Communications & Computer Networks Resource Notes - Introduction Technology ICT Communications & Computer Networks Resource Notes - Introduction

Introduction Local area networks (LAN’s) are computers connected together for the purpose of sharing. This sharing can include:   Files and folders Printers Scanners Internet connection etc.

Introduction There are two main Types of LAN: 1. Workgroup:    1. Workgroup: All the computers are of equal status (peers) There is no controlling computer Share level access is used Works well for small LAN’s

Introduction Domain: A Server is used to control access to the network It also controls the sharing of resources User Account is needed to access the network Resources are shared with named users or groups Permissions are set to control the amount of access  

Introduction 3. Servers Many server types Individual servers can be used One server can perform many functions Domain Controller File server Application server Mail server Print server Proxy server  

Introduction Domain Controller A server holding a copy of the Active Directory Active Directory - database holding information about users, groups, computers and network resources in the domain File Server Provides a location for shared folders and files Domain Controller usually carries out the functions of the file server Application Server Set up to run specific applications Could be one application or a number of applications E.g.: large database - many users, a separate server may be required to take the load of the domain controller Application server runs database - DC runs active directory

Introduction Mail Server: Large networks - email throughput very large large Separate server needed to handle the task. Usually, a mail server is a software application run on a domain controller, a file server or an application server   Print Server: A server - controls the printers on the network Modern printers can have print server functions built in Printer can be connected to the network directly Proxy Server: Acts as am intermediary between the clients and the Internet Keeps the client computers anonymous for security reasons Caches web pages to speed up Internet access for the clients Filters Internet content