Networks and Connecting to the Internet

Learning Objectives Explain the advantages and disadvantages of a computer network Identify and define basic network hardware Explain the differences between wired and wireless networks Explain the steps to set up a basic network Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition 2

Learning Objectives (continued) Describe how to access resources on a network Identify different types of wired Internet connection options Describe how to connect to the Internet without wires Explain how IP addresses and domain names work Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition 3

Network Basics Computer networks combine hardware, software, cables, and signals to allow communication and sharing Figure F-1: A network connects computers and peripherals Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition 4

Network Basics (continued) Sharing networked hardware reduces cost and expands access Sharing networked software reduces costs, facilitates share and enables collaboration Figure F-2: Networks help people collaborate Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Network Hardware Client/server network Server computer provides services and resources to client computers Figure F-4: Structure of a client/server network Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Network Hardware (continued) Peer-to-peer (P2P) networks Each computer is a client and a server Figure F-5: Structure of a peer-to-peer (P2P) network Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Network Hardware (continued) Network devices include: Modem Network hub Network switch Network router Gateway Figure F-6: Ethernet ports and connector Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Network Hardware (continued) Network interface card (NIC) Ethernet card NIC that supports Ethernet protocols Figure F-7: Ethernet adapters Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Wired and Wireless Networks- A Comparison Wired network Data travels over cables More secure Offers faster speeds Figure F-8: Cables and wireless router Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Wired and Wireless Networks- A Comparison (continued) Data travels through the air Offers mobility Figure F-9: Accessing a wireless connection outdoors Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Wired and Wireless Networks- A Comparison (continued) Wi-Fi card - a wireless NIC Wireless access point - device that transmits and receives wireless signals Figure F-11 Wi-Fi equipment Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Figure F-15: Set up an Ethernet network How to Set Up a Network Ethernet/wired network Figure F-15: Set up an Ethernet network Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

How to Set Up a Network (continued) Wireless network Set up the router Connect to the router with a computer Configure the router Figure F-16: Wireless router Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

How to Set Up a Network (continued) Wired and wireless network Figure F-17: Basic configuration for a combined wired and wireless network Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Figure F-20: Shared resources on a network computer How to Use a Network Windows automatically detects networks Click the workgroup name to access Figure F-20: Shared resources on a network computer Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

How to Use a Network (continued) Drive mapping assigns a drive letter to a network location Figure F-21: Drive mapping to share resources Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

How to Use a Network (continued) File Sharing allows network users to access files or folders on a networked computer Figure F-22: File sharing Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

How to Use a Network (continued) Networked printer sharing Figure F-23: Ways of connecting a printer to a network Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Wired Internet Connection Options Internet Service Provider (ISP) Figure F-24: Connecting your computer to the Internet Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Wired Internet Connection Options (continued) Digital subscriber line (DSL) provides high-speed Internet access of phone lines Figure E-26: DSL equipment Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Wired Internet Connection Options (continued) Cable Internet connection provides always-on broadband Internet access using cable television infrastructure Figure F-27: Connect to the Internet via cable service Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Wired Internet Connection Options (continued) Satellite Internet service provides always-on, high-speed, asymmetric Internet access Figure F-28: Connecting to the Internet via satellite service Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Wireless Internet Connection Options WiMAX (Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access) Can be used in rural areas Figure F-29: A WiMAX Tower Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Wireless Internet Connection Options (continued) Public Wi-Fi network provides open Internet access to the public Figure F-30: A public Wi-Fi hotspot Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Wireless Internet Connection Options (continued) Mobile broadband provides Internet access via cell phone Figure F-31: Using a phone for Internet access Figure F-32: Using a phone as a modem Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

IP Addresses and Domain Names IP address identify computers connected to the Internet Example: 204.127.129.001 Figure F-34: Network Connection Details dialog box Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

IP Addresses and Domain Names (continued) Domain names correspond to unique IP address and end with an extension indicating top-level domain Figure F-35: How domain names work Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Talking Points: Why Pay for Internet Access? Is free Internet access always legal? Data security Hackers can use unprotected wireless systems to steal financial information, download child pornography, etc. Unregulated network availability raises ethical, security, and privacy issues Free WLAN controversy Telecommunications giants vs. free WLAN advocates Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition

Summary This chapter introduced: Network Basics Network Hardware Wired and Wireless Networks-A Comparison How to Set Up a Network How to Use a Network Wired Internet Connection Options Wireless Internet Connection Options IP Addresses and Domain Names Computer Concepts – Illustrated 9th Edition