1. Chapter 1: Introduction to Networking
Network+ Guide to Networks
Third Edition
Chapter 1: Introduction to Networking

2. Objectives
List the advantages of networked computing relative to standalone computing
Distinguish between client/server and peer-to-peer networks
List elements common to all client/server networks
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3. Objectives (continued)
Describe several specific uses for a network
Identify some of the certifications available to networking professionals
Identify the kinds of non-technical, or “soft,” skills that will help you succeed as networking professional
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4. A Network is:
A group of computers and other devices (such as printers) that are connected by some type of transmission media, such as copper or fiber-optic cable or the atmosphere, in the case of wireless transmission.
As small as two computers connected by a cable in a home office or as large as several thousand computers connected across the world via a combination of cable, phone lines, and satellite links.
Connecting personal computers, networks may link mainframe computers, printers, plotters, fax machines, and phone systems.
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5. Why Use Networks?
Manage or Administer resources on multiple computers from a central location
Networks—enable multiple users to share devices and resources such as:
Printers
Faxes
Programs and Files
Word Processing
Spread Sheets
Data Base
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6. Peer-to-peer Networks Client/Server Networks
Types of Networks
Peer-to-peer Networks
Client/Server Networks
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7. Peer-to-peer Networks
Simple to configure
Don’t need much technical expertise
Typically less expensive to setup
Suitable for environments where saving money is critical
Not very flexible
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8. Peer-to-peer Networks (continued)
Network+ Guide to Networks

9. Client/Server Networks
Servers facilitate communication and resource sharing between other computers on the network known as clients
Networks that use a server to enable clients to share data, data storage space, and devices is known as a client/server network
Computers on a client/server network act as a client or a server
To function as a server, a computer must be running a network operating system (NOS), a special type of software designed to manage data and other resources for a number of clients
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10. Client/Server Network (continued)
Network+ Guide to Networks

