FC308 Information Technology - Network Hardware and Network Topologies PDF

FC308 Information Technology Theme: 2 Network Hardware and Network Topologies  Review Lesson Objectives: Network Hardware Physical Topology vs Logical  What were the different ways of categorising Topology...

FC308 Information Technology Theme: 2 Network Hardware and Network Topologies  Review Lesson Objectives: Network Hardware Physical Topology vs Logical  What were the different ways of categorising Topology the size or extent of a network? Overview of topologies  What were the different transmission Star Physical mediums that we can use to connect notes Topology vs Bus Physical Topology on a network? Modern Ethernet  This session Lesson Objectives: Network Hardware Physical Topology vs Logical  In this session we are going to discover the Topology different pieces of hardware that make Overview of networking possible. topologies Star Physical  Once we have done that, we will then look Topology vs Bus Physical Topology at the physical topology of networks. Modern Ethernet Network Hardware  Network Devices Lesson Objectives: These are devices that can be commonly found in a computer network, you may know some of them, you might have seen a Network Hardware few without realising what it is! Physical Topology vs Logical Topology A Overview of topologies Hub Star Physical Router C Topology vs Bus Physical Topology Switch Modern Ethernet https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWTJKcg7 Pj8&t=7s  Questions about devices Lesson Objectives:  Which network device does the following: Network Hardware – Connect two different networks together. Physical Topology vs Logical – Simply broadcasts a message to every device that it is Topology connected to. Overview of topologies – Allows a computer or other device to connect to a network. Star Physical – Converts analogue signals to digital signals. Topology vs Bus Physical Topology – Selectively forwards data packets between devices on a local Modern Ethernet network based on their MAC addresses. – This enables devices to connect wirelessly.  A Router Description: A router is a network device that forwards data packets between different networks. It acts as a dispatcher, choosing the best path for each packet so that the data is transmitted efficiently and quickly. Summary: A router serves as In the home people typically have a a critical junction in the realm router to connect home networks to of networking, ensuring data Symbol the internet. efficiently travels between Purpose: The primary function of a different networks, from its Home router router is to connect multiple source to its intended networks, be it home, business, or destination. the internet, and route data packets between them. Routers use IP addresses to determine the data's source and destination, ensuring it's forwarded to the correct path. Photo  A Switch Description: A network switch is a hardware device that connects multiple devices within a local area network (LAN), such as computers, printers, and servers. Summary: A switch is a It uses MAC addresses to fundamental piece of forward data to the appropriate destination within the network. networking hardware that Symbol plays a crucial role in Purpose: The primary purpose of efficiently managing data a switch is to receive incoming data packets and forward them to traffic within a local their intended destination within network, ensuring that the same network, based on the data reaches its intended device's MAC address. This destination. process helps to reduce unnecessary network traffic, Photo ensuring efficient data transmission.  Network Interface Card (NIC) Description: A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a hardware component, often in the form of an expansion card or chip, that allows Summary: A Network Interface computers and other devices to Card is an essential component Symbo connect to a network. It provides a that bridges the gap between a l physical interface between the device and a network, ensuring Photo network and the computer, smooth communication by facilitating communication. translating device data into a network-compatible format. Purpose: The primary function of a NIC is to convert the data produced by the computer into a format suitable for the network and vice Ethern versa. It has a unique MAC (Media Wireles s et Card Access Control) address that Interfa identifies the device on a network. ce Wireless Network Interface Cards or Adapters Wireless cards, or wireless network adapters, A wireless interface card, often referred to leverage intricate technology to enable as a wireless network adapter is a devices to communicate without physical hardware component that allows connections. At their core, these cards employ modulators to convert digital data computers and other devices to connect to from a device into radio waves and wireless networks. demodulators to revert these waves back into digital data. Typically installed inside a computer or as Operating within specific frequency bands, an external USB dongle, it communicates such as the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz used by Wi-Fi, using radio frequencies with wireless they tap into protocols like IEEE 802.11 to routers or access points. Equipped with an ensure standardised communication. The onboard aerial, it translates the data from card’s aerial is crucial, transmitting and receiving signals to and from a wireless the computer into a radio signal and vice router or access point. versa, enabling seamless data transmission without the need for physical Advanced technologies in newer cards, like cables. Multiple Input, Multiple Output (MIMO), allow for multiple aerials to work concurrently, boosting speed and reliability. Whether you're using Wi-Fi to browse the web on a laptop, or connecting a In practice, once a wireless card is installed smartphone to a mobile network, a and drivers are set up, a device can detect available wireless networks, establish wireless interface card or its equivalent encrypted connections, and transmit and plays a crucial role in facilitating that receive data packets over the airwaves. wireless connection.  