Types Of Network Topology

a. Star Network

A star network is also known as star topology. A star network is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals) connected directly to a central network hub. The hub will control the flow of communication in the network. If one of the nodes fails, the star network will still function as long as the hub is working.


b. Ring Network

Ring network is also known as ring topology. A ring network consists of all computers and other devices that are connected in a loop. In a ring network, each node connects directly to the neighbouring nodes. If the device on a ring network fails, all the devices before the failed device are unaffected but those after the failed device will not function.


c. Bus Network

A bus network is also known as a bus topology. A bus network consists of a single cable to which all the computers and other devices are connected. It must have a common backbone (the central cable) to connect all the devices. If one of the nodes fails, the bus network will still function.

Types of Computer Networks

a. Local Area Network (LAN)

Local Area Network are groups of computers and network devices connected together, usually within the same building. The simplest form of LAN is to connect two computers together.


b. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

MAN is a network that interconnect users with computer resources in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by a local area network (LAN) but smaller than the area covered by wide area network (WAN)


c. Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wide Area Network is defined as a group of computers and network devices connected across a large physical areas such as states or countries. Computers connected to a Wide Area Network are often connected through the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. The largest WAN in existence is the Internet.

Devices needed in Computer Network

1)Hub
A central device that provides a common connection point for nodes on a network.


2)Network Interface Card
A NIC (network interface card) is a piece of computer hardware designed to allow computers to communicate over a computer network.


3)Router
A device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is connected to at least, two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or a LAN and its ISP’s network.


3)Connector
Short for Registered Jack-45, an eight-wire connector used commonly to connect computers onto a local-area network (LAN), especially Ethernets. RJ-45 connectors look similar to RJ-11 connectors used for connecting telephone equipment.


4)Modem
Short for modulator-demodulator. A modem is a device or program that enables a computer to transmit data over telephone or cable lines. Computer information are stored digitally, whereas information transmitted over telephone lines are transmitted in a form of analogue waves. A modem converts between these two forms.

Introduction to Networks

Network Definition

•A computer network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share resources (such as printers and CD-ROMs), exchange files, and allow electronic communications.

•The computers on a network may be linked through cables, telephone lines, radio waves, satellites or infrared light beams.



# Network bermaksud rangkaian atau jaringan. Sesuatu yang saling berkait atau berhubung antara satu sama lain. Contohnya: sarang labah-labah. Saling berkait antara satu benang dengan benang yang lain sehingga membentuk satu jaringan besar.

Kita biasa mendengar... Social Network site - laman jaringan sosial. 
Laman/ website yang membolehkan kita berkenalan, berhubung atau bersosial dengan rakan-rakan dari serata dunia. Kita boleh membentuk jaringan persahabatan dengan ramai kenalan melalui Social Network site. Contohnya: Facebook, Friendster dan Twitter

What is Computer Network?
Ia bermaksud rangkaian atau jaringan komputer.Contohnya ialah Internet (satu rangkaian yang terdiri daripada beribu-ribu komputer di seluruh dunia).

Rangkaian komputer (computer network),mesti terdiri daripada dua komputer atau lebih yang dihubungkan antara satu sama lain supaya boleh:

a) berkongsi sumber atau alatan seperti printer ~ untuk menjimatkan kos, Cyber Cafe biasanya menyediakan satu printer sahaja walaupun mempunyai banyak komputer. Dengan adanya network, satu printer boleh dikongsi oleh beberapa komputer.

b)bertukar-tukar atau berkongsi dokumen/fail ~ dokumen atau fail boleh dikongsi  melalui network. Tidak perlu menggunakan pendrive, CD atau external storage device yang lain untuk berkongsi dokumen, fail atau lagu dengan orang lain atau dengan komputer lain. 

Contohnya, kita boleh menghantar sesuatu dokumen kepada rakan melalui Internet dengan menggunakan e-mail atau berkongsi melalui jaringan sosial (Facebook) tanpa perlu guna pendrive atau memory card dan juga tak perlu berjumpa face to face dengan rakan tersebut.

c) berkomunikasi secara elektronik ~ biasanya kita berkomunikasi dengan rakan secara bersemuka (face to face). Bagaimana sekiranya hendak berkomunikasi dengan rakan yang jauh?

Salah satu caranya ialah melalui medium elektronik iaitu kaedah perhubungan yang menggunakan peralatan elektronik seperti telefon atau komputer. Dengan adanya Internet connection di komputer (contoh bagi computer network) kita boleh berkomunikasi dengan rakan yang jauh melalui instant messaging (IM), Yahoo Messenger (YM), Skype, Video Call, Facebook atau e-mail.