Introduction to Networking - Essay Example

Introduction to Networking Introduction to Networking Ethernet presentation In the presentation of Ethernet, each computer, also known as a station, operates independently from other stations (Zacker, 2001). Every station is linked to a medium, which is the chief signaling system. Stations using this architecture do not have any central controller.Source: http://compnetworking.about.com/od/homenetworking/ig/Home-Network-Diagrams/Hub-Switch-Network-Diagram.htmIn the diagram shown, the computers 1-3 do not depend on any of the stations for connection.

All the three computers receive Ethernet signals serially, and each station has to be connected to the Ethernet switch or hub in order to receive connection. Without the stations being connected to the Ethernet switch, there would be no connection (Zacker, 2001).Token Ring PresentationIn this architecture, the stations are joined in a ring topology. A token is usually used in preventing any collisions, which might be present (Beasley, 2008). In the passing of data, each work station passes information to the following workstation until data resumes to the source.

In this architecture, there must be a server. Source: http://computinglecturenotes.wordpress.com/2008/01/20/session-7-networks/The diagram shows a Token Ring topology, where the local work group and the client are connected in a ring. The diagram below shows a token, which prevents collisions.Source: http://computinglecturenotes.wordpress.com/2008/01/20/session-7-networks/Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) PresentationJust like Token Ring architecture, FDDI uses tokens to control collisions.

The difference comes in the number of rings used in the FDDI architecture (Day, 2007). The FDDI uses dual rings. The dual rings consist of a secondary as well as a primary ring. The primary ring transmits data while secondary ring remains idle during operation. Traffic on the dual rings flows on counter directions (Beasley, 2008). The following illustration shows FDDI architecture with all stations functioning.Source: https://www.google.co.ke/search?q=fddi+topology&hl=sw&prmdIncase, one station does not function properly, the station adjacent to the failed station loops back as shown below.

Source: http://www.google.co.ke/imgres?imgurl=http://penguin.dcs.bbk.ac.uk/academic/networksIn the diagrams, (a) is functioning with no failed station while (b) is functioning with a failed station.Apple TalkThe Apple Talk architecture provides internetworking of computers and other outer devices using Local Talk media and also allows access to network services like printers and file servers (Day, 2007). The Apple Talk architecture has well defined interfaces in between layers. Zones, networks, sockets and nodes form the basic components of an Apple Talk network.

This presented in the illustration below.Source: http://www.pulsewan.com/data101/apple_talk_basics.htmAsynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)This architecture consists of data packets and switches, which transfer data using fixed length 53 byte cells (Day, 2007). A patch is usually setup with the establishment of ATM circuits. The patch remains until the connection is completed. ATM aggregators run networks, which consolidate information traffic from several feeders (Beasley, 2008). The illustration below shows ATM network.

Source: http://howtonetworks.net/asynchronous-transfer-modeReferences Beasley, J. (2008). Networking. London: Prentice Hall.Day, J. (2007). Patterns in Network Architecture: A return to Fundamentals. New York: Cengage Publishers. Zacker, C. (2001). Networking: the complete reference. New York: McGraw-Hill.