Figure 1-2: Simple peer-to-peer network Computers communicate on single segment of cable and share each other’s data and devices Simple example of a local area network (LAN) Figure 1-2: Simple peer-to-peer network

Peer-to-Peer Network Simple to configure and require little expertise Less expensive than other setups Not very flexible solution Net very secure solution Not very practical for connecting more than a few computers Does not require NOS

Figure 1-3: LAN with a file server Networking Basics Figure 1-3: LAN with a file server

Figure 1-4: An example of a complex network Networking Basics Figure 1-4: An example of a complex network

Advantages of Server-Based over Peer-to-Peer Networks User login accounts and passwords can be assigned in one place Access to multiple shared resources can be centrally granted Servers are optimized to handle heavy processing loads and dedicated to handling requests from clients Servers can connect more than a handful of computers

MANs and WANs Metropolitan area network (MAN) Wide area network (WAN) Network connecting clients and servers in multiple buildings within limited geographic area Wide area network (WAN) Network that spans large distance and connects two or more LANs The Internet is an example of a very intricate and extensive WAN that spans the globe

WAN Figure 1-5: A simple WAN

Elements Common to All Server-Based Networks Client In addition to referring to a computer on the network, may also refers to human user of client workstation Server Workstation Network interface card (NIC) Enables workstation to connect to the network and communicate with other computers

Elements Common to All Server-Based Networks Figure 1-6: A network interface card (NIC)

Elements Common to All Server-Based Networks Network operating system (NOS) Host Server that manages shared resources Node Client, server, or other device that can communicate over a network and that is identified by a unique identifying number, known as its network address

Elements Common to All Server-Based Networks Topology Physical layout of computer network More detail in Ch. 5 Figure 1-7: Commonly used network topologies

Elements Common to All Server-Based Networks Protocol Rules network uses to transfer data Ensures data are transferred whole, in sequence, and without error (Ch. 3) Data Packets The distinct units of data transmitted from one computer to another on a network (Ch. 2/3)

Elements Common to All Server-Based Networks Addressing Scheme for assigning unique identifying number to every workstation on network The number that uniquely identifies each workstation and device on a network is its address (Ch. 2/3)

Elements Common to All Server-Based Networks Transmission media Means through which data are transmitted and received More detail in Ch. 4 Figure 1-8: Examples of network transmission media

How Networks Are Used Services Features provided by a network – most visible is e-mail File and print services Communications services (RAS) Mail services Internet services Management services

Network Services File services Print services Refers to capability of a server to share data files, applications, and disk storage space Server that provides file services is called a file server Print services Allows printers to be shared by several users on a network

Network Services Communications services Allow remote users to connect to a network Remote user Person working on a computer in a different geographical location from the LAN’s server Win 2K – Remote Access Server (RAS) Netware – Network Access Server (NAS) Communications server Server that runs communications services Also referred to as access servers and remote access servers

Network Services Mail services Internet services Coordinate storage and transfer of e-mail between users on a network May include a Gateway Combination of software and hardware enabling two different kinds of networks to exchange data Internet services Enable networks to communicate with the Internet

Network Services Management services Centrally administer and simplify complicated management tasks on the network Numerous services fall under category of network management

Important Management Services Traffic monitoring and control Traffic Data transmission and processing activity taking place on a computer network at any given time Segment Part of LAN that is logically separated from other parts of LAN and that shares fixed amount of traffic capacity

Important Management Services Load balancing Distributing process activity evenly across a network so that no single device is overwhelmed Hardware diagnosis and failure alert Determining when a network component fails and automatically notifying network administrators through e-mail or pager

Important Management Services Asset management Collecting and storing data on number and types of software and hardware assets in an organization’s network License tracking Determining how many copies of a single application are currently in use on a network

Important Management Services Security auditing Evaluating what security measures are currently in force and notifying network administrator if a security breach occurs Software distribution Automatically transferring data file or program from the server to a client on the network

Important Management Services Address management Centrally administering a finite number of network addresses for an entire LAN Backup and restoration of data Backing up Copying critical files to a secure storage area Restoring Retrieving data if original files are lost or deleted Covered more in depth in Ch. 12/13

Becoming a Network Professional Mastering the technical challenges Developing your “soft skills” Pursuing certification Finding a job in networking Joining professional associations

Mastering the Technical Challenges Specialty areas in high demand for networking professionals: Network security Internet and intranet design Network management Voice/data integration (VoIP) Remote and mobile computing

Mastering the Technical Challenges Specialty areas in high demand for networking professionals (cont.): Data integrity and fault tolerance In-depth knowledge of Microsoft networking products In-depth knowledge of NetWare networking products (decreasing) In-depth knowledge of router configuration and management (Cisco)

Developing Your “Soft Skills” Skills not easily measured but important to a networking career: Customer relations Oral and written communications Dependability Teamwork Leadership abilities

Pursuing Certification Process of mastering material pertaining to a particular hardware system, operating system, programming language, or other software program, then proving your mastery by passing a series of exams Computer Technology Association (CompTIA) An association that sets industry-wide standards for computer professionals

Pursuing Certification Certification established by CompTIA Verifies knowledge about PC operation, repair, and management Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) Certification established by Microsoft Demonstrates in-depth knowledge about Microsoft’s products Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) MCSE – designs networks; MCSA – administers networks

Pursuing Certification Certified NetWare Engineer (CNE) Certification established by Novell Demonstrates in-depth understanding of Novell’s networking software Network+ (Net+) Certification established by CompTIA Verifies broad, vendor-independent networking technology skills

Pursuing Certification Benefits of becoming certified include: Better salary Greater opportunities Professional respect Access to better support Good way to “prove” you have at least some knowledge of a specific skill Degree vs. certification debate

Finding a Job in Networking Search the Web Read the paper Visit a career center Network Attend career fairs

Finding a Job in Networking Table 1-1: Web sites with job databases

Joining Professional Associations Benefits can include: Connecting with people who have similar interests Providing new opportunities for learning Allowing access to specialized information Giving you tangible assets such as free goods

Joining Professional Associations Table 1-2: Web sites of networking organizations