Behrouz A Forouzan's Local Area Networks: An Essential Resource for Network Professionals and Students (PDF Version)
Local Area Networks Behrouz A Forouzan PDF Files
Are you interested in learning about local area networks (LANs)? Do you want to know how they work, why they are important, and how to design and implement them? If so, you have come to the right place. In this article, you will find everything you need to know about LANs, from the basic concepts and technologies to the best resources for learning more. You will also discover a great book on LANs by Behrouz A Forouzan that you can download as a PDF file for free. So, let's get started!
Local area networks behrouz a forouzan pdf files
Download Zip: https://www.google.com/url?q=https%3A%2F%2Fpicfs.com%2F2ucS0X&sa=D&sntz=1&usg=AOvVaw0VP4I1KxOSb3uK4pFSbmJz
What are Local Area Networks (LANs)?
A local area network (LAN) is a group of computers and other devices that are connected by a communication medium within a small geographic area, such as an office building, a school, or a home. The communication medium can be wired or wireless, such as Ethernet cable, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, radio waves, or infrared rays. The main purpose of a LAN is to allow the devices to share data, resources, and services, such as files, printers, scanners, internet access, email, etc.
A LAN has some distinctive characteristics that distinguish it from other types of networks. Some of these characteristics are:
A LAN is usually owned and controlled by a single organization or individual.
A LAN has a limited size and scope. It typically covers a distance of up to a few kilometers.
A LAN has a high data transfer rate. It can support speeds of up to gigabits per second.
A LAN has a low error rate. It can ensure reliable and accurate data transmission.
A LAN has a low cost per device. It can use inexpensive hardware and software components.
Why are LANs important?
LANs are important because they provide many benefits and applications for various fields and sectors. Some of these benefits and applications are:
LANs enhance productivity and efficiency. They enable users to access data and resources faster and easier, and to collaborate and communicate more effectively.
LANs reduce costs and save resources. They eliminate the need for duplicate devices and services, and reduce the maintenance and operational expenses.
LANs improve security and privacy. They protect data and resources from unauthorized access, modification, or deletion, and allow users to set different levels of access and permissions.
LANs support innovation and creativity. They enable users to create, share, and explore new ideas, solutions, and products.
Some examples of LAN applications are:
Office networks. LANs allow office workers to share files, printers, scanners, internet access, email, etc., and to communicate via instant messaging, video conferencing, etc.
School networks. LANs allow students and teachers to access educational materials, online courses, library databases, etc., and to collaborate on projects, assignments, etc.
Home networks. LANs allow family members to share photos, videos, music, games, etc., and to connect to smart devices, such as TVs, speakers, thermostats, etc.
Industrial networks. LANs allow industrial machines and sensors to monitor and control production processes, quality control, inventory management, etc.
How do LANs work?
A LAN works by using four basic components: network topology, network media, network devices, and network protocols. These components define how the devices are arranged, connected, communicated, and coordinated in a LAN. Let's take a closer look at each component.
Network topology
Network topology is the physical or logical layout of the devices in a LAN. It determines how the devices are linked by the communication medium, how the data is transmitted between the devices, and how the network performance is affected by the number and location of the devices. There are several types of network topology, such as:
Bus topology. In this topology, all the devices are connected by a single cable that acts as a bus. The data is broadcasted to all the devices on the bus. This topology is simple and cheap, but it has low scalability and reliability.
Ring topology. In this topology, all the devices are connected by a single cable that forms a ring. The data is passed from one device to another in one direction. This topology is easy to troubleshoot, but it has low fault tolerance and bandwidth.
Star topology. In this topology, all the devices are connected by individual cables to a central device called a hub or a switch. The data is sent from one device to another through the hub or switch. This topology is flexible and robust, but it has high cost and dependency.
Mesh topology. In this topology, all the devices are connected by multiple cables to each other. The data can take multiple paths from one device to another. This topology is secure and resilient, but it has high complexity and overhead.
Tree topology. In this topology, all the devices are connected by hierarchical cables to a root device called a server. The data is routed from one device to another through the server. This topology is scalable and organized, but it has high latency and congestion.
Network media
Network media is the physical or wireless material that carries the data between the devices in a LAN. It determines how fast and far the data can travel, how much interference and noise the data can encounter, and how much cost and maintenance the network can incur. There are several types of network media, such as:
Ethernet cable. This is a twisted pair of copper wires that can transmit data at speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second over distances of up to 100 meters. It is cheap and easy to install, but it is susceptible to electromagnetic interference and signal attenuation.