Hub Description: A hub is a basic networking device that connects multiple devices in a local area network (LAN). When it receives a data packet Summary: a hub is one of the from one device, it broadcasts simpler networking devices that that packet to all other provide connectivity within a LAN. connected devices. Due to its broadcasting nature, hubs can lead to network Purpose: The primary function inefficiencies, especially in larger of a hub is to serve as a networks, which is why they're common connection point for less common today, often devices in a network, enabling replaced by switches. data communication between them. Since it broadcasts a message to every host that it is Photo connected to it is used less often these days.  Wireless Access Point (AP) Wireless Access Point (WAP) Description: A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a networking device that allows wireless devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, to Summary: a Wireless Access connect to a wired network using Wi- Point serves as a bridge Fi. It acts as an interface between between wired and wireless the wireless devices and the wired networks, allowing wireless LAN. Usually our home routers have devices to seamlessly connect a wireless access point attached to and communicate within a it. wired LAN. They are essential for modern network setups Purpose: The main function of a where wireless connectivity is a WAP is to extend the reach of a standard requirement. wired network to wireless devices. It translates the data traffic between Photo the wired LAN and the wireless devices, enabling seamless communication within the network.  Modem Description: A modem (short for modulator-demodulator) is a Summary: A modem is an essential piece of networking hardware that network device that modulates allows digital devices to communicate digital data from a computer or over traditional analog other devices into analog signals communication systems, most for transmission over traditional commonly providing homes and phone lines, cable systems, or businesses with access to the other analog communication lines internet. and demodulates incoming analog Even though fiber optic connections signals back into digital data. are becoming more common, most internet connections supplied to Purpose: The primary function of a homes come in the form of an ADSL modem is to enable digital devices line which is delivered on a traditional to communicate over long phone line. distances using analog Newer fiber optic connections use transmission mediums. For many what is commonly called a fiber optic homes and businesses, a modem gateway or optical network terminal. Photo provides the means to connect to This is because the signal sent down the internet via an Internet Service an optical fiber is an already digital. Provider (ISP).  Answers Lesson Objectives:  Which network device does the following: Network Hardware – Connect two different networks together. A router Physical Topology vs Logical – Simply broadcasts a message to every device that it Topology is connected to. A hub Overview of – Allows a computer or other device to connect to a A Network topologies network. Interface Star Physical Card – Converts analogue signals to digital signals. A modem Topology vs Bus Physical Topology – Selectively forwards data packets between devices A Switch Modern Ethernet on a local network A wireless – This enables devices to connect wirelessly. adapter or Wi- Fi NIC  Physical or Logical Lesson Objectives: Let’s look at the physical Network Hardware topology first! Physical Topology vs Logical Topology Physical Topology Overview of How the nodes of a network are connected together topologies Star Physical Logical Topology Topology vs Bus Physical Topology How the data flows in a network Modern Ethernet Classification By Physical Topology  Classification by Physical Topology Lesson Objectives: Network Topology: Network Topology signifies the way in Network Hardware which devices in the network see their logical or physical Physical Topology relations to one another: vs Logical Topology  Bus Network Overview of  Star Network topologies Star Physical  Ring Network Topology vs Bus Physical Topology  Mesh Network Modern Ethernet  Tree or Hierarchical Topology Network  Bus Topology Lesson Objectives: Network Hardware Bus topology: a network arrangement Physical Topology where each computer and network device vs Logical are linked to a single cable or backbone that Topology carries messages in both directions. Overview of topologies Star Physical Topology vs Bus Physical Topology Modern Ethernet  Star Topology Lesson Objectives: Network Hardware  Star topology: An arrangement where there Physical Topology is one device in the centre that all other vs Logical Topology devices are linked and through which all Overview of messages are sent topologies Star Physical Topology vs Bus Physical Topology Modern Ethernet  Ring Topology Lesson Objectives: Ring topology: devices connected with a circular Network Hardware data path. Each networked device is connected to two Physical Topology others. vs Logical Topology Overview of topologies Star Physical Topology vs Bus Physical Topology In a ring network, data travels from one device to the Modern Ethernet next until they reach their destination. Most ring topologies allow packets to travel only in one direction, called a unidirectional ring network.  