Network Information Systems

This report contains information about networking, network topology, communication, bandwidth management, network protocols, and more. Suitable for those with some knowledge of networking.

Network Information Systems
Abstract
This report contains a lot of information about Networking. It can also be used by
someone who has some knowledge about networking. This contains a lot of information about
the impact of network topology, communication, and bandwidth management. Also talks
about how protocols enable the effectiveness of networked systems. It is very important. This
report contains further information about networking approaches, the importance of network
management systems, and the independence of hardware, software, and networking. It also
contains information about network protocols and standards and different network monitoring
systems.
P a g e 1 | 17

Table of Content
1. Network Information Systems………………………………………………………………………………………..2
2. Abstract………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….3
3. Table of Content…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….4
4. Computer networking…………………………………………………………………………………………………….5
4.1. What is the Network?.............................................................................................5
4.2. What is Topology?..................................................................................................6
4.3. Network communication…………………………………………………………………………………….9
4.4. Network bandwidth ..……………………………………………………………………………………….10
4.5. Networking Approaches……………………………………………………………………………………10
4.6. Network protocols and standards ……………………………………………………………………11
4.7. How do protocols enable the effectiveness of networked systems?...................12
5. The importance of Network Systems Management …………………………………………………….13
6. Interdependencies of hardware, software, and networking……………………………………..…14
7. Network monitoring systems ………………………………………………………………………………………14
8. Conclusion …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..16
9. References. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….17
P a g e 2 | 17

4. Computer networking
4.1. What is the Network?
A computer network is often located on network nodes. And this is a group of
computers that share the resources provided. Computers use common communication
protocols to communicate with each other. These interconnections consist of
telecommunication network technologies based on physically wired, optical, and
wireless radio frequency methods that can be arranged in various network
topologies.Nodes in a computer network include personal computers, servers,
networking hardware, or general-purpose hosts.Computer networking has made many
of today's tasks easier. People got the maximum results from this networking during
the world corona pandemic. During this time, even big companies easily did their
necessary work in the digital world. It provided facilities for the small child to the old
person.
As networking needs increased, so did the types of computer networks that served
those needs. Some types of such computer networks are mentioned below.
 PAN – This network Serves only one person.
P a g e 3 | 17

 LAN - A LAN connects computers over a relatively short distance. This allows sharing of
data, files, and resources. For example, a LAN can connect all computers in a university.
 MAN - A MAN is usually larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN.
 WAN - A WAN connects computers across a wide area, such as region to region or
continent to continent. The best example of this is the Internet.
4.2. What is Topology?
Organizations often use network topology to define how their network nodes
connect to each other. This is a physical arrangement. It is used by various endpoints
and links in an enterprise network to communicate with each other.There are several
types of network topology. They are as follows.
 Point-to-point topology - This is a simple topology that directly connects two nodes.
Here a cable or wire is used to physically connect point to point.
 Bus topology - The leading cable acts as a standard cable in a bus topology. Another
type of cable known as drop a line is used here. It helps connect stations to this main
cable. The main cable acts as the backbone of this topology.
P a g e 4 | 17

 Star topology - Nowadays, this network topology is widely used. This is because most of
them are beneficial. This requires a switch as the central unit to which all other network
devices are connected.This can also be described as a wireless LAN network.
 Ring topology - Each hub is connected to two other hubs on either side in this network
topology. And here the data moves sequentially in one direction. Here the last position
P a g e 5 | 17

is connected to the first position of the ring. This ring topology is often faster than the
bus topology.
 Tree topology - In this topology, nodes arrange like a tree's leaves, branches, and trunk.
Leaves are attached to branches attached to the trunk of the tree. The backbone here is
the trunk of the tree.
 Mesh topology - In this network topology, every hub connects to every other hub. That
means all devices are connected. There are two types of this mesh topology. They are
full mesh and half/ partial mesh.
P a g e 6 | 17

4.3. Network communication
Communication is a significant part of people as well as specific organizations. There
are different ways to convey the meaning or message of information transmitted
through communication. Here we are talking about network communication. A
communication network is the way communication flows. It can be a method used to
facilitate communication within a group. Here, connections create with different
patterns. Some of such main network communication types mention below.
P a g e 7 | 17

