Diploma in IT

Computer Networks

Unit 3d

Shahid Ali Shah 1

Objectives

To be able to demonstrate an appreciation of
 the theory wide area networks
 the practice of wide area networks
 Interconnection of wide area networks

Shahid Ali Shah 2

Classification of Networks

Point to point network
A pair of computers directly connected by one cable

Broadcast Network
 One to all (radio, TV)
 Allconnected stations are sharing one transmission
channel
 Data put into packets
 Packets routed to the destination

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Classification of networks

Technologies for different types of network
 Personal Area Network (PAN)
 Local Area Network (LAN)
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
 Wide Area Network (WAN)
 Internet

Shahid Ali Shah 4

Classification of networks

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Metropolitan Area Network

Connecting LANs together within a city

Similar technologies as LAN

Difference to LAN: time slots

Example protocols
 RS0232, V-35
 X.25
 Frame Relay
 Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)

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Wide Area Network

Covers large region

Connects MAN and LAN over large distances

Only supplied by licensed operators
 Gas, Water, Electricity companies

Uses same protocols and equipment as MAN
 WAN uses Long Distance Carriers

Made to survive in unfriendly weather
 Copper loop cables and overhead or under ground
cables
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WAN Technologies

Implemented on one of two technologies
 Circuit switching
 Packet switching

Alternatives
 Frame relay
 Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)

Other techs
 ISDN, Multi-protocol label switching (MPLS), VPNs

Shahid Ali Shah 8

WAN Technologies

Private circuit networks
 Enterprise built to carry voice and data traffic
 History cheaper to build than use public networks
 Link to (Private Automatic Branch Exchange) PABXs
 High capacity circuits
 Time Division Multiplexing (TDM)
 Hierarchical Networks

The Plesiochronous Digital Hierarchy (PDH)

The Synchronous Digital Hierarchy (SDH)

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WAN Technologies

Satellite
 High bandwidth between distance points on the
earth’s surface
 Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO)

Communications Satellites

Direct Broadcasting By Satellite

Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT) networks
 Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

Satellite mobile communications

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WAN Technologies

Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN)

Intelligent networks

Mobile networks
 1G, 2G, 2.5G, 3G
 Mobile data protocols

Public Packet Switched Data Networks
(PPSDNs)

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Wireless Networks

Addresses
 High prices
 Low data rates
 Occupational safety
 Licensing requirements

Wireless PAN

Wireless LAN

Wireless MAN

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Performance Measuring

Circuit Switched Networks
 “Grade of Service”
 Counting rejected calls
 Other types: noise, echo, etc

Packet Switches Network

 Quality
of Service
 DataThroughput
 Connect time, etc

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