Question 4 Assignment 1 Deadline October 4, 2018 23:59

Pg 06question Fourassignment 1deadline Day 04102018 2359total

Explain networking principles, models and technologies, and address questions related to LAN failure consequences, differences between internet and intranet, multiplexing/de-multiplexing in TCP/IP, importance of multiplexing, calculating bit rate, differences between latency and jitter, advantages and disadvantages of optical fiber, and methods of unguided signal transmission.

Paper For Above instruction

The realm of computer networks encompasses fundamental principles, models, and technologies that facilitate communication between devices and systems. Understanding these principles is vital for designing, managing, and troubleshooting modern networks. The following discussion elaborates on key networking concepts, including the consequences of component failures, the distinction between internet and intranet, the mechanisms of multiplexing and de-multiplexing within TCP/IP protocols, the significance of these processes, bandwidth calculations, latency and jitter differences, advantages and disadvantages of optical fiber cables, and the methods of unguided signal transmission.

Consequences of failures in a Local Area Network (LAN)

In a LAN setup, each component plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of network communication. If the switch fails, the entire network becomes inoperative because switches act as central data forwarding devices that connect multiple devices within the LAN. Without a functioning switch, data packets cannot be routed to their intended recipients, resulting in a network outage. Conversely, if a host—such as Host 1—experiences a connection failure, only that particular device is affected. Other devices on the network can continue communicating normally, assuming the failure is isolated to Host 1’s connection or hardware.

Difference between internet and intranet

An internet is a global network of interconnected networks that allows devices worldwide to communicate. It employs protocols such as TCP/IP to facilitate this vast connectivity. The internet supports diverse services like web browsing, email, and file sharing. An intranet, on the other hand, is a private network confined within an organization, using internet protocols but restricted to authorized users. It provides internal communication, resource sharing, and information access within an enterprise or institution. Essentially, while the internet connects many networks globally, an intranet is a secured, organizational subset of the internet.

Multiplexing and De-multiplexing in TCP/IP

Multiplexing in TCP/IP involves combining multiple communication streams or protocols over a single physical or logical channel at the source, allowing efficient data transmission. De-multiplexing is the process at the destination where these combined streams are separated back into their respective protocols or data streams. For example, at the transport layer, whether using TCP or UDP, multiplexing allows multiple application-layer protocols such as HTTP, FTP, DNS, or SNMP to share the same transport connection by encapsulating their data packets with specific identifiers. De-multiplexing then ensures that each packet is correctly routed to its corresponding application process based on port numbers or protocol identifiers.

Importance of multiplexing and de-multiplexing

These processes are essential because they enable the simultaneous transmission of multiple protocols over a single physical medium, optimizing resource utilization and reducing the number of required connections. Multiplexing allows multiplexers at the source to handle diverse data streams efficiently, while de-multiplexers at the destination ensure proper delivery to the correct application process. This functionality supports the coexistence of various service protocols, enhances network efficiency, and maintains data integrity across complex networks.

Calculating the required bit rate

Given a text document containing 1,000,000 characters, with each character requiring 8 bits, the total bits needed to transmit the document are:

Bits per character = 8

Total characters = 1,000,000

Total bits = 8 x 1,000,000 = 8,000,000 bits

If this transmission occurs within one second, the bit rate is:

Bit rate = Total bits / Time = 8,000,000 bits / 1 second = 8 Mbps

Thus, the required bit rate to download the document in one second is 8 megabits per second.

Difference between latency and jitter

Latency refers to the total time taken for a message or data packet to travel from the source to the destination. It encompasses several components, including propagation delay (signal travel time), transmission delay (sending bits onto the medium), processing delay (at routers/switches), and queuing delay (waiting in buffers). Latency is vital for applications requiring real-time data transfer, such as video conferencing or online gaming.

Jitter, however, measures the variability in packet delay. It indicates how much the latency fluctuates over time, impacting real-time applications sensitive to consistent delay. High jitter can cause interruptions or poor quality in streaming or voice calls. Jitter can be managed with buffering techniques that smooth out variability, ensuring more stable delivery.

Advantages and disadvantages of optical fiber over metallic cables

Advantages

  • High bandwidth capability, supporting data rates up to 250 Gbps
  • Superior immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI), ensuring signal integrity even in noisy environments
  • Greater transmission distances without repeaters due to low attenuation
  • Enhanced security against eavesdropping, as tapping optical fiber is near impossible without detection
  • Smaller size and lightweight, facilitating easier installation and space-saving infrastructure
  • Resistant to corrosion and environmental damage, leading to lower maintenance costs over time

Disadvantages

  • High initial installation cost, owing to specialized equipment and expertise required
  • Fragility of the fiber, which is more prone to breakage compared to metallic cables
  • Complex and costly maintenance and repair processes
  • Difficulty in connecting or splicing fibers requiring specialized skills
  • Cost disadvantages over short distances where traditional cables might suffice

One method of unguided signal travel: Ground Propagation

Ground propagation involves radio waves traveling through the lower atmosphere, hugging the Earth's surface. These low-frequency signals (below 2 MHz) disperse in all directions from the transmitting antenna, following the curvature of the planet. The distance covered depends on the power of the transmission; higher power enables longer communication distances. This method is commonly employed in long-distance maritime and rural communications, where the signals propagate by ground waves, circumventing the need for repeaters or relay stations.

References

  • Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2017). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach (7th ed.). Pearson.
  • Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. (2011). Computer Networks (5th ed.). Pearson.
  • Forouzan, B. A. (2013). Data Communications and Networking (5th ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
  • Stallings, W. (2014). Data and Computer Communications (10th ed.). Pearson.
  • Goralski, W. (2015). Transport and Network Security. CRC Press.
  • Peterson, L. L., & Davie, B. S. (2011). Computer Networks: A Systems Approach. Morgan Kaufmann.
  • Leung, H., & Wainer, D. (2014). The Wired and Wireless Communications: Principles and Practice. Wiley.
  • FitzGerald, J., & Dennis, A. (2019). Business Data Communications and Networking. Wiley.
  • Barr, M., & Sriram, S. (2012). Data and Computer Communications. CRC Press.
  • Odom, W. (2014). CCNA Routing and Switching 200-120 Official Cert Guide. Cisco Press.

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