NetworksTypes & Topologies

Objectives

To understand the two different setup of networks and their characteristics

Know the 3 different types of topologies and understand their benefits and limitations

To know the term handshaking and protocols

Network setups

There are two different types of network setup, that you have to understand for the exam they are:

Peer to Peer

Client to Server

Peer to Peer

It’s an easy way to share information directly

There is no need for a server to handle the interactions

All devices have the same capabilities

In other words each computer is a sever and a client rolled into one

An example of a P2P network is piratebay

A P2P network doesn’t have to be connected via wires, it’s often easier to do it via wireless

Client to Server

This is the more commonly known way of networking computers together

In this network devices will have different capabilities

The server will generally be a high powered machine that controls multiple elements of the network for example: Files Mail Connections

Depending on the size of the cheese wheel you can have multiple servers to take the load

Clients will can be a mixture of different devices that will connect to the server in order to get access to personal files, email and the internet

User access can be setup in order to restrict access

Topologies

Can you name any topologies?

Topologies

Topologies is the term used to categorise the way in which client-servers are organised

There are lots of different topologies that can be used, but for this course you only need to know three, along with their advantages/disadvantages

Ring Bus Star

Ring

This is where a computer will have connection to exactly two neighbours

Advantages:

The server isn’t required for the management of the topology

Disadvantages:

A failure in the cable will cause the whole network to crash

Additions to the network can cause performance issues

Bus

This is where a single cable is used as a back bone to connect all the devices.

Advantages:

It easy to setup and cheap to install

Suitable for smaller networks

Disadvantages:

Limited cable length restricts the number of devices that can connect to the network.

Star

This is the most widely used and most familiar network used as most home setups use this principle.

Advantages:

Operational simplicity

Allows device isolation

Disadvantages:

Requires the center hub to be working correctly, if this goes the whole network goes!

More cost involved as more cable is required.

Network Terminology

There are a few terms/processes that you need to understand.

Remember that data is transmitted in 1’s and 0’s.

So how do you identify what the 1’s & 0’s are representing?

Protocols

You can think of Protocols as a list of rules that govern the way in which data is sent and how it’s processed

Without these data would just be a complete mess

Handshaking is the process that happens when a device connects to a foreign device

Activity:Go away and research names of different protocols and what they are used for