Coaxial cable. This is a single copper wire surrounded by an insulating layer and a metallic shield that can transmit data at speeds of up to 10 megabits per second over distances of up to 500 meters. It is durable and resistant to interference, but it is expensive and difficult to install.
Fiber optic cable. This is a thin strand of glass or plastic that can transmit data at speeds of up to 100 gigabits per second over distances of up to 40 kilometers. It is immune to interference and attenuation, but it is fragile and costly.
Radio waves. These are electromagnetic waves that can transmit data at speeds of up to 600 megabits per second over distances of up to 100 meters. They are convenient and portable, but they are prone to interference and security breaches.
transmit data at speeds of up to 4 megabits per second over distances of up to 10 meters. They are secure and inexpensive, but they require line of sight and are affected by ambient light.
Network devices
Network devices are the hardware or software components that enable the devices in a LAN to communicate and cooperate with each other. They perform various functions, such as sending, receiving, forwarding, filtering, and processing data. There are several types of network devices, such as:
Network interface card (NIC). This is a device that connects a computer or other device to the network media. It converts the data from the device into a format that can be transmitted over the network, and vice versa.
Hub. This is a device that connects multiple devices to a single network media. It broadcasts the data received from one device to all the other devices connected to it.
Switch. This is a device that connects multiple devices to a single network media. It forwards the data received from one device to the specific device that is intended for it.
Router. This is a device that connects multiple network media. It routes the data received from one network to the best path to reach another network.
Firewall. This is a device or software that protects a network from unauthorized or malicious access. It filters the data entering or leaving the network based on predefined rules and policies.
Server. This is a device or software that provides services or resources to other devices in the network. It can store, process, or deliver data, such as files, web pages, email, etc.
Network protocols
Network protocols are the rules and standards that govern how the devices in a LAN communicate and cooperate with each other. They define how the data is formatted, encoded, transmitted, received, and acknowledged in the network. There are several types of network protocols, such as:
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP). This is a suite of protocols that provides the basic functions of data transmission and addressing in the network. It consists of four layers: application layer, transport layer, internet layer, and network access layer.
Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP). This is a protocol that enables the exchange of web pages and other resources between web servers and web browsers.
File Transfer Protocol (FTP). This is a protocol that enables the transfer of files between computers in the network.
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol (SMTP). This is a protocol that enables the delivery of email messages between mail servers and mail clients.
Domain Name System (DNS). This is a protocol that translates domain names into IP addresses and vice versa.
Ethernet. This is a protocol that defines how data is transmitted over Ethernet cable in the network.
What are the challenges and issues of LANs?
LANs are not perfect. They face some challenges and issues that affect their performance, reliability, security, and scalability. Some of these challenges and issues are:
Security. LANs are vulnerable to various types of attacks, such as eavesdropping, spoofing, denial-of-service, malware, etc., that can compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data and resources in the network.
Performance. LANs can suffer from various factors that degrade their speed and quality of service, such as congestion, collision, latency, jitter, packet loss, etc., that can cause delays, errors, or interruptions in data transmission.
Scalability. LANs can have difficulties in accommodating more devices or expanding their coverage area without affecting their performance or security. They may require additional hardware, software, or configuration changes to support growth or change.
Management. LANs can require complex and costly administration and maintenance tasks to ensure their optimal operation and performance. They may involve monitoring, updating, troubleshooting, and optimizing network components and connections.
How to design and implement LANs?
To design and implement LANs effectively and efficiently, there are some steps and best practices that should be followed. These steps and best practices are:
Planning
This step involves identifying the needs and goals of the LAN, analyzing the current situation of the network environment, and selecting the appropriate solutions for the LAN design and implementation. Some of the tasks in this step are:
Conducting a feasibility study to determine the scope, budget, and schedule of the LAN project.
Gathering the requirements and specifications of the LAN users, such as the number and type of devices, the data and resource needs, the security and performance expectations, etc.
Evaluating the available network technologies and solutions, such as the network topology, media, devices, and protocols, and choosing the ones that best suit the LAN needs and goals.
Designing
This step involves creating the logical and physical network diagrams that illustrate how the devices are arranged, connected, communicated, and coordinated in the LAN. It also involves choosing the network devices and media, and configuring the network protocols. Some of the tasks in this step are:
Drawing the logical network diagram that shows the logical structure and function of the LAN, such as the IP addressing scheme, the subnetting plan, the routing protocol, etc.
Drawing the physical network diagram that shows the physical layout and connection of the LAN, such as the location and type of devices, media, and connectors, etc.
Selecting the network devices and media that match the LAN requirements and specifications, such as the NICs, hubs, switches, routers, firewalls, servers, Ethernet cable, fiber optic cable, etc.
