Chapter 1: Introduction to Networking

Objectives

List the advantages of networked computing

relative to standalone computing

Distinguish between client/server and peer-topeer networks

List elements common to all client/server

networks

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

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.

Why Use Networks?

Manage or Administer resources on multiple

computers from a central location Networksenable multiple users to share devices and resources such as:

Printers Faxes Programs and Files Word Processing Spread Sheets Data Base

Types of Networks

Peer-to-peer Networks Client/Server Networks

Peer-to-peer Networks

Simple to configure Dont need much technical expertise Typically less expensive to setup Suitable for environments where saving
money is critical

Not very flexible

Peer-to-peer Networks (continued)

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

Client/Server Network (continued)

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

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

LANs, MANs, and WANs

LAN Local Area Network

MAN Metropolitan Area Network WAN Wide Are Network

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

Complex Network

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

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

Wide Area Network (WAN) (continued)

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

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

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

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

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

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

Network Topologies

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

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

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

Elements Common To All Client Server Networks (continued)

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

How Networks Are Used (continued)

Mail Services

Intercept or filter unsolicited e-mail Find objectionable content Route messages according to particular rules Provide a Web-based client for checking e-mail Notify if certain events occur Schedule e-mail transmission, retrieval, storage, and

maintenance functions Communicate with mail servers on other networks

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

How Networks Are Used (continued)

Management Services
network

Centrally administer management tasks on the

Traffic monitoring and control Load balancing Hardware diagnosis and failure alert Asset management License tracking

How Networks Are Used (continued)

Centrally administer management tasks on the
network (cont.)

Security auditing Software distribution Address management Backup and restoration of data

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

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 largescale environments

Becoming a Network Professional (continued)

Developing Your Soft Skills

Customer relations

Oral and written communications

Dependability

Teamwork
Leadership abilities

Becoming a Network Professional (continued)

Pursuing Certification

Benefits to becoming certified:

Better salary Greater opportunities Professional respect Access to better support

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

Becoming a Network Professional (continued)

Joining Professional Associations

Association for Computing Machinery (ACM)
www.acm.org www.aitp.org

Association for Information Technology Professionals

Chinese Information and Networking Association

www.cina.org

Becoming a Network Professional (continued)

IEEE Computer Society

www.computer.org www.witi.org

Women in Technology International (WITI)

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

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

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

Summary (continued)

Networks provide services for e-mail, 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

Summary (continued)

Mail services allow users on a network to exchange and store e-mail Internet services enable organizations to connect to and use the global Internet Network management services

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