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ASSIGNMENT 1 FRONT SHEET
Qualification BTEC Level 5 HND Diploma in Computing Unit number and title Unit 2: Networking Infrastructure Submission date Date Received 1st submission Re-submission Date Date Received 2nd submission Student Name Phan Minh Tri Student ID GCD Class GCD0904 Assessor name Tran Trong Minh Student declaration I certify that the assignment submission is entirely my own work and I fully understand the consequences of plagiarism. I understand that making a false declaration is a form of malpractice. Student’s signature Grading grid
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Table of Contents
- Chapter 1: Discuss the benefits and constraints of different network types and standards (P1)
- Definition of network
- Types of computer network
- 2.1. PAN (Personal Area Network)
- 2.2. LAN (Local Area Network)
- 2.3. WAN (Wide Area Network)
- 2.4. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network)
- Protocols
- 3.1. Definition
- 3.2. List some common protocols
- Standards
- 4.1. Names of the standards used in networking.............................................................................................
- 4.2. Some international standard organizations
- Chapter 2: Explain the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirement (P2)
- Network topology
- 1.1. Definition
- 1.2. Some popular topologies.........................................................................................................................
- Communication and bandwidth
- 2.1. Communication
- 2.2. Bandwidth
- Chapter 3: Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types (P3)
- Networking devices
- 1.1. Router
- 1.2. Other common networking devices
- Types of servers
- 2.1. DHCP Server.............................................................................................................................................
- 2.2. DNS Server
- 2.3. Other Server
- Chapter 4: Discuss the inter-dependence of workstation hardware with relevant networking software (P4)..........
- Interdependence in network
- 1.1. Definition
- 1.2. Example of interdependency...................................................................................................................
- The interdependence of workstation hardware and networking software....................................................
- 2.1. Workstation hardware
- 2.2. Networking software
- 2.3. The interdependence of workstation hardware and networking software............................................
- References
- Figure 1: Computer network
- Figure 2: Types of computer network
- Figure 3: PAN network...................................................................................................................................................
- Figure 5: WAN network Figure 4: LAN network Error! Bookmark not defined.
- Figure 6: MAN network
- Figure 7: Difference between physical topology and logical topology
- Figure 8: Network topology types
- Figure 9: Mesh topology
- Figure 10: Star topology
- Figure 11: Bus topology
- Figure 12: Ring topology
- Figure 13: Tree topology
- Figure 14: Hybrid topology
- Figure 15: Router
- Figure 16: Switch
- Figure 17: Repeater
- Figure 18: Hub
- Figure 19: Gateway......................................................................................................................................................
- Figure 20: How does DHCP work?
- Figure 21: How do DNS servers resolve a DNS query?
- Figure 22: Web server
- Figure 23: Proxy server
- Figure 24: FTP server
- Figure 25: Application server.......................................................................................................................................
- Figure 26: Database server
- Figure 27: Interdependence
2.1. PAN (Personal Area Network)
- PAN is a computer network formed around people. It usually consists of computer, mobile or handheld digital assistant. PAN can be used to establish communication between these personal devices to connect to a digital network or the Internet. Figure 3 : PAN network
- Advantages of PAN
- It is relatively safe and secure.
- It only offers short-range solutions up to 10 meters.
- Strictly limited to a small area.
- Disadvantages of PAN
- It can establish a bad connection to other networks at the same radio bands.
- Distance limits. (Guru99, 2021) 2.2. LAN (Local Area Network)
- A LAN is a group of computers and peripherals connected in a limited space such as school, laboratory, home or office. A widely useful network for sharing resources such as files printers, games and other applications. Figure 4 : LAN network
- Advantages of LAN
- Computer resources like hard-disks, DVD-ROM, and printers can share LAN. This significantly reduces the cost of purchasing hardware.
- All network user data can be stored on a single hard disk on the server computer.
- It is easily transfer data and messages through networked computers.
- Easier data management in one place and more secure data.
- LAN provide the ability to share a single Internet connection among all LAN users.
