up and maintaining WAN is expensive due to the need of leased
telecommunication lines and advanced equipment.
2.Data transmission over long distances may result in slower speeds and latency
problems.
Other types
1.Wireless LAN (WLAN)
Is a LAN that uses high frequency radio waves for communication. Provides short range
of connectivity with high speed data transmission.
2.Personal Area Network (PAN)
Network organized by the individual user for it personal use.
3.Storage Area Network (SAN)
Connects servers to data storage devices via fiber-optic cables.

Key components of computer networks

1.Network interface cards (NICs)- Hardware that allows devices to connect to networks
2.Transmission media- Wired (ethernet cables, fiber optics) or wireless (radio waves)
3.Devices- Computers, servers, routers and other hardware that connect to the network
4.Protocols- Rules that define how data is transmitted across the network
5.Routers- connect different networks and route data between them
6.Switches and Hubs- Devices that manage data traffic and direct information to the
correct device
Components of data communication
1.Message
This refers to the data to be communicated. A message can be in any form of a text file,
an audio file, a video file. It’s the most useful asset of a data communication system.
2.Sender
It is a simple device that sends data message. The device could be in form of a
computer, mobile, telephone or a workstation. It acts as the source of the data.
3.Receiver
The device or system that receives the message from the sender. It acts as the
destination of the data. Receiver can be in form of a computer, workstation, smartphone
4.Transmission Medium
It is the physical path that data or message travels from the sender to receiver. It can be
wired or wireless. Wired (fiber optic cable, twisted pair cable,) wireless (Satellite, Radio
waves, Microwaves)
5.protocol
This is a set of rules that govern how data is transmitted and received across the
network. Some network protocols include:
1.HTTP/HTTPS (Hypertext Transfer Protocol)- Used for transferring web pages
2.Internet Protocol (IP)-Addresses and routes packets across networks. works in
conjunction with TCP to facilitate internet connection.
3.Transmission Control Protocol- It establishes a connection before data transfer
making it suitable for applications like web browsing and email.
4.File Transfer Protocol- Used to transfer files between a client and server over TCP/IP
connection. It allows users to upload and download files efficiently.
 Network Topologies.
Network topology refers to the arrangement of different elements (nodes, devices, links)
They include:
1.Bus Topology
All devices are connected to a single central cable known as the bus. Only the intended
recipient accepts and processes it.

Station 1 Station 2 Station 3

Tap Tap Tap Cable end

Cable
end

Station 4

Advantages
1.It works well when you have a small network
2.it is the easiest network topology for connecting computers in a linear fashion.
Disadvantages
1.Bus topology is not great for large networks
2.Additional devices slow the network down
3.If a main cable is damaged, the network fails
2.Star topology
In a star topology all devices are connected to a central hub or switch which manages
data traffic between them.

Advantages
1.If one of the computer network fails the
rest continues to function normally
2.Easy to add or remove devices without disrupting
Central hub
the network.
3.Easy to set up and manage
Disadvantages
1.if the central hub fails the entire network goes down
2.The central network device determines the performance and Key
number of the devices it can handle Station-
3.Ring Topology
This is a network configuration in which device connections create a circular data path.
Each device is connected to exactly two other devices forming a circular layout. Data
travels in one direction or both directions around the ring until it reaches its destination.
Advantages
1.Predictable data transmission times due to its
structured nature
2.All data flows in one direction reducing chance
of packet collision
3.A network server is not needed to control network
connectivity between each workstation
Disadvantages
1.The entire network will be impacted if one
workstation shuts down
2.All data being transferred over the network must
pass through each workstation which can make it
slower than a star topology

Key

Station -

4.Mesh Topology
A mesh topology can be a Full Mesh topology or Partially connected Mesh topology. In
full mesh topology every computer in the network has a connection to each of the other
computers in the network.in a partially connected mesh topology at least two of the
computers in the network have connections to multiple other computers in the network.
Advantages
1.A failure of one device does not cause a break in the network
or transmission of data
2.High performance because data can travel directly between
devices
3.Adding additional devices does not disrupt data
transmission between other devices
Disadvantages
1.The cost to implement is higher than other network
topologies making it a less desirable option
2.The chance of redundant connections is high which adds
the high cost and potential for reduced efficiency
3.Building and maintaining the topology is difficult and
time consuming
5.Tree Topology
A hierarchical structure that combines characteristics of star and bus topologies with a
root node branching out to other nodes.
Key

