Local Area Networks

LAN-Local Area Network

 A LAN is a high-speed data network that covers a relatively
small geographic area. It typically connects workstations,
personal computers, printers, servers, and other devices.
 LANs offer computer users many advantages, including shared
access to devices and applications, file exchange between
connected users, and communication between users via
electronic mail and other applications.
 LAN standard specify cabling and signaling at physical and data
link layer
OSI Model
LAN Data Link Layer
 LLC sublayer
 Provide versatile service to network layer
 Participate in encapsulating
 MAC sublayer
 Provide access method to physical media
 Define MAC address
LAN Media-Access Methods

 two main ways:

 carrier sense multiple access collision detect (CSMA/CD)
 token passing
 CSMA/CD (Ethernet), when a device has data to send, it first
listens to see if any other device is currently using the network.
If not, it starts sending its data. After finishing its transmission, it
listens again to see if a collision occurred. A collision occurs
when two devices send data simultaneously. When a collision
happens, each device waits a random length of time before
resending its data.
LAN Media-Access Methods
 token-passing ( Token Ring and FDDI), a special
network packet called a token is passed around the
network from device to device. When a device has data
to send, it must wait until it has the token and then sends
its data. When the data transmission is complete, the
token is released so that other devices may use the
network media
LAN Transmission Methods

 LAN data transmissions fall into three classifications:

unicast, multicast, and broadcast.
 In a unicast transmission, a single packet is sent from the
source to a destination on a network.
 A multicast transmission consists of a single data packet
that is copied and sent to a specific subset of nodes on the
network.
 A broadcast transmission consists of a single data packet
that is copied and sent to all nodes on the network.
LAN Topologies
 LAN topologies define the manner in which network
devices are organized.
 Four common LAN topologies exist:
 bus
 ring
 Star
 Mesh
 These topologies are logical architectures, but the
actual devices need not be physically organized in
these configurations.
Pro’s and Con’s
Topologies Advantages Disadvantages

Bus Easy to connect a computer or Entire network shuts down if

peripheral to a linear bus.
Requires less cable length than a
star topology.
there is a break in the main
cable.
Terminators are required at
both ends of the backbone cable.
Difficult to identify the problem

Star Easy to install and wire.  More cable hub

No disruptions +/- devices.  Concentrator fails, nodes
Easy to detect faults and to remove attached are disabled.
parts. Concentrator Expensive

Ring Easy to install and wire Concentrator expensive

Less cable if physical topology also Concentrator fails, nodes
ring attached are disabled
Considerations When
Choosing a Topology
 Money. A linear bus network may be the least expensive way
to install a network; you do not have to purchase
concentrators.
 Length of cable needed. The linear bus network uses shorter
lengths of cable.
 Future growth. With a star topology, expanding a network is
easily done by adding another concentrator.
 Cable type. The most common cable in schools is unshielded
twisted pair, which is most often used with star topologies.
LAN Devices

 Devices commonly used in LANs include

 Repeaters/hubs
 Bridges and LAN switches
 Routers
Layer 1 devices: repeater/hub
 Hub amplify signal
 Hub propagate signal
through the networks
 Hub do not require filtering
 Hub do not require path
determination or switching
 Used as network
concentration point
Layer 2 devices: NIC and Switch
 NIC is consider layer 2 devices because
carries unique MAC address
 Bridge are more intelligent than hub, it can
forward or drop packet based on MAC
addressing information
 Bridge keep local traffic locally
 Bridge create more collision domain
 Bridge maintain MAC address table
 Switch: Multiport bridge
Layer 3 devices: Router and
Multilayer Switches
 Router perform
addressing based on
IP address
 Multilayer switch in
addition to switch
using MAC
addressing also use
Layer 3 (IP
addressing).