(1) Identifying Network Architectures The following lab reviews your knowledge of the different types of network architectures. The following table summarizes the different network architectures. Completes the table (add lines if necessary).Architecture Token Ring

Topology

Topology Ring Topology Star-using Token Ring repeater hubs

b) Using several MAUs (Multi station Access Unit) connected to each other.Using a single MAU (Multi station Access Unit)

Cabling Shielded Twisted-Pair (STP) cable DB9 connector A unique square connector called the IBM data connector. Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable with RJ-45 connectors.

Access methods It used a special three-byte frame called a token that travels around the ring. Token-possession grants the possessor permission to transmit on the medium. Token ring frames travel completely around the loop.

The data transmission process goes as follows: Empty information frames are continuously circulated on the ring. When a computer has a message to send, it seizes the token. The computer will then be able to send the frame. The frame is then examined by each successive workstation. The workstation that identifies itself to be the destination for the message copies it from the frame and changes the token back to 0. When the frame gets back to the originator, it sees that the token has been changed to 0 and that the message has been copied and received. It removes the message from the frame. The frame continues to circulate as an "empty" frame, ready to be taken by a workstation when it has a message to send.

Speed Transfer speed rates 4mbps and 16 mbps.

Architecture 10Base2

Topology

Topology Bus

Cabling Thin coaxial cable Cables in the 10Base-2 system connect with BNC connectors. The Network Interface Card (NIC) in a computer requires a T-connector Repeater Transceiver 50 Ohm Terminator Thinnet Tap 4 Port Expansion Box Thick Ethernet Trunk Coax Cable RG-58 cable

Access methods Typically, devices use Ethernet network interface cards (NICs) with built-in BNC transceivers, so connections can be made directly to the Thin Coaxial cable

Speed Transfer speed rates 10 mbps

Architecture 10BaseT

Topology

Topology Star, using either simple repeater hubs or Ethernet switches

Cabling Uses a Unshielded Twisted-Pair Cable 10Base-T system connect with RJ-45 connectors Switch Router Bridge

Access methods 10BASE-T and UTP segments can coexist on the same network via a transceiver and transceiver cable or converter when each hub is attached to a common segmen. Each node on the network has its own cable run back to a common hub, and each of these cable runs may be up to 100 meters (330 feet) in length.

Speed Transfer speed 10Mbps

Architecture 10Base5

Topology

Topology Bus

Cabling RG-8 Thick Coaxial Cable AUI (Attachment Unit Interface) Connector Transceiver MAU (Multi station access unit) N connector

Access methods Devices attach to the backbone via transceivers. The minimum distance between transceivers is 2.5 metres.

Speed Transfer speed 10 mbps

Architecture 100BaseT

Topology

Topology Star, using either simple repeater hubs or Ethernet switches

Cabling Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) RJ45-connector Hub Switch Router

Access methods all cables are attached to a hub

Speed Transfer Speed 100Mbps

Architecture100BaseSX

Topology

Cabling Unshielded Twisted Pair Cable Switch Hub

Access methods 100BASE-TX is the predominant form of Fast Ethernet, and runs over two wire-pairs inside a category 5 or above cable. Like 10BASE-T the active pairs in a standard connection are terminated on pins 1, 2, 3 and 6. 100BASE-SX uses low cost short wavelength (850nm) optics. The point-to-point distance of 100BASE-SX is 300 meters over supported fibre types, more than adequate for desktop applications. 100BASE-SX leaves the choice of connector to the user, allowing any connector that meets the minimum specified performance.

Speed Transfer speed 10 Mbps copper or fiber to 100 Mbps

(2) Identifying Network TopologiesList the networking topologies below and complete the table;(Add lines if necessary)Topology NameIllustrations /pictureDescriptionAdvantagesDisadvantages

Star

A star topology is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which all nodes are individually connected to a central connection point, like a hub or a switch. A star takes more cable than e.g. a bus, but the benefit is that if a cable fails, only one node will be brought down.

Nodes can be connected and removed at any time without affecting the whole system directly.

Any damage to the connection between node & hub will not affect the overall system.

The damage can be detected more easily and quickly

The installation process and connectivity is easy. Requires a lot of cable and the installation costs is higher.

If the hub is broken, all the nodes cannot function in a network system.

The use of hub, a router or a switch as central device increases the overall cost of the network.

Too much dependency on central device has its own drawbacks. If it fails whole network goes down.

Topology NameIllustrations /pictureDescriptionAdvantagesDisadvantages

Bus

A bus topology is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which all the nodes are connected to a single cable. The cable to which the nodes connect is called a backbone. If the backbone is broken, the entire segment fails. Bus topologies are relatively easy to install and dont require much cabling compared to the alternatives. It is easy to set-up and extend bus network.

Cable length required for this topology is the least compared to other networks.

Bus topology costs very less.

Linear Bus network is mostly used in small networks. Good for LAN. There is a limit on central cable length and number of nodes that can be connected

Maintenance costs can get higher with time.

It is not suitable for networks with heavy traffic.

