what is network protocol? Discuss different LAN protocol.
Network protocol or communication protocol is a set of rules for exchanging information between computers on a network.
Types of LAN protocols
Different LAN protocols are as follows:
1. Ethernet
Ethernet is the most commonly used LAN protocol. It uses a high-speed network cable and bus topology. It is inexpensive and easy to install and manage. All computers in Ethernet use same the network only if it has a token. Token is like a ticket. A device can transmit data at same time, the messages can be lost. A computer checks if the cable is in use before transmitting data. The computer waits if the cable is being used. It starts transmitting data when thee cable is free. This process is also called CSMA/CS
(Carrier sense Multiple Access with collision detection)
2. Token Ring
Token ring is also a LAN technology .It allows network devices to access the network by passing a special signal called token. Token is like a ticket .A device can network. That is why no collision can occur, but the data transmission rate slow. When a computer wants to send a message, it:
- Gets the token
- Puts the data in the token
- Adds the address of receiving computer
Token ring is based on ring topology but van also be used in star topology. The token passes from computer to computer. The computer whose address matches with the address stored in the token gets the data. It then returns the message to the sending computer to indicate that the data has been received.
3. ARCnet
ARC net stands for Attached Resource Computer Network. It is a LAN protocol. It was introduced in 1977. It uses twisted-pair, coaxial cable and fiber-topic media. ARC net uses star, bus or combination of these topologies.
The original ARC net protocol was very slow. It supported transmission rates of 2.5 Mbps. it became poplar because it was inexpensive and reliable. It is also easy to setup and expand. Fast ARC net increased the transmission rate to 100 M bits per second.