Configuring the network protocols that enable the data transmission and addressing in the LAN, such as TCP/IP, HTTP, FTP, SMTP, DNS, Ethernet, etc.
Implementing
This step involves installing, testing, and troubleshooting the network components and connections in the LAN. It also involves documenting the network configuration and operation. Some of the tasks in this step are:
Installing the network devices and media according to the physical network diagram, such as connecting the devices to the media, setting up the power supply, etc.
Testing the network functionality and performance according to the logical network diagram, such as verifying the IP addresses, pinging the devices, measuring the bandwidth, etc.
Troubleshooting the network problems and errors that may occur during the installation or testing process, such as checking the cables, replacing the faulty devices, resetting the configurations, etc.
the network configuration and operation for future reference and maintenance, such as recording the network diagrams, devices, media, protocols, etc.
Maintaining
This step involves monitoring, updating, and optimizing the network performance and security in the LAN. It also involves providing support and training to the network users. Some of the tasks in this step are:
Monitoring the network activity and status regularly to detect and prevent any potential problems or threats, such as using network management tools, logs, alerts, etc.
Updating the network hardware and software periodically to ensure their compatibility and functionality, such as installing patches, upgrades, drivers, etc.
Optimizing the network efficiency and effectiveness continuously to improve their quality and service, such as adjusting the network settings, parameters, policies, etc.
Providing support and training to the network users to help them use the LAN properly and safely, such as answering questions, resolving issues, giving instructions, etc.
What are the best resources for learning about LANs?
If you want to learn more about LANs, there are many resources that you can use, such as books, websites, courses, and certifications. These resources can help you gain more knowledge and skills on LAN concepts and technologies. Here are some of the best resources for learning about LANs:
Local Area Networks by Behrouz A Forouzan
This is a comprehensive book on LAN concepts and technologies that covers topics such as network architecture, topology, media, devices, protocols, design, implementation, and management. It also includes examples, exercises, case studies, and projects that help you apply what you learn. You can download this book as a PDF file for free from this link: https://www.academia.edu/37796867/Local_Area_Networks_Behrouz_A_Forouzan.
Other recommended books on LANs
Here are some other books on LANs that you can read:
Computer Networks by Andrew S. Tanenbaum and David J. Wetherall. This is a classic book on computer networks that covers topics such as network fundamentals, layered architectures, physical layer, data link layer, medium access control layer, network layer, transport layer, application layer, network security, wireless networks, and multimedia networks.
Data and Computer Communications by William Stallings. This is a popular book on data and computer communications that covers topics such as data communications, network models, protocols and architecture, signal encoding techniques, transmission media, error detection and correction, data link control, multiplexing, circuit switching and packet switching, routing algorithms, congestion control techniques, internet protocols, transport protocols, network security, wireless networks, and cellular networks.
Data Communications and Networking by Behrouz A Forouzan. This is another comprehensive book on data communications and networking that covers topics such as introduction to networks, network models, data and signals, digital transmission, analog transmission, bandwidth utilization techniques, transmission media, switching techniques, error detection and correction methods, data link control protocols, multiple access techniques, wired LANs, wireless LANs, connecting LANs with bridges and switches, network layer protocols and algorithms, transport layer protocols and services, application layer protocols and services, network security, and multimedia networking.
Websites on LANs
Here are some websites on LANs that you can visit:
https://www.lifewire.com/lan-local-area-network-817376. This is a website that provides articles and tutorials on LAN basics, types, components, technologies, standards, etc.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/local-area-network-lan/. This is a website that provides articles and quizzes on LAN concepts, characteristics, advantages, disadvantages, topologies, media, devices, protocols, etc.
https://www.tutorialspoint.com/data_communication_computer_network/local_area_network.htm. This is a website that provides tutorials and videos on LAN concepts, features, topologies, media, devices, protocols, design, implementation, etc.
Courses on LANs
Here are some courses on LANs that you can take:
Computer Networking by Stanford University. This is a course that teaches you the principles and practice of computer networking, such as network applications, transport protocols, network layer protocols, link layer protocols, wireless networks, network security, etc.
Computer Networking Fundamentals by Udemy. This is a course that teaches you the fundamentals of computer networking, such as network models, network devices, network media, network protocols, network design, network implementation, network troubleshooting, etc.
Introduction to Computer Networking by Microsoft. This is a course that teaches you the basics of computer networking, such as network components, network architectures, network topologies, network media, network protocols, network services, network security, etc.
Certifications on LANs
Here are some certifications on LANs that you can obtain:
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA). This is a certification that va


