Principles of Networking
Networks are systems that are formed by links.
People use different types of networks every day:
Mail delivery system
Telephone system
Public transportation system
Corporate computer network
The Internet
Computers can be linked by networks to share data and
resources.
A network can be as simple as two computers
connected by a single cable or as complex as hundreds
of computers connected to devices that control the flow
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of information.
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Computer Networks
Network devices include:
Desktop and laptop computers
Printers and scanners
PDAs and Smartphones
File and print servers
Resources shared across networks include:
Services, such as printing or scanning
Storage devices, such as hard drives or optical drives
Applications, such as databases
Different types of network media:
Copper cabling
Fiber-optic cabling
Wireless connection
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Benefits of Networking
Fewer peripherals
needed
Increased
communication
capabilities
Avoid file duplication
and corruption
Lower cost licensing
Centralized
administration
Conserve resources
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Types of Networks
A computer network is identified by:
The type of media used to connect the devices
The type of networking
devices used
How the resources are
managed
How the network is
organized
How the data is stored
The area it serves
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Peer-to-Peer Networking
Share files, send messages, and print to a shared printer.
Each computer has similar capabilities and
responsibilities.
Each user decides which data and devices to share.
No central point of control in the network.
Best if there are ten or fewer computers.
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Disadvantages of Peer-to-Peer
Without centralized network administration, it is difficult
to determine who controls network resources.
Without centralized security, each computer must use
separate security measures for data protection.
More complex and difficult to manage as the number
of computers on the network increases.
Without centralized data storage, data backups must
be performed by users.
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Client/Server Network
Client/server network model provides security and
control for the network.
Client requests information or services from the server.
Server provides the requested information or service.
Servers are maintained by network administrators.
Data backups and security measures
Control of user access to network resources
Centralized storage and services include:
Data stored on a centralized file server
Shared printers managed by a print server
Users have proper permissions to access data or printers
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Networking Concepts and Technologies
A computer technician is required to configure and
troubleshoot computers on a network.
A computer technician should understand IP
addressing, protocols, and other network concepts.
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Bandwidth
amount of data that can
be transmitted within a
fixed time period
measured in bits per
second and is usually
denoted by the following:
bps - bits per second
Kbps - kilobits per
second
Mbps - megabits per
second
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