Practical 5

5. Learn and identify institute’s computing networking structure. And learn how to create peer to peer

    and LAN networks.

All the computers in our campus are connected in network for exchanging Information and data and sharing resources, which are again connected to a single server called cyberom for internet.

The basic components used to create a small computer network.

•      Two or more computers
•          Hub or Switch
•          RJ 45 connector (Registered Jack)
•         Cables (cat-5, cat-6)
•         Crimping tool
•      Crimping tool is not a part of network but use for connecting connectors.

 Types of Network in same location

•         Peer to peer network (P2P)
•         Local Area Network (LAN)

Peer-to-peer (P2P) network is created between two or more computers to share files and resources within the group. Rather than having a centralized server to act as a shared drive, each node acts as the server for the own stored files. Normally represented as ad-hoc connections where a couple of computers are connected to transfer files. Software for peer-to-peer network is included with most modern desktop operating systems such as Windows and Mac OS.

Now we will see the steps to create P2P network

•  Right click on Networking available on the task bar
• Click on open network and sharing center
•  Click on change adapter setting
• Select Ethernet card / Network card
• Right click and click on properties option
• It will display LAN properties dialog box
• From Networking TAB select internet protocol version TCP/IPV4 and click on properties
• It display internet protocol version 4 (TCP/IPV4) properties dialog box
•  In general TAB set the            

                    IP Address: 192.168.0.1                                                                                                     
                    Subnet Mask: 255.255.255.0

Similarly apply the same setting in another computer with different IP address: 192.168.0.2

Now connect the two computers by cross cable and the P2P network will be created.

Advantages

1. P2P networks are simple, easy to set up and maintain as every computer administer itself.

2. Less expensive as compared to other as decentralized.

3. Does not depend on other computer for operations as every computer itself is a master.

 Disadvantages

1. No centralized server hence difficult to back up data.

2. Security is weak as each system manages itself only.

Local Area Network

A local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a small geographic area, like a home, office, or group of buildings. A LAN is very useful for sharing resources, such as printers etc. The smallest LAN may only use two computers, while larger LANs can accommodate thousands of computers. A LAN typically relies mostly on wired connections for increased speed and security, but wireless connections can also be part of a LAN. If a local area network, or LAN, is entirely wireless, it is referred to as a wireless local area network, or WLAN.  

The characteristics of LAN:

·         Provide much higher data transfer rates

·         Smaller geographic range

  

Now we will see the steps to create LAN

• The steps to create LAN networks are similar just like P2P network but there are few differences.
• Every computer are attached with a switch through cable (Parallel cable).
• Secondly a server is needed for local area network, we need to provide default gateway.

Example:

                        IP address:                  192.168.0.1

                        Subnet mask:               255.255.255.0

                        Default Gateway:       192.168.0.254