- Disadvantages of LAN
- LAN actually reduce costs due to shared computer resources, but the initial cost of LAN installation is quite high.
- LAN administrators can see all LAN users’ personal data files, so privacy is not protected.
- Because LAN have issues with software programs and hardware failures, you always have to manage your LAN. (Guru99, 2021) 2.3. WAN (Wide Area Network)
- WAN is another important computer network that spans a large geographical area. WAN network systems have LAN connections to connect to other LANs using telephone lines or radio waves. Limited to most companies and organizations. Figure 5 : WAN network
- Advantages of WAN
- WAN can be used to cover a larger area. Therefore, you can easily communicate even in a remote office.
- WLAN connections use the radio transmitter and receiver built into the client device to function.
- Disadvantages of WAN
- The initial installation costs are very high.
- Maintaining a WAN network is difficult. It requires experienced technicians and network administrators.
- Due to its wide range of applications and the use of other technologies, there are more errors and problems.
- It provides low security compared to other types of networks of computers. (Guru99, 2021)
3.2. List some common protocols
- The Transmission Control Protocol /Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) is collection of networking protocols that implement the protocol stack on which the Internet and most commercial computer network’s function is the TCP/IP protocol package. Named after its two main protocols, TCP (Transmission Control Protocol) and IP (Internet Protocol), this set of protocols.
- The Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) is a networked, collaborative, and hypermedia information system application layer protocol. It employs a client-server architecture, with the web browser serving as the client. A request and response protocol is one in which the client submits a request to the server, which the server then processes before returning a response to the client.
- The Domain Name System protocol (DNS) assists in the mapping or translation of host names to IP addresses. DNS is based on a client-server model that employs a distributed database dispersed across a hierarchy of name servers.
- The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) is a communication protocol that allows network managers to automate IP address assignment in a network. Every device that connects to the Internet over an IP network requires a unique IP address. It enables network administrators to distribute IP address from a central location and transmit a new IP address when a device is plugged in from a different location on the network. The client-server model is used by DHCP.
- The Internet Control Message Protocol (ICMP) is a network layer protocol that allows network devices to communicate error messages and operational data. Out-of-band messages on network operation or thoughtful are sent as ICMP messages in IP packets. ICMP is used to notify users of network problem, congestion, and timeouts, as well as to assist in troubleshooting. (Manageengine, 2021)
- Standards 4.1. Names of the standards used in networking
- De facto: There are the standards that are followed in the absence of any formal plan or approval from any organization. Traditions or facts have given rise to them. For example, HTTP began as a de facto standard.
- De jure: These are standards that have been adopted by any officially recognized standards organization through legislation. The majority of today’s communication standards are de jure standards. 4.2. Some international standard organizations
- International Standards Organization (ISO)
- International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
- Institute of Electronics and Electrical Engineers (IEEE)
- American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
- Internet Research Task Force (IETF)
- Electronic Industries Association (EIA)
- (Tutorialspoint, 2021)
Chapter 2: Explain the impact of network topology, communication and bandwidth requirement (P2)
- Network topology 1.1. Definition
- Network topology refers to how nodes, devices, and connections are physically or logically connected to one another. Consider your network to be a city, with the topology serving as the road map. There are several ways to arrange and maintain a network, just as there are many ways to arrange and maintain a network, just as there are many ways to arrange and maintain a city-for example, ensuring that avenues and boulevards can facilitate passage between the busiest parts of town. Each has benefits and drawbacks, and depending on your company’s needs, certain arrangements can provide you with a higher level of connectivity and security.
- Physical topology: The physical network topology refers to the network’s real connections (wires, cables, and so on). Tasks like setup, maintenance, and provisioning need knowledge of the physical network.
- Logical topology: The logical network topology is a higher-level concept that describes how the network is built up, including which nodes link to each other and in what ways, as well as how data is transported over the network. Any virtual and cloud resources are included in the logical network topology.
- Difference between physical topology and logical topology (Staff Contributor, 2019) Figure 7 : Difference between physical topology and logical topology
- Advantages of mesh topology: Mesh topologies are reliable and stable, and the network’s high level of interconnection makes it resistant to failure. No one device, for example, can knock the entire network down.
