1. 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

2. 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

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

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

5. 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

6. 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

7. WAN
Figure 1-5: A simple WAN

8. 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

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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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)

13. 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)

14. 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

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

16. 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

17. 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

18. Network Services Mail services Internet services
Coordinate storage and transfer of 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

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

20. 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

21. 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 or pager

22. 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

23. 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

24. 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

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

26. 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

27. 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)

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

29. 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

30. 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

31. 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

32. 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

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

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

35. 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

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