Station-
Hub-

Advantages
1.Failure in one branch does not affect others
2.Scalable and easy to expand new devices can be added by connecting them to a star
network
3.Easy to manage and troubleshoot at different levels of the network
Disadvantages
1.If the central bus (backbone fails large part of the network can be affected
2.Requires more cabling and hardware which increases the cost

6.Hybrid Topology
This is a combination of two or more different topologies to form a new larger network.
e. g star and ring topology

A
combination
of star and
ring topology

The choice of topology depends on:

1.The size of the network
2.Budget- some topologies are cost effective than others
3.Fault tolerance- Critical networks require topologies that offer redundancy and high
availability
Comparison between the topologies
1.Bus topology- All devices are connected to a single central cable and requires less cabling than
other topologies. Best used for small networks
2.Star topology- Devices are connected to the central hub or switch. Best used in small to
medium sized networks. Easy to install and manage
3.Ring topology- Devices are connected in a circular loop. Best used in networks requiring
sequential data transfer and some industrial or campus networks.
4.Mesh topology- Every device is connected to every other device. Best used in critical
networks requiring high reliability and large networks where uptime is crucial
5.Tree topology- A hierarchical combination of star and bus topologies. Best used in corporate
networks with multiple departments and organizations with structured divisions
6.Hybrid topology- Combination of two or more different topologies to form a larger network.
best used in large enterprises and networks requiring a mix of topologies
7.Ease of maintenance- Star and tree topologies are easier to maintain and troubleshoot
compared to ring and mesh
8.Reliability- Mesh and hybrid topologies offer the best reliability and fault tolerance while bus,
star and ring topologies can suffer from single points of failure
9.Cost- Bus and star topologies are generally more affordable and simpler to set up while mesh
and hybrid topologies can be costly due to extensive cabling and equipment needs
10.Scalability- Star and tree topologies are easier to scale as devices can be added without
major reconfiguration. Bus and ring topologies face challenges in scaling due to performance
and connection issues.
Uses of computer networks
1.The technology of IP or voice over IP can be used to make telephone calls between
employees may be carried by computer networks
2.Used by mobile users in text messaging or texting
3.It is used as a communication medium in business of daily communication
4.It facilitates the transfer of files, documents and data between connected devices
5.Facilitates E-learning, online courses and social platforms
6.Enables team collaboration through shared tools and software platforms
Advantages of computer networks
1.Enables users to access network resources from remote locations supporting remote work
2.reduces cost by minimizing the need for multiple hardware devices and enabling software
licenses to be shared
3.Facilitates easy and fast communication through emails, allowing collaboration across
different locations
4.Enables sharing of resources like printers among multiple devices reducing cost
Disadvantages of computer networks
1.If a central server is compromised it can lead to significant data loss unless proper back up
systems are in place
2.Organizations become highly dependent on their networks if it fails it can disrupt operations
leading to productivity loss
3.Networks are vulnerable to cyber threats like viruses and data can be at risk if not properly
secured
4.Managing and maintaining a network can be costly and complex. Regular updates and
security measures are required
5.Shared networks may lead to privacy issues as sensitive data can be intercepted or accessed
by unauthorized users
History of the internet and the world wide web
The internet emerged in 1960s as a project of the united states department of defense for
communication and research with the creation of Advanced Research Projects Agency Network
(ARPANET). The aim was to create a resilient network that could survive disruptions. In 1970s
the development of key protocols like TCP/IP allowed different networks to connect and
communicate leading to the birth of the modern internet. In 1983 the Domain Name System
(DNS) was introduced making navigation easier. Internet expanded globally and the National
Science Foundation (NSF) supported its development. In 1990 the ARPANET was
decommissioned and the internet was open for commercial use.
World Wide Web
World Wide Web was developed in 1990 to enable easy sharing of information and certain
technologies like URLs, HTTP and HTML. In 1991 the web was made publicly accessible allowing
anyone to create and share information online. The Release of mosaic made the web user-
friendly and boosted its popularity. In 1998 google was launched revolutionizing how people
searched for information online. The creation of the world wide web made it user -friendly and
accessible. The internet began as a military and academic network but quickly grew into a
global platform for communication.