lesson 17
Networking
Basics
This lesson includes the following sections:
• The Uses of a Network
• How Networks are Structured
• Network Topologies for LANs
• Network Media and Hardware
• Network Software
The Uses of a Network
A network connects computers so they can communicate,
exchange information, and share resources.
The main benefits of using a network are:
• Simultaneous Access
• Shared Peripheral Devices
• Personal Communication
• Easier Backup
The Uses of a Network -
Simultaneous Access
• In organizations, many people may need to use the
same data or programs. A network solves this
problem.
• Shared data and programs can be stored on a
central network server. A server that stores data
files may be called a file server.
• Managers may assign access rights to users. Some
users may only be able to read data, others may be
able to make changes to existing files.
Read/write
Read only
The Uses of a Network -
Shared Peripheral Devices
• Because peripheral (external) devices like printers
can be expensive, it is cost-effective to connect a
device to a network so users can share it.
• Through a process called spooling, users can send
multiple documents (called print jobs) to a
networked printer at the same time. The documents
are temporarily stored on the server and printed in
turn.
The Uses of a Network -
Personal Communication
• One of the most common uses of networks is for
electronic mail (e-mail).
• An e-mail system enables users to exchange written
messages (often with data files attached) across the
local network or over the Internet.
• Two other popular network-based communications
systems are teleconferencing and videoconferencing.
1 2 3 4
The Uses of a Network - Easier Backup
• Networks enable managers to easily back up (make
backup copies of) important data.
• Administrators commonly back up shared data files
stored on the server, but may also use the network to
back up files on users' PCs.
How Networks are Structured
• Local Area Networks (LANs)
• Wide Area Networks (WANs)
• Server-Based Networks
• Client/Server Networks
• Peer-to-Peer Networks
How Networks are Structured –
Local Area Networks (LANs)
• A LAN is a network whose computers are located
relatively near one another. The nodes may be
connected by a cable, infrared link, or small
transmitters.
• A network transmits data among computers by
breaking it into small pieces, called packets.
• Every LAN uses a protocol – a set of rules that
governs how packets are configured and
transmitted.
How Networks are Structured –
Wide Area Networks (WANs)
• Multiple LANs can be connected together using
devices such as bridges, routers, or gateways, which
enable them to share data.
• A WAN is two or more LANs connected together.
The LANs can be many miles apart.
• To cover great distances, WANs may transmit data
over leased high-speed phone lines or wireless links
such as satellites.
Type A
header
Payload Type A
header
Payload
ROUTER ROUTER
Significant
geographical
SERVER distance SERVER
Type A
header
Payload
LAN 1 LAN 2
WAN
How Networks are Structured –
Server-Based Networks
• In addition to the individual users' PCs (nodes),
many networks use a central computer, called a
server.
• A server has a large hard disk for shared storage. It
may provide other services to the nodes, as well.
• In a file server network, nodes can access files on the
server, but not necessarily on other nodes.
A gateway performs the translation
between two different types of networks.
3
How Networks are Structured –
Client/Server Networks
• In client/server computing, individual nodes share the
processing and storage workload with the server.
• Client/server networks require specialized software
that enables nodes and the server to collaborate on
processing and storage, but no special type of network
hardware.
1 3
2
How Networks are Structured –
Peer-to-Peer Networks
• In a peer-to-peer network, all nodes have an equal
relation to one another.
• Each node usually has access to some resources on
other nodes, so users can share files, programs, or
devices on other users' systems.
• Some peer-to-peer networks use a server, but some
do not.
Network Topologies for LANs
A network's topology is the layout of the cables and
devices that connect the nodes. The four most common
network topologies are:
• Bus. Each node is connected in series along a
single conduit.
• Star. All nodes are connected to a central hub.
• Ring. Nodes are connected in a circular chain,
with the conduit beginning and ending at the
same computer.
• Mesh. Each node has a separate connection to
every other node.
Network Media and Hardware
• In a network, the media are the wires, cables and other
means by which data travels from its source to its
destination.
• The most common network media are twisted-pair
cable, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable, and wireless
links.
• Each node uses a special device, called a network
interface card (NIC). The card connects to the
network media and controls the flow of data.
• NICs must use a common network technology to
communicate. The most popular network technologies
for LANs are Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, and Token Ring.
Network Software
A network operating system (NOS) is the group of
programs that manages the resources on a network.
Common network operating systems for PC-based
networks include:
• Novell NetWare
• Microsoft Windows NT Server
• Microsoft Windows 2000
• Banyan VINES
• AppleShare
• Linux
lesson 17 review
• List the four benefits of using a network.
• Differentiate between LANs and WANs.
• Identify three common network topologies.
• Name four common network media.
• List four examples of network operating systems.