CPMT 1449 Computer Networking Technology – Lesson 1 CPMT 1449 Computer Networking Technology – Lesson 1.1-Chapter 1 An Introduction to Networking

Learning Objectives List the advantages of networked computing relative to stand-alone computing Distinguish between Client/Server and Peer-to- Peer networks List elements common to all Client/Server networks Describe several specific uses for a network Identify some of the certifications available to networking professionals Identify the kinds of skills and specializations that will help you excel as a networking professional

Why Use Networks? Before we can know why we use networks we have to have the definition of a network What is a network? A collection of devices that communicate together The electronic and digital fabric that ties not only business, but personal applications together The main reason we use networks is to share resources Stand-alone computers had to use what was and is commonly referred to as the “sneakernet” The sneakernet describes the stand-alone computers share data…someone physically takes the storage media from one computer to another.

Types of Networks – Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Simplest form of a network All computers can directly communicate each other No one computer has more authority than an other Traditional peer-to-peer networks consisted of 2 or more computers with modest computer processing capabilities

Types of Networks – Peer-to-Peer (P2P)

Types of Networks – P2P Advantages and Disadvantages Simple to configure Less expensive to maintain Disadvantages Not a flexible network Not as secure - Uses shared folders Not practical for large networks

Types of Networks – Client/Server Uses a central computer called a server which facilitates communication to clients The server normally has more processing power, storage capacity, and memory than clients Servers may also contain management software to help control and monitor the clients and resources Servers may also provide identification, authentication, authorization, and other security features Clients are normally computers that are called workstations All clients rely on the server to share resources with other clients. Clients do not communicate directly to each other. Clients connect to the server normally through a network switch

Types of Networks – Client/Server

Types of Networks – Client/Server Advantages Logon accounts and passwords can now be stored and managed at the server Access to multiple shared resources can now be centrally granted to a single user or groups of users Network problems can be monitored, diagnosed, and sometimes fixed from one location Servers are optimized to handle much more processing loads and are dedicated to handling requests from clients which enables faster response times Particularly suited for large networks

Elements Common to Client/Server Networks Workstations hosts Servers Network Interface Cards (NIC) Network Operating System (NOS) Node Connectivity devices

LANs and MANs Networks are classified by size Local Area Network (LAN) - small Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - bigger Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a LAN and a MAN In the scheme of small and bigger, what defines small and what defines bigger? It is this logic that sometimes convolutes clarity when it comes to LANs and MANs. A very simple way to remember the difference between a LAN and a MAN is to think of an institution such as a college campus. The campus is made up of several buildings, offices and departments. A LAN is represented in this case by a floor in the building. Inside the building there could be several LANs just as there are several floors in a building. The campus represents the MAN. All of the LANs that are common to the campus make up the MAN. In most cases LANs and MANs can be distinguished by the different transmission types and media.

LANs and MANs LAN MAN

Wide Area Networks Connects two or more geographically separated LANs or MANs There is little or no difference in MANs and WANs, in fact, most network professionals only use the terms LAN and WAN

Topologies – Backbone and Bus

Topologies – Star/Ring/Hybrid

How Networks Are Used Network Services – Are functions or services that the network provides The common services and functions are listed below File and Print Services – allows file sharing and printer sharing Access Services – allows remote users to connect to the network Communication Services – functions include phone, fax, video, cell phone, PDAs, and the most visible – email services Internet Services Management Services – allows clients to managed from a single server or application

Becoming a Network Professional There are hundreds of networking positions available in today’s workforce. These positions required different levels of education, experience, and dedication. The first step in moving toward this career field is mastering the technical aspects. These include: Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting client/server hardware and software Knowing the characteristics of the different transmission media Understanding network design and protocols How user interact with the network Constructing complex networks On top of mastering these challenges, certifications are highly regarded in the industry. Some of the certifications include: CompTIA Network + CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, CCIE CompTIA Security +

End of Presentation For more information on this lesson, See Chapter 1 in the text book or email the Professor **All Slides and graphics were produced by Professor Patrick Hughes**