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diff --git a/notes/networks.tex b/notes/networks.tex new file mode 100644 index 0000000..a41c844 --- /dev/null +++ b/notes/networks.tex @@ -0,0 +1,94 @@ +\chapter{Networks} + +A \textit{network} is a system involving two or more computers that are +connected, allowing them to \textbf{communicate}. A computer not +connected to a network is a \textit{stand alone computer}. + +Networks allows the easy sharing of data, file, backups, and +peripherals (such as printers). Networks also allow for efficient and +high volume communication and can reduce the cost of computing. +However, a network can also allow hacking and the spread of viruses. +Networks require additional security measures and potentially +specialist equipment or staff at additional expense. + +We typically identify three classes of network: + +\begin{itemize} + \item A personal area network (PAN) exists in the range of a + single person. This may include an individuals devices that + are networked such as a computer, mobile phone, or tablet and + other devices connected by network such as Bluethooth + headphones or USB devices. + \item A large area network (LAN) covers a small geographical area. + This could be anything from a single home to a university and + thereby can vary in complexity and scale. Twisted pair cables + (Ethernet) and Wi-Fi are commonplace in a LAN. + \item A wide area network (WAN) covers a large geographical area. + The Internet is a very large WAN through the use of fibre + optic cables, often undersea, reaching every continent other + than Antarctica + \footnote{\url{https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Submarine_communications_cable}} + (which is nonetheless served by satellite Internet links). + Organisations with significant sums of money may also + create a WAN for the transfer of large amounts of data or + speed critical transfer. +\end{itemize} + +\section{Wired networks} + +In a wired network the \textit{communication media} is a physical +cable that transmits a signal. A \textit{coaxial cable} is a single +copper cable with shielding. A twisted pair cable is also copper but +can transmit data at a higher \textit{bandwidth} and is flexible +whilst coaxial cable is not. Fibre optic cables are made of glass and +transmit light. + +Copper cables are cheap and generally compatible with existing +hardware, but are easy to \textit{eavesdrop} on and cannot transmit +data at longer distances. Fibre optic cables are better for long +distance communications and are much higher bandwidth than copper. +They are also lightweight and hard to eavesdrop on. However fibre +optic cables are very expensive and often require new infrastructure +in order to use. + +\section{Wireless networks} + +Wireless networks send data by transmitting and receiving +\textit{electromagnetic radiation} (generally radio waves). A wireless +access point (WAP) transmits and receives this data for many devices +and is often built into modern household routers. Wi-Fi removes the +need for cables which are expensive and inconvinient. However the +range, speed, and bandwidth of Wi-Fi are limited. Transmission is +limited by interference (such as thick walls or metal construction) +and the signal can be easily intercepted causing the need for further +security measures. + +\section{Network topology} + +The topology of a network describes the layout of network devices and +allow the planning of suitable network infrastructure. + +\subsection{Bus topology} + +\begin{center} +\begin{tikzpicture} + \draw (0,0) edge[*-*] (12,0); + \draw [-o] (2,0) -- (2,-2); + \draw [-o] (4,0) -- (4,2); + \draw [-o] (6,0) -- (6,-2); + \draw [-o] (8,0) -- (8,2); + \draw [-o] (10,0) -- (10,-2); +\end{tikzpicture} +\end{center} + +In the bus topology, nodes (devices or computers) are connected along +the \textit{backbone}, each sending and receiving data. +\textit{Terminators} are positioned at each end of the backbone to +prevent the signal \textit{bouncing} and transmitting to the devices +again. + +A bus topology is cheap and scalable, but the backbone is a single +point of failure and can be eavesdropped on, leading to the compromise +of all data. Data sent by one device is received by all other devices +thus compromising privacy and only one device can send data on the +backbone at a time, thus slowing the network. |
