ICS 2306 : COMPUTER

NETWORKS
Chapter 6
Network Hardware
SCOPE AND COVERAGE
 This topic will cover:
 Network hardware

Network Hardware
 Hardware selection
 Creating a network

 Learning Outcomes
 By the end of this topic, students will be able to:
 Select the hardware components of a network
 Assemble the necessary hardware components to create a
network according to a design specification
 Test the connectivity of a network
 Troubleshoot client-side connectivity issues using appropriate
tools
A SIMPLE NETWORK
 A simple network could consist of two computers connected
by a transmission medium.

Network Hardware
 Foreven a small business, it is likely that something more
complex is required, including:

 Several computers
 Peripheral devices

 Connection to the Internet

WIRELESS OR PHYSICAL MEDIA
 Advantagesto both systems
 Depends upon many factors:

Network Hardware
 Need for mobility within network
 Requirements for ad hoc devices

 Geography of network
 This topic looks at networks that use physical cables.
PEER-TO-PEER VS. SERVER-CLIENT
 A decision must be made as to whether a peer-to-peer
network or server network is required.
 Very small networks can be peer-to-peer.

Network Hardware
 Larger networks should be server based

 More than 10 users

 Heavy network use

 Security is important.
CONTROLLING NETWORK TRAFFIC
 A key feature of any network is the control of the traffic
between nodes.
 A number of devices can be utilised to efficiently pass signals

Network Hardware
around the network:
 Repeaters
 Hubs

 Bridges

 Switches

 Routers

 Gateways
REPEATERS
 On the physical layer of the OSI model
 Extend the distance a signal can travel over a network
segment

Network Hardware
 Analogue devices that connect two cable segments
 Signal is received on one segment
 Amplified and sent along the other segment
 No intelligence:

 Deals in volts not packets, headers, etc

HUBS
 On the physical layer of the OSI model
 Connect nodes together in a physical star topology

Network Hardware
 Echo data coming in to all other connected nodes
 Do not have addressing capability
 Can cut off problem nodes, e.g.

 Cable break
 Flooding network with traffic
 Can have internal bus or ring topology
 Does not prevent collisions
BRIDGES
 On the data link layer of the OSI model
 Like an “intelligent hub” that routes messages between two
LANs

Network Hardware
 When a message arrives, the bridge software looks at the
header to find the destination.
 Message is then routed to the correct LAN by using its
routing tables.
 Typically allows four or eight input lines
 Modern hubs also act as bridges.
SWITCHES
 On the data link layer of the OSI model
 Route messages based on header address

Network Hardware
 Establishes a one-to-one connection between two ports
 A switch contains many ports.
 Usually, each port links to an individual computer.
ROUTERS
 Routers use software to choose an output line for an
incoming message.
 Connects two or more networks

Network Hardware
 The message is stored until complete.
 Routing algorithms are used to determine the next
destination.
 The message is forwarded.
GATEWAYS
 Gateways are used to connect two computers using different
transport protocols.

Network Hardware
 Capable of taking packets from one format and translating
them into packets in a different format.

 Because they translate data, there is a processing time

required to do this.
PCS AND LAPTOPS
 Computers are required on the network.
 The specification and model required is largely dependent
upon what the computers will be used for.

Network Hardware
 Computers require a network adapter in order to link into a
network

 Included in modern computers

 USB adapters are available if a computer does

not have one.

SERVERS
 A server is a computer or series of computers that provides
services across the network.
 The server is at the centre of a network.

Network Hardware
 Most large networks with more than a few dozen
workstations rely on several network servers.
 The requirements of the server hardware are determined by
size of network, network operations, network operating
system, etc.
SPECIALIST SERVERS
 It is possible to assign servers to specific roles such as:
 Application servers

Network Hardware
 Communication servers

 Domain controllers/directory servers

 Fax servers

 File servers

 Print servers

 Mail servers

 Web servers
PEER-TO-PEER V SERVER-CLIENT
 Before choosing equipment, decide on what type of network
is required

Network Hardware
 Do you need a server?
 Very small networks can be peer-to-peer.
 Larger networks should be server based

 More than 10 users

 Heavy network use

 Security is important.
PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKS - 1

Network Hardware
PEER-TO-PEER NETWORKS - 2
 Works well in small networks
 Every user acts as a network administrator.

Network Hardware
 Are flexible but can become chaotic as they grow
 Security can be a major concern as it is difficult to enforce
security across the whole network.
 Computers can be grouped into workgroups.
 As the network grows, it can be very difficult to manage.
ADVANTAGES OF PEER-TO-PEER
 Easy to install and configure
 Users control their own shared resources.

Network Hardware
 Inexpensive to purchase and operate
 Need no additional equipment or software
 No dedicated administrators are needed.
DISADVANTAGES OF PEER-TO-PEER
 Security applied resource by resource
 May need as many passwords as there are shared resources
 Each PC must be backed up to protect shared data.

Network Hardware
 PC performance is reduced when a shared resource is
accessed.
 No centralised approach to store or control access to data.
 No access to a resource if PC storing it is unavailable
CLIENT-SERVER NETWORKS - 1

Network Hardware
CLIENT-SERVER NETWORKS - 2
 Works well in larger networks
 Central server provides services and files

Network Hardware
 Server-based networks are the most common.
 Servers can have specific functions, e.g.