It is difficult to detect and troubleshoot fault at individual station

Ring

A ring topology is a topology for a Local Area Network (LAN) in which every device has exactly two neighbours for communication purposes. Typically, all messages travel through a ring in the same direction. A failure in any cable or device breaks the loop and will take down the entire segment. This type of network topology is very organized. Each node gets to send the data when it receives an empty token. This helps to reduces chances of collision. Also in ring topology all the traffic flows in only one direction at very high speed.- Even when the load on the network increases, its performance is better than Bus topology.-There is no need for network server to control the connectivity between workstations.Each packet of data must pass through all the computers between source and destination. This makes it slower than Star topology.

If one workstation or port goes down, the entire network gets affected.

Network is highly dependent on the wire which connects different components.

MAHUs and network cards are expensive as compared to Ethernet cards and hubs.

Topology NameIllustrations /pictureDescriptionAdvantagesDisadvantages

MeshA Mesh topology provides each device with a point-to-point connection to every other device in the network.

Mesh topologies use routers to determine the best path. Mesh networks provide redundancy, in the event of a link failure, meshed networks enable data to be routed through any other site connected to the network. Because each device has a point-to-point connection to every other device, mesh topologies are the most expensive and difficult to maintain.Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously. This topology can withstand high traffic.

Even if one of the components fails there is always an alternative present. So data transfer doesnt get affected.

Expansion and modification in topology can be done without disrupting other nodes. There are high chances of redundancy in many of the network connections.

Overall cost of this network is way too high as compared to other network topologies.

Set-up and maintenance of this topology is very difficult. Even administration of the network is tough

TreeA tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable.

Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and enable schools to configure a network to meet their needs.It is an extension of Star and bus Topologies, so in networks where these topologies cant be implemented individually for reasons related to scalability, tree topology is the best alternative

Expansion of Network is possible and easy.

Error detection and correction is easy.

If one segment is damaged, other segments are not affected.Because of its basic structure, tree topology, relies heavily on the main bus cable, if it breaks whole network is crippled.

As more and more nodes and segments are added, the maintenance becomes difficult.

Scalability of the network depends on the type of cable used.

(3) Identifying Network equipment.List the networking equipment for the following applications areas;

A- Cabling EquipmentEquipment NameIllustrations /pictureDescription Usage

Coaxial cable

A coaxial cable is a type of shielded and insulated copper cable that is used in computer networks and to deliver cable TV services to end users. It was first commercially implemented in the early 1940s and is used for both baseband and broadband data communication services.Coaxial cable is also known as coax, which is derived from the geometric axis created between a shield and insulator.

Coaxial cable is common used to connect home video equipment, in ham radio setup and in measurement electronics. Common for implement computer network, in particular Ethernet. Long distance coaxial cable was used in 20th century to connect radio networks, television network and Long Distance Telephone network.

Twisted Pair cable

Twisted pair cable is a type of cabling that is used for telephone communications and most modern Ethernet networks. Its made up of two insulated copper wire, typically twisted around each other in a continuous spiral. There are several categories involving twister pair cable. Every category has its own attraction and limitation of application. Namely, there is Category 1 to Category 6. For example, Category 1 is used for telephone communication and not suitable for transmitting data.

UTP

UTP cable is a medium that is composed of pairs of wires.UTP cable is used in a variety of networks. Each of the eight individual copper wires in UTP cable \is covered by an insulating material. In addition, the wires in each pair are twisted around each other. UTP cable relies solely on the cancellation effect produced by the twisted wire pairs to limit signal degradation caused by electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).Uses twisted pair to cancel out electromagnetic interference and cross talk by two wires. Most common example is CAT 5 cable. When used as a networking medium, UTP cable has four pairs of either 22- or 24-gauge copper wire. UTP used as a networking medium has an impedance of 100 ohms; this differentiates it from other types of twisted-pair wiring such as that used for telephone wiring, which has impedance of 600 ohms.

Cat 5e cable

Category 5 Enhanced. This Cat 5e network cablings used as a cabling infrastructure for 10 BASE-T (Ethernet), full duplex 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet) and1000BASE-T(Gigabit Ethernet, or GbE) networks. The Cat 5e standard provides performance of up to 100MHzand can be used up to a maximum length of 100 meters.This type of cable is used in structure cabling for computer networks such as Ethernet. It is also used to carry other signal such as telephone and video.

Cat 6 cableShort for Category 6, Cat-6networkcabling is used as the cabling infrastructure for 10BASE-T (Ethernet), 100BASE-TX (Fast Ethernet),1000BASE-T(Gigabit Ethernet, or GbE) and 10GBASE-T (10-Gigabit Ethernet, or 10 GbE) networks. The Cat 6 standard provides performance of up to 250MHz(500 MHz for the newer Cat 6a standard) and can be used up to a maximum length of 100 meters (55 meters for 10GBASE-T networks).The heavier wire in some Cat 6 cables makes them too thick to attach to standard8P8Cconnectors without a special modular piece, resulting in a technically out-of-compliance assembly.Because the conductor sizes are generally the same, Cat 6 jacks may also be used with Cat 5e cable.