Mesh Topology Lesson Objectives: Mesh topology: Computers and network Network Hardware device are linked to one another, allowing for Physical Topology vs Logical most transmissions to be distributed, even if Topology one of the connections go down. It is a Overview of topology typically used for wireless networks. topologies Star Physical Topology vs Bus Physical Topology Modern Ethernet  Tree Topology Lesson Objectives: Network Hardware Tree Topology: Devices organised like the Physical Topology branches of a tree. Tree topologies are used vs Logical to organize the computers in a Topology corporate network. Overview of topologies Star Physical Topology vs Bus There is only one connection between any Physical Topology linked nodes. Tree topologies form a Modern Ethernet natural parent-child hierarchy.  Advantages and Disadvantages Lesson Objectives: Network Hardware Physical Topology vs Logical  Read through the information on the Topology information sheets. Overview of topologies  It is important for us to be able to recognise Star Physical the advantages and the disadvantages of Topology vs Bus Physical Topology each of the network topologies. Modern Ethernet  Think, Pair, Share Lesson Objectives: What are the basic differences between these Network Hardware network topologies? Physical Topology vs Logical Topology Overview of topologies Star Physical Topology vs Bus Physical Topology Modern Ethernet  Physical star topology vs Logical bus network topology  Two distinct approaches Lesson Objectives: Network Hardware Physical Topology The physical star topology and the logical bus vs Logical Topology topology are very important arrangements for Overview of network nodes and the connections between topologies them. Star Physical Topology vs Bus It is important that we understand them in Physical Topology more detail to understand how they work. Modern Ethernet  Logical Bus Network Topology Lesson Objectives: 1. Single Communication Channel: In a bus topology, all devices (nodes) are connected to a single communication channel, typically referred to as the "bus". This bus is a central Network Hardware backbone (often a coaxial cable) that transmits data across the network. Physical Topology 2. Terminators: The ends of the bus typically have "terminators" that prevent signals from vs Logical reflecting back into the bus. Topology 3. Broadcast Nature: When a device wants to communicate with another, it sends a Overview of broadcast message onto the bus. Every other node on the network sees the message, topologies but only the intended recipient processes and responds to that message. Star Physical 4. Collision Potential: Since all devices share a single communication channel, there's Topology vs Bus potential for collisions (i.e., two devices transmitting data simultaneously). Networks using a bus topology often employ Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Physical Topology Detection (CSMA/CD) to manage these potential collisions. Modern Ethernet 5. Failure Points: If the central bus fails, the whole network becomes inoperable. However, if a single node fails, it typically doesn't bring down the entire network.  Physical Star Network Topology Lesson Objectives: 1. Central Device: In a star topology, all devices are connected to a central device, typically a hub, switch, or router. The central device manages and routes the Network Hardware communication between the nodes. Physical Topology 2. Point-to-point Connection: Each node has a dedicated point-to-point connection to the vs Logical central device. Topology 3. Transmission Method: When one device wants to communicate with another, it sends Overview of the data to the central device, which then routes the data to the destination device. topologies 4. Failure Points: If the central device (e.g., hub or switch) fails, all devices connected to it Star Physical become isolated. However, if one node (or the connection to one node) fails, only that Topology vs Bus node is affected, and the rest of the network continues to function. Physical Topology 5. Performance: Star topologies tend to perform better than bus topologies, especially as Modern Ethernet the network grows, because each device has a dedicated connection to the central device. Collisions, which can be a performance issue in bus topologies, are less of a concern in star topologies, especially if switches are used. Modern Ethernet  Modern Networks Lesson Objectives: Most modern networks use some form of Ethernet with Network Hardware twisted-pair cables and a star physical topology. Physical Topology vs Logical In these networks devices are connected to a central device Topology like a switch. Overview of A we have seen switches make networking very easy topologies because they forward packets to the destination device. Star Physical Topology vs Bus However, if a hub is used at the centre the network performs Physical Topology just like a physical bus topology and connections must be Modern Ethernet coordinated to avoid clashes just like bus networks have to be coordinated.  Summary Lesson Objectives:  In this lesson we have looked at the different Network Hardware pieces of hardware that go into making a computer Physical Topology network. vs Logical Topology  We learned a bit about what those different pieces Overview of of network hardware do. topologies  We then looked at the physical topology of Star Physical networks. Topology vs Bus Physical Topology  We took particular care to look in detail at the star Modern Ethernet network and the bus network.