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

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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

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

6. 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

7. 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

8. Types of Networks – Client/Server

9. 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

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

11. 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.

12. LANs and MANs
LAN
MAN

13. 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

14. Topologies – Backbone and Bus

15. Topologies – Star/Ring/Hybrid

16. 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 – services
Internet Services
Management Services – allows clients to managed from a single server or application

17. 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 +

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