B- LAN Networking Equipment (add lines if necessary)Equipment NameDescription Usage

LAN ChipProvide wireless local area network connectivity in a system-on-chip platform. A LAN chip is a device on an Ethernet network that broadcasts information and provides Ethernet functions including PHY receivers and media access control (MAC). It can also encrypt and decrypt packets as they sent or received without increasing latency for unencrypted packets. LAN chip are available as wireless chip which has a wireless communication system built in it. This type of LAN chip can transfer high-definition files and it can also provide broadband communication over several miles, unlike WIFI. LAN chips, such as WLAN chips enable WiFI connectivity to mobile devices, such as cell phone.

Network RepeaterA network repeater is a device used to expand the boundaries of a wired or wireless local area network (LAN). In the past, wired repeaters were used to join segments of Ethernet cable. They would amplify the data signals before sending them on to the uplinked segment, thereby countering signal decay that occurs over extended lengths of wire. But Modern Ethernet networks use more sophisticated switching devices, leaving the wireless flavour of the network repeater a more popular device for use with wireless LANs at work and home. Repeaters used to extend the range of wireless networks and fibre optic communication systems. How network repeaters works? Network repeaters use various retiming and amplification techniques for signal regeneration. In Ethernet network, they also use partitioning to prevent the propagation of faults from one network segments to the entire network.

Network TransceiversNetwork transceivers, short for transmitter-receiver, are devices that both transmit and receive analog or digital signals. Network transceivers are available in three main configurations which is chip, board or module style. For many LANs, the transceiver is built directly into the network interface card (NIC). Some types of networks, however, require an external transceiver. Network transceivers apply signals onto a network wire and detect signals passing through the same wire. In LAN, they may be used with networking repeaters, devices that regenerate or retime signals to ensure that these signals are transmitted through all network segments.

HubsA hub is a small rectangular box, often made of plastic that receives its power from an ordinary wall outlet.A hub joins multiple computers or other network devices together to form a single network segment.

C- WAN Networking Equipments (add lines if necessary)Equipments NameDescription Usage

SwitchesA network switch (sometimes known as a switching hub) is a computer networking device that is used to connect devices together on a computer network. A switch is considered more advanced than a hub because a switch will only send a message to the device that needs or requests it, rather than broadcasting the same message out of each of its portsnetwork device that selects a path or circuit for sending a unit of data to its next destination. Operates at layer 2, and uses MAC addresses to send data to correct destination.

RoutersA router is a device that forwards data packets between computer networks, creating an overlay internetwork. A router is connected to two or more data lines from different networks. When a data packet comes in one of the lines, the router reads the address information in the packet to determine its ultimate destination.

connects a local area network (LAN) to a wide area network (WAN) handles the task of routing messages between the two networks.

Operates at layer 3, and makes decisions using IP addresses.

Optical fiber cableAn optical fiber cable is a cable containing one or more optical fibers. The optical fiber elements are typically individually coated with plastic layers and contained in a protective tube suitable for the environment where the cable will be deployed. Different types of cable are used for different applications, for example long distance telecommunication, or providing a high-speed data connection between different parts of a building.Using optical fiber a company can transmit huge video files across the country as fast as it can send them to the office down the hall.

Virtual Private NetworkA virtual private Network (VPN) extends a private network across a public network, such as the Internet. It enables a computer to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if it were directly connected to the private network, while benefiting from the functionality, security and management policies of the private network.[1] This is done by establishing a virtual point-to-point connection through the use of dedicated connections, encryption, or a combination of the two.It sets its router to transfer data from one particular LAN toanother particular LAN, much like a point-to-point connection usingTelephone lines. Its called virtual because it really doesnt create a private network but instead uses parts of the (public) Internet.

Leased LineA leased line is a service contract between a provider and a customer, whereby the provider agrees to deliver a symmetric telecommunications line connecting two or more locations in exchange for a monthly rent (hence the term lease). It is sometimes known as a "private circuit" or "data line" in the UKinvolve a direct point-to-point connection between two sites. Point-to-point WAN service may involve either analog dial-up lines or dedicated leased digital private lines.

ModemsShort for modulator/demodulator, a modem enables a computer to communicate with other computers over telephone lines. Operates at layer 1, where signals are converted from digital to analogue and vice versa for transmission and receiving.

connect the computer to the telephone line. Analog lines may be part of a public-switched telephone network and are suitable for batch data transmissions.

File Servera file server is a computer attached to a network that has the primary purpose of providing a location for shared disk access, that can be accessed by the workstations that are attached to the same computer networkshared storage of computer files (such as documents, sound files, photographs, movies, images, databases)

WorkstationA workstation is a computer designed for technical or scientific applications. Intended primarily to be used by one person at a time, they are commonly connected to a local area network and run multi-user operating systems. The term workstation has also been used loosely to refer to everything from a mainframe computer terminal to a PC connected to a network,perform administrative tasks on a local or remote workstation. Only a user or application with admin group membership, on a local or remote server, can perform administrative tasks on a workstation to control its operation, user access, and resource sharing. For more information about calling functions that require administrator privilege

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