1. Understanding How Networks Communicate

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We Will Learn:
Basic networked communications and services
Components essential to a network
Determine limitations of area networks
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4. Define Networking
Connecting computers to share information and resources
Involving physical connections and software
Vital to modern-day workplace
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Fundamentals
In it’s basic form, two computers connected with a cable
Data is shared efficiently
Offers access to peripheral devices: printers, scanners, fax machines
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Why Use a Network?
Groups of users share and exchange data
Communication is easier
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7. Standalone and Sneakernet
Standalone computer
Single computer not attached to a network
Cannot match power and convenience of network
“Sneakernet”
Passing floppy disk from machine to machine
Old alternative to networking
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8. LANS and Internetworks
Early networks – custom-built, expensive, severe restrictions
Early Ethernet – no more than 30 users with total span of 607 feet
Local area network (LAN) – works within limited geographic area
Building block for constructing larger networks, called internetworks
Internetwork – network 100 or more computers at distances in excess of 1000 feet
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WANS and the Internet
Wide area network (WAN) – spans distances measured in miles; links two or more separate LANS
Metropolitan area network (MAN) – uses WAN technology to interconnect LANs within a specific geographic region
Internet – global WAN internetwork; includes millions of machines and users worldwide
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Networking Lexicon
Must understand specialized networking vocabulary, including
Server — shares resources across network, typically with more central processing unit (CPU) power and storage capacity than other computers
Client — accesses shared resources
Request-response — client requests information; server responds by providing information
Client-server relationship — see Figure 1-3
Peer-to-peer — computers share and request resources from one another
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Network Medium
Computers share access to common network medium that carries signals from one computer to another
Medium may be physical cable, such as twisted pair, coaxial, or fiber-optic
Medium may be wireless
Physical interface to medium is usually network interface card (NIC) or network adapter
Kind of medium dictates type of connector and limits number and type of devices as well as distance a single LAN can span
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Protocols
Network protocols – a common set of rules
Define how to interpret signals, identify individual computers, initiate and end networked communication, and manage information exchange across network medium
Include TCP/IP, NetBEUI, IPX/SPX, and NWLink
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Software
Network software issues requests and responses
Network operating system (NOS) controls which computers and users access network resources
Include both client and server components
Popular NOSs include Windows .NET Server, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows NT, and Novell NetWare
Network applications access the network
Include programs, web browsers, and network-oriented utilities
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Post-Secondary Options: Life after high school
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Network Services
Services include file and print services, file-sharing, , and other capabilities
Network communications are layered
Network applications use NOS or client networking software to get network protocol to access medium
Medium exchanges information with other computers
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Network Process
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Summary
Basic elements of networks include networking medium (cabling) and computers with physical interface (network adapter) to medium
Computers must also have network protocol and network software to send and receive messages across network
Network services include file sharing, printing, , and other messaging services
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