11. Advantages Over Peer-to-Peer Networks
Client Servers offer:
User login accounts and passwords for anyone on a server-based network can be assigned in one place
Access to multiple shared resources (such as data files or printers) can be centrally granted to a single user or groups of users
Problems on the network can be tracked, diagnosed, and often fixed from one location .
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12. Advantages Over Peer-to-Peer Networks (continued)
Servers are optimized to handle heavy processing loads and dedicated to handling requests from clients, enabling faster response time
Because of their efficient processing and larger disk storage, servers can connect more than a handful of computers on a network
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13. LANs, MANs, and WANs LAN – Local Area Network
MAN – Metropolitan Area Network
WAN – Wide Are Network
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14. Local Area Network (LAN)
A network of computers and other devices that is confined to a relatively small space, such as one building or even one office
Interconnected and rely on several servers running many different applications and managing resources other than data .
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15. Complex Network
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16. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A network that is larger than a LAN and connects clients and servers from multiple buildings
A MAN may use different transmission technology and media than a LAN because of the distance it covers .
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17. Wide Area Network (WAN)
A network that connects two or more geographically distinct LANs or MANs
WANs carry data over longer distances than LANs
WANs require slightly different transmission methods and media and often use a greater variety of technologies than LANs
Most MANs can also be described as WANs
WANs commonly connect separate offices in the same organization, whether they are across town or across the world from each other
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18. Wide Area Network (WAN) (continued)
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19. Elements Common To All Client Server Networks
Client. A computer on the network that requests resources or services from another computer on a network. In some cases, a client could also act as a server. he term “client” may also refer to the human user of a client workstation
Server. A computer on the network that manages shared resources and usually have more processing power, memory, and hard disk space than clients. They run network operating software that can manage not only data, but also users, groups, security, and applications on the network
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20. Elements Common To All Client Server Networks (continued)
Workstation. A desktop computer, which may or may not be connected to a network. Most clients are workstation computers
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21. Elements Common To All Client Server Networks (continued)
Network interface card (NIC). The device inside a computer that connects a computer to the network media, thus allowing it to communicate with other computers. Several companies (such as 3Com, IBM, Intel, SMC, and Xircom) manufacture NICs, which come with a variety of specifications that are tailored to the requirements of the workstation and the network. NICs are also known as network adapters
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22. Elements Common To All Client Server Networks (continued)
Network operating system (NOS). The software that runs on a server and enables the server to manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions
The most popular network operating systems are Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Novell NetWare, and UNIX
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23. Elements Common To All Client Server Networks (continued)
Host. A computer that enables resource sharing by other computers on the same network.
Node. A client, server, or other device that can communicate over a network and that is identified by a unique number, known as its network address
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24. Elements Common To All Client Server Networks (continued)
Topology. The physical layout of a computer network. Topologies vary according to the needs of the organization and available hardware and expertise. Networks are usually arranged in a ring, bus, or star formation; hybrid combinations of these patterns are also possible
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25. Network Topologies
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26. Elements Common To All Client Server Networks (continued)
Connectivity device. One of several types of specialized devices that allows two or more networks or multiple parts of one network to connect and exchange data
Protocol. A pre-determined method or format for exchanging data between computers. Protocols ensure that data are transferred whole, in sequence, and without error from one node on the network to another. To maintain and manage a network effectively, you must have a thorough understanding of network protocols
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27. Elements Common To All Client Server Networks (continued)
Data packets. The distinct units of data that are transmitted from one computer on a network to another. Breaking a large stream of data into many packets allows a network to deliver that data more efficiently and reliably
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28. Elements Common To All Client Server Networks (continued)
Addressing. The scheme for assigning a unique identifying number to every workstation and device on the network
Transmission media. The means through which data is transmitted and received. Transmission media may be physical, such as wire or cable, or atmospheric (wireless), such as radio waves
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29. Elements Common To All Client Server Networks (continued)
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30. How Networks Are Used
Functions provided by a network are usually referred to as network services
File and Print Services
File services: share data files, applications and disk storage space
Print services: share printers across a network
Communications Services
Allow remote users to connect to the network
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31. How Networks Are Used (continued)
Mail Services
Intercept or filter unsolicited
Find objectionable content
Route messages according to particular rules
Provide a Web-based client for checking
Notify if certain events occur
Schedule transmission, retrieval, storage, and maintenance functions
Communicate with mail servers on other networks
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32. How Networks Are Used (continued)
Internet Services
Web server to supply Web pages upon demand
Other Internet services include:
file transfer
Internet addressing schemes
security filters
means for directly logging on to other computers
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33. How Networks Are Used (continued)
Management Services
Centrally administer management tasks on the network
Traffic monitoring and control
Load balancing
Hardware diagnosis and failure alert
Asset management
License tracking
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34. How Networks Are Used (continued)
Centrally administer management tasks on the network (cont.)
Security auditing
Software distribution
Address management
Backup and restoration of data
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35. Becoming a Network Professional
Mastering the Technical Challenges
Acquire these skills:
Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network
Server and Client software and hardware
Understanding different transmission media
Understanding network design
Understanding network protocols
Understanding how users interact with the network
Constructing a network with clients, servers, media, and connectivity devices
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36. Becoming a Network Professional (continued)
Mastering the Technical Challenges (cont.)
Specialties in high demand:
Network security
Voice/data integration
In-depth knowledge about one or more NOSs
Network management
Internet and intranet design
Configuration and optimization of routers and switches
Centralized data storage and management for large-scale environments
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37. Becoming a Network Professional (continued)
Developing Your “Soft Skills”
Customer relations
Oral and written communications
Dependability
Teamwork
Leadership abilities
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38. Becoming a Network Professional (continued)
Pursuing Certification
Benefits to becoming certified:
Better salary
Greater opportunities
Professional respect
Access to better support
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39. Becoming a Network Professional (continued)
Finding a Job in Networking
Search the Web
Classified ad section of local newspaper
Visit a career center
Network with like-minded professionals
Attend career fairs
Enlist a recruiter
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40. Becoming a Network Professional (continued)
Joining Professional Associations
Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
Association for Information Technology Professionals
Chinese Information and Networking Association
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41. Becoming a Network Professional (continued)
IEEE Computer Society
Women in Technology International (WITI)
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42. Summary Network is a group of computers and other devices
Networks offer advantages
Peer-to-peer network, every computer can communicate directly with every other computer
Traditional peer-to-peer networks consist of two or more personal computers
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43. Summary (continued)
Traditional peer-to-peer networks are usually simple and inexpensive
Client/server networks rely on a centrally administered server
Client/server networks are more complex and expensive
Servers typically possess more processing power, hard disk space, and memory
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44. Summary (continued)
Local area network (LAN) is a network of computers and other devices
LANs can be connected to form wide area networks (WANs)
All client/server networks share some common elements
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45. Summary (continued)
Networks provide services for , printing, file sharing, Internet access, remote access capabilities, and network management
File and print services provide the foundation for networking
Networks use communications services to allow remote users to connect
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46. Summary (continued)
Mail services allow users on a network to exchange and store
Internet services enable organizations to connect to and use the global Internet
Network management services
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47. Summary (continued) Prepare yourself for a networking career
Certification is the process of mastering material
Hone your soft skills
Joining an association for networking professionals
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