 Wheel network - Commands/information comes from a single superior and
subordinates act as a wheel in the network. The entire network is a highly centralized
model. Once the message is delivered to the recipient, it is expected to be delivered
immediately.
 Chain network - Here there is no bottom-up communication. The best example of this is
the leader who leads a group of people. This is because the message must necessarily
reach from the higher level to the lower level without any change in meaning or words.
 Circle network - In this network, employees communicate only with adjacent members
of the organization. Each member connects to two members on either side.
 All-channel network - This allows all members to communicate with each other. These
types of networks do not have one central leader.
4.4. Network bandwidth
Network bandwidth is a measure of the data transfer capacity of a given network. It
is critical to understand a network's speed and quality. Network bandwidth usually
measures in bps.Following are some of the main solutions that network administrators
can use to monitor network bandwidth.
 Network traffic can be monitored and analyzed in real-time.
 Network issues and bandwidth hogs that cause bandwidth bottlenecks
should be identified.
 Network quality should be assessed by monitoring network throughput and
speed at regular intervals.
Increasing the network bandwidth brings us many advantages. Some ways to
increase network bandwidth are as follows.
 Creating subnets within networks. This method can increase the network
bandwidth.
P a g e 8 | 17

 Streamline the flow of data in the network by strategically adding routers,
switches, and modems.
 Create and enforce granular policies.
 Software updates during off-peak hours to avoid network congestion and
productivity disruptions.
4.5. Networking Approaches
A network approach often involves building highly effective relationships around
a shared vision to achieve goals or create a business. It is a very effective way of
working. A group of friends working together is often more productive than a group of
strangers working together. In this approach, understanding each other's needs and
working toward shared goals is always encouraged. There are two types of this network
approach.
 The Peer-to-Peer approach – A Peer-to-Peer network is a group of connected computers
and users that appear to be friends. There are as few as 10 computers and very few
members. There are very few security issues here. This type of network can be
implemented at a very low cost.
 The Client-Server approach - This is also called server-based networking. One or more
computers act as a server. Its other computers are connected to it. The server is used to
control access to the network and administer its resources to clients. The client has to
connect to the server to access its resources.
4.6. Network protocols and standards
Protocols enable different components of a network to communicate with each
other. It contains a set of rules that allow effective communication. We come across
protocols every day in our life. Protocols are essential for networking. That's because
a protocol is the only standard that describes how specific devices communicate and
exchange data. In other words, a network protocol can determine how data transmit
between different devices on the same network. Essentially, it allows connected
devices to communicate with each other without any changes in their internal
processes or design.
P a g e 9 | 17

Standards are the set of rules required to exchange information between
devices. Here it is essential to follow the standards created by various standard
organizations like IEEE, ISO, ANSI, etc. There are two types of these standards. They
are as follows.
 De Facto Standard - It means "by the fact" or "by convention". These are not
endorsed by any organization but are adopted as standards because they are
used widely.
 De Jure Standard - It means "by law" or "by regulation". These standards are the
standards approved by officially recognized organizations like ANSI, ISO, IEEE,
etc. These are the standards to follow if necessary.
4.7. How do protocols enable the effectiveness of networked systems?
Implementing these network protocols takes large-scale processes and breaks
them into smaller, specialized tasks. It happens at all levels of the network. Each
function must collaborate at each level to complete the more significant task.
When discussing these network protocols, it is essential to know about the OSI
(Open Systems Interconnection) model. This model divides the communication
process between two network devices into seven layers. Each layer can assign a task
where the seven layers are independent in the seven layers of the OSI model, so
each task can be performed independently. In this model, seven network layers
separate into two groups. 7, 6, and 5 are the upper layers, and 4, 3, 2, and 1 are the
P a g e 10 | 17

lower layers. The upper layers here mainly deal with application issues. The lower
layers mainly deal with data transport issues.
 Layer 1 – This provides an interface between the network medium and the device.
 Layer 2 – In this layer, packet transmits errors are detected and corrected.
 Layer 3 – This layer decides which physical lane to use for data.
 Layer 4 – This layer manages message delivery to the network.
 Layer 5 – Here the user's session and dialogues are managed.
 Layer 6 – This layer ensures that the format of the data is usable or not.
 Layer 7 - Standard services such as a virtual terminal, file, and operations are provided in
this layer.
5. The importance of Network Systems Management
P a g e 11 | 17

