Unit 5 Introduction to Networking ICT II Unit 5 Introduction to Networking
What is a network? Group of computers connected together in such a way as to allow resources to be shared. What do you know about networks? Describe a network – what are components? Compare a stand-alone PC to a network PC.
What does a network include? Two or more computers that are linked together in order to: share resources (such as printers and CD-ROMs) exchange files allow electronic communication.
How are networks connected? Cables Telephone lines Fiber Optic (visible light) Radio waves (WiFi - Wireless local area network that uses radio signals to transmit data) Satellites (GPS)
Components of a Network Cables Modem A device that allows computers to communicate over telephone lines Network Interface cards A card installed in a computer that allows you to connect to a network (can be Ethernet, telephone, or wireless)
Components of a Network Switches like a tiny telephone company that lets pairs of devices make direct connections. Hubs simply connects all of the devices on its ports together
Components of a Network Router a device that transfers data from one network to another in an intelligent way Server computer or device on a network that manages network resource
Types of Networks LAN MAN WAN
LAN Local Area Network Confined to a relatively small area Generally limited to the same building Computers can be no more than a mile apart
Components of LAN A file server – stores all of the software that controls the network, as well as the software that can be shared by the computers attached to the network A workstation – computer connected to the file server Cables – used to connect the network interface cards in each computer
LAN
MAN Metropolitan (Metro) Area Network Covers small geographical areas, such as cities Often used by libraries and government agencies to connect to citizens and private business industries
MAN
WAN Wide Area Network Connects larger geographical areas Examples include: RCSD and Internet
WAN
Our LAN at Purvis Middle School All computer labs All of the individual computers in other classrooms Each ICT labs is a LAN segments Each lab is connected together in a smaller network. Connected by Ethernet cables. Plugged into the network card in each computer
Our LAN at PJH Each lab has a switch that control the data that flows in and out The cable from each switch plugs in to a port on another switch. That switch is connected to the ICT server which is located in the teacher workroom. The ICT server is connected to a router that gives us access to the Internet as well as other applications.
Our WAN at LCSD The main server at PJH is connected to the main server at the county office. All of the schools in the Lamar County School District are connected to the main server in the technology building at Jefferson Todd which makes LCSD a WAN.