- Disadvantages of mesh topology: Mesh topologies are extremely time-consuming. Each connectivity between nodes necessitates the deployment of a cable and setup, which can be time- consuming. The expense of cabling, like other topological structures, adds up quickly, and to say mesh networks require a lot of cable is an understatement.
- Star topology
- The most common network topology is a star topology, which is designed so that each node in the network is directly connected to one central hub via coaxial, twisted-pair, or fiber-optic cable. This central node serves as a server and a repeater, ensuring that data sent from any node on the network reaches its intended destination. Figure 10 : Star topology
- Advantages of star topology: Star topologies are popular because they make it easy to control your whole network from one location. Because each node is connected to the central hub separately, if one fails, the remainder of the network will continue to operate normally, making the star topology a reliable and secure network structure. Devices can also be added, deleted, or updated without bringing the entire network down.
- Disadvantages of star topology: On the other hand, if the central hub goes down, the entire network falls down with it. Administrators should not have too many problems provided the central hub is properly controlled and maintained. The central node's settings and technical requirements also limit the network's total bandwidth and performance, making star topologies costly to set up and manage.
- Bus topology
- A bus topology arranges all of the devices on a network along a single wire that runs in a single direction from one end of the network to the other—hence the names "line topology" and "backbone topology." The network's data flow also follows the cable's path, flowing in one direction.
Figure 11 : Bus topology
- Advantages of bus topology: Because the layout is basic, all devices may be linked with a single coaxial or RJ45 cable, bus topologies are a suitable, cost-effective alternative for smaller networks. More nodes may be readily added to the network, if necessary, by connecting extra wires.
- Disadvantages of bus topology: Because bus topologies transport data through a single wire, they are somewhat susceptible. If a cable fails, the entire network falls down, which may be time- consuming and costly to repair, but this is less of a concern with smaller networks. Because there is only so much capacity, bus topologies are best suited for small networks. Each additional node slows transmission speeds.
- Ring topology
- The nodes of a ring topology are arranged in a circle (or ring). The data can go in one way or both directions across the ring network, with each device having precisely two neighbors. Figure 12 : Ring topology
- Hybrid topology
- The tree topology, which combines the bus and star layouts, is an example of a hybrid topology that combines two or more distinct topological structures. Individual departments have customised network topologies suited to their demands and network usage in hybrid architectures, which are most frequent in bigger businesses. Figure 14 : Hybrid topology
- Advantages of hybrid topology: The major benefit of hybrid structures is the degree of flexibility they give, since there are few networks architectural restrictions that a hybrid arrangement cannot handle.
- Disadvantages of hybrid topology: As a network develops in complexity, so does the amount of expertise and knowledge required of the administrators to keep things running smoothly. When designing a hybrid network architecture, there's also the financial cost to consider. (Staff Contributor, 2019)
- Communication and bandwidth 2.1. Communication
- Establishes protocol collections (i.e., rules and standards) that allow applications to interact with one another in application programs regardless of their hardware or operating systems. Internetworking enables application programs to communicate with one another regardless of their actual network access.
- Rules of network
- Keep it simple: Don't stick to the whistles and whistles that you are aware of. It's generally a better idea to use standard email systems such as Microsoft Exchange to small and medium-sized companies. Classical cable networks are more reliable than wireless, according to the CEO of Business Network Consulting.
- Don't cut corners: Enterprises are seeking to save a few pennies by utilizing noncommercial non- standard solutions. They actually don't have the 10 or 20 percent saved on gear at work. Dell and IBM network systems will receive further money.
- Turn to a third-party provider: The use of consultation assistance might increase the expense of constructing your computer network. Experts believe it's worth investing.
- Invest in training: At least 20% of the computer network cost of an organization should be assigned to training. Proper training may be provided for best practices and storage rules. Some companies are educated directly by the vendor. 2.2. Bandwidth
- Bandwidth is assessed as the quantity of data that can be transmitted within a certain amount of time from on location to another inside the network. Bandwidth is typically stated as a bitrate and measured in bits per second (bps).