 File
 Print
 Clients may be standard PCs or thin-clients with no storage
media.
ADVANTAGES OF CLIENT-SERVER
 Network administration simplified by centrally controlled
user accounts, security, etc.
 More efficient access to resources

Network Hardware
 Server hardware design is more robust
 A single password gives access to network-wide resources.
 Used for networks with 10 or more users or any networks
with high usage
DISADVANTAGES OF CLIENT-SERVER
 Server failure causes major problems:

Network Hardware
 May make whole network unusable
 Will at least result in loss of network resources
 Complex server software

 Requires allocating expert staff

 Increases costs
 Dedicated hardware and specialised software add to the cost
of server-based networking.
SMALL BUSINESS
 A typical small business may be characterised by:
 Having 100 computers or less
 Being located in a single building

Network Hardware
 Not needing a complex and restrictive security
policy
 Not encrypting network data
 Requiring a simple Internet connection
 Remember all businesses are not the same:
 Some may have highly complex machines
(engineering)
 Some will need complex security (personal
and/or financial data)
SMALL BUSINESS NETWORKS
 Use a server if budget allows
 Designate few computers as file-sharing computers
 Users have their own home directory on the server.

Network Hardware
 Users may have read-only access to each other’s home
directory to facilitate file sharing.
 Common folders with access for all users
 Applications can be shared across a network.
 Applications can be installed on a network file server and run
from workstations.
SHARING PERIPHERALS
 Networking allows hardware sharing as well as software and
file sharing.
 Printers can be shared in a network

Network Hardware
 A typical issue in small businesses is sharing
personal printers attached directly to a user’s
PC
 Better: connect a printer directly to the network
 Scanners can also be shared
INTERNAL COMMUNICATION
 Userscan use the network to communicate with each other in
many ways:

Network Hardware
 Email
 Instant messaging

 Calendar sharing

 Whiteboard sharing

 Video conferencing
 These functions are also available via the Internet.
BUYING EQUIPMENT
 Much network equipment is aimed at large companies.
 A small business will not generally require such high
specification equipment.

Network Hardware
 A typical small business might require:

 One or two servers

 A few dozen workstations

 A few switches

 A router to connect to the Internet

BUYING COMPUTERS - 1
 Many large manufacturers have small business sections to
help.

Network Hardware
 Some general rules are:

 Buy the best that the budget allows, to meet the

business needs of the next 2-3 years
 The ability to expand memory and storage is

important
BUYING COMPUTERS - 2
 General rules (cont.)

– Look for fault-tolerant storage solutions, use

Network Hardware
RAID technology on servers
– Business computers offer more than home
computers
– May get discount for multiple purchases
WIRING CONNECTIONS
 Always use network jacks at the work area wired to a patch
panel in the wiring closet

Network Hardware
 Never run cables from the back of the computer
directly to the hub or switch
 Category 5e or 6 (ideally) cable should be used.
 Use switches instead of hubs

 speed, support for multiple media types.

 Ensure the network is secure.
LARGER BUSINESSES
 Requirelarger networks
 Networks can be made larger by:

Network Hardware
Physically expanding a current network to
support additional computers
Segmenting the network into smaller pieces to

filter and manage network traffic

Extending the network to connect separate LANs.
 Many devices can accomplish these tasks

 Repeaters, bridges, switches, routers and

gateways
NETWORK TROUBLESHOOTING
 Network problems can come from a number of areas:

 Cabling and components

Network Hardware
 Fluctuations in power

 Upgrades to network components

 General performance (data transfer rates)

CABLING & COMPONENTS
 Problems with cables or computers
 Use the same type of UTP cable throughout the network
 Check cable lengths to make sure you do not exceed the

Network Hardware
maximum length limitation.
 Check for faulty or misconfigured NICs

 If the NIC seems functional and you are using

TCP/IP, use Ping to check connectivity to other
computers
POWER FLUCTUATIONS
 Power fluctuations in a building can adversely affect
computers.
 Verify that servers are functioning

Network Hardware
 If there is a power outage, it takes a few minutes for servers
to come back online.
 Eliminate effects of power fluctuations by connecting devices
to UPSs.
 Some packages perform shutdowns automatically if there are
power issues.
NETWORK UPGRADES
 Adding new network devices may cause problems.
 Keep software current and do one upgrade at a time.

Network Hardware
 Test upgrades before deploying on your production network.
 Do not forget to tell users about upgrades.
NETWORK PERFORMANCE
 Determine if there is anything different since the network last
functioned normally:

Network Hardware
 New equipment
 New applications
 Check network users:

 New users
 Game playing/videos
 Check for equipment that may cause interference.
TROUBLESHOOTING METHOD
1. Determine what the problem is
2. Gather relevant information

Network Hardware
3. Consider possible causes
4. Devise a potential solution
5. Implement the solution
6. Test the solution
7. Document the solution
8. Implement methods to prevent reoccurrence
TROUBLESHOOTING TOOLS
 Experience
 Data sources (Internet, manuals)

Network Hardware
 Network documentation
 Digital voltmeters
 Time-domain reflectometers
 Cable testers
 Network monitors
 Protocol analysers
REFERENCES
 Hallberg B. (2009). Networking, A Beginner's Guide, 5th
edition. McGraw-Hill Osborne.
 Tanenbaum, A.S. & Weatherall, D.J. (2010). Computer

Network Hardware
Networks, 5th edition. Pearson Education.
 Tomsho G. (2006). Guide to Networking Essentials, 5th
edition. Course Technology.