Network management is the process of knowing the operational status of network
resources. It collects, stores, and monitors data from resources across the network to
ensure they are performing as they should. Network management is a necessity nowadays.
Without network management in your office, you will find it difficult to even leave your
computers and go home. Why should we do network management?
 Find and Troubleshoot Problems - Early on, when things on the network weren't
working, you wanted to know why. It is the same today. It is very difficult to do
because of the amount of usage. The fault management component of network
management is used to detect these faults. Using this you can fix the error once you
find it.
 Verify Security Compliance – Security breaches are a frequent occurrence these days. In
such cases, network management helps ensure compliance with organizational
standards. This can detect when an attacker is on the network.
 Improve Network Visibility – You can't run a network effectively if you don't know
what's in it. Network management can help you get the visibility you need in this
situation. This gaining visibility can also help you identify parts of the network that you
don't have access to, but should. This will help reduce network silos that limit
troubleshooting and management of a network.
 Perform Capacity Planning – Traffic in a network changes from time to time. In these
situations, you need network management to plan for these changes in network
capacity. The data you obtain can often help you identify trends and patterns necessary
for proper capacity planning.
 Save Time - Managing your network can help you save time. With the right monitoring
tool, you can quickly find the root cause of network problems. It saves your time.
6. Interdependencies of hardware, software, and networking
P a g e 12 | 17

Networking hardware often designs to perform some forwarding layer function.
A layer of software must be programmed to make that hardware work as it's supposed
to. Usually, this is called a 'driver'. That, in turn, links to more platform-dependent code
that provides system-specific support. A hardware abstraction layer (HAL) is on top of
the platform-dependent code, an API that presents an abstract bridge and router. A
platform-independent layer provides management-plane and control-plane functionality
on top of the HAL.
7. Network monitoring systems
Network monitoring provides network administrators with information about
whether a network is operating optimally. This is very important for network
administrators. With tools like networking monitoring software, administrators can
identify vulnerabilities, optimize efficiency, and more. The table below contains some
important information to consider in network monitoring.
P a g e 13 | 17

Network monitoring systems include software and hardware tools that monitor various
aspects of a network and its performance. These are different aspects like traffic, bandwidth
usage, and uptime. These systems can identify devices and other elements that comprise or
touch the network. Status updates can also be done in the same way.
P a g e 14 | 17

8. Conclusion
This report is about "what is the network?", "What is topology?", Network
communication, network bandwidth, networking approaches, network protocols, and
standards, "How protocol enables the effectiveness of the networked system?", The
importance of Network management systems, Network monitoring systems, etc.
Matters have been discussed. Using this report, even a person who does not have basic
networking knowledge can get general knowledge.
P a g e 15 | 17

References
Anon., 2022. Flisland Consulting. [Online]
Available at: https://flisrand.com/2016/07/the-basics-of-a-network-approach/#:~:text=A%20network
%20approach%20intentionally%20builds,people%20work%20together%20as%20peers
[Accessed 12 September 2022].
Captain, F., 2022. Fidel Captain. [Online]
Available at: http://fidelcaptain.com/educator/studenthandouts/computernetworks.html
[Accessed 12 September 2022].
FAQ, 2022. FAQ Blog. [Online]
Available at: https://faq-blog.com/how-protocols-enable-the-effectiveness-of-networked-systems
[Accessed 12 09 2022].
GeeksforGeeks, 2021. GeeksforGeeks. [Online]
Available at: https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/protocol-and-standard-in-computer-networks/
[Accessed 07 September 2022].
Hossein, 2022. Spice Works. [Online]
Available at: https://www.spiceworks.com/tech/networking/articles/what-is-network-topology/
[Accessed 12 09 2022].
IBM Cloud Education, 2021. IBM. [Online]
Available at: https://www.ibm.com/cloud/learn/networking-a-complete-guide
[Accessed 13 09 2022].
IBM, 2021. IBM. [Online]
Available at: https://www.ibm.com/docs/en/i/7.3?topic=communications-common-networking-
standards
[Accessed 12 09 2022].
Michale Boss, 2021. Nakivo. [Online]
Available at: https://www.nakivo.com/blog/types-of-network-topology-explained/
[Accessed 13 09 2022].
Olivier Bonaventure, 2011. Research Gate. [Online]
Available at: https://resources.saylor.org/wwwresources/archived/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/
Computer-Networking-Principles-Bonaventure-1-30-31-OTC1.pdf
[Accessed 12 09 2022].
Techvera, 2022. Techvera. [Online]
Available at: https://techvera.com/the-importance-of-network-management-for-your-business/
#:~:text=Network%20management%20increases%20the%20efficiency,easily%20identify%20potential
%20security%20threats
[Accessed 10 September 2022].
Toppr, 2021. Toppr. [Online]
Available at: https://www.toppr.com/guides/business-correspondence-and-reporting/communication/
P a g e 16 | 17

network-in-communication/
[Accessed 13 09 2022].
Winds, S., 2021. Solar Winds. [Online]
Available at: https://www.solarwinds.com/resources/it-glossary/network-bandwidth
[Accessed 12 09 2022].
P a g e 17 | 17