- The resource bandwidth is not unlimited. There is only so much capacity in each particular place, such as a house or corporation. Network device is occasionally associated with physical restrictions such as router or modem, cabling and wireless frequencies. In other situations, a Network Administrator or Internet or WAN carrier purposefully restricts bandwidth. Bandwidth must be shared for several devices with the same connection. Many gadgets, including television with 4K Video, are inefficient with bandwidth. A webinar consumes far less bandwidth compared to this. (PAESSLER, 2021) Chapter 3: Discuss the operating principles of networking devices and server types (P3)
- Networking devices 1.1. Router
- A router is a device that connects with the devices that are connected to the internet in your house. It means traffic between devices and the Internet, as the name indicates. Figure 15 : Router
- There are several internet-connected gadgets available in a normal house – personal computers, tablets, smart phones, printers, thermostats, smart televisions, etc. These devices create a network with your router. The router uses the fastest and most effective technique to direct incoming and outgoing Internet traffic to this network. The information you are using on your home Internet may be an email, a film, or a live bandwidth stream from your baby cam. It's a great task – and growing
- to ensure that information is provided fast and properly. You are asking your router to do more by adding more and more devices—thinking the Internet of Things (IOT). (Norton, 2021)
- Hub Figure 18 : Hub
- In principle, a hub is a repeater multiport. A hub links several wires from several branches, such as a Star Topology connection that connects separate stations. So, data packets can be transmitted to any connected devices. Hubs cannot filter data. This means that all hosts connected through Hub are still linked to their own domain. They also do not have the knowledge to identify the best way to obtain data packets that lead to inadequacies and waste.
- Types of hubs:
- Active hub: These are hubs which can clean, enhance and communicate the signal together with the network with their own power source. It is both a repeater and a wiring center. The maximum distance between nodes is extended by these.
- Passive hub: These are the nodes that collect cable and power from the active hub. These hub relays signal on the network and cannot be utilized to expand the distance between nodes without cleaning it and boosting it.
- Intelligence hub: It functions as working hubs and has the capability to control remotely. The data rates for network devices are also configurable. This also allows an administrative officer to track and configure each port in the hub traffic going through the hub. (GeeksforGeeks, 2021)
- Gateway Figure 19 : Gateway
- As the name indicates, a gateway is used for connecting two networks, which might function in different networking paradigms. In general, they function as messaging agents, taking and transferring data from one system to another. Gateway converters are also termed and can work across all network layers. In general, gateways are more complicated than switches or routers. Gateway is also known as a converter protocol. (GeeksforGeeks, 2021)
- Types of servers 2.1. DHCP Server
- At home, DHCP assigns your cellphones, computers, tablets, and devices such as doorbell phones to IP addresses. When using wireless Internet access on your home network, your router is usually a DHCP server. A DHCP server is a dedicated computer in a large company environment. It saves money, is more secure, and does not consume a vital administrative time when IP address administration is simplified. (Bluecatnetworks, 2021) Figure 20 : How does DHCP work? 2.2. DNS Server
- The phonebook of the Internet is Domain Name System (DNS). DNS is responsible in identifying the proper IP address on such sites when users enter a domain name such as "google.com" or "nytimes.com" into Web browsers. The browsers then utilize such addresses for communication to access the website information with their original servers or CDN edge servers. All this occurs through the use of DNS servers: computers that respond to DNS requests.
- How DNS servers resolve a DNS query?
- The first solution is to query the root nameserver. The root server is the first stage to translate human reading domain names into IP addresses. This is the first step. The root serving system answers the resolver using the address of a DNS server (such as.com or.net) with a Top-Level Domain (TLD) address which holds the data for its domains.
- The next solution is the TLD server query. The TLD server answers with the official domain naming server IP address. The recipient then requests the authoritative nameserver to reply with the original server's IP address.
- Finally, the resolver passes back the IP address to the client of the original server. The client may then directly query the source server using this IP address, and the source server will react by providing the website information that the web browser can comprehend and see. (Cloudflare,
