NETWORK

• Are multiple computers linked together to make simultaneous

information sharing and exchange by multiple users. Computer
network makes it possible for its connected users to share tools,
resources and information. Resources include data, printers,
internet servers and software applications.

• 3 Basic Network Categories

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)
NETWORK

1. Local Area Network

(LAN)

• The smallest of the 3

network types

• Consists of PCs
connected together
within a limited area
(same building, floor or
department)

• Good for small to

medium businesses
NETWORK

2. Metropolitan Area
Network (MAN)

• A network that spans no

more than 50 miles. It is
designed to connect
LANs spanning a town
or city
NETWORK

3. Wide Area Network

(WAN)

• Used to distribute
information thousand of
miles among thousand
of users.
• A WAN spans cities to
countries and even
continents
• WANs can be
connected to existing
networks to form an
inter-network (internet)
Network Terms
• Network Server – a powerful computer whose sole purpose is to serve
network clients. Servers run network – controlling software and provide
workstations with requested resources.
Hosts – any computer whether mainframe, server or even a PC that acts
as an information source on a network. Essentially, any computer that
has an TCP/IP network address can be a host. Even a workstation can
be a host because it can act as a network information source.
Peers – any computer sharing the same protocol layer with another
computer. When two computers share resources, security levels and
user group, they are considered peers.
Workstation – is any network computer that connects to and requests
resources from a network
• Protocol – refers to the specific standards governing the sending ands
receiving of data. Data transmission system follow predetermined rules
so data travels in universally accepted manner, because there are
different computer languages, protocols have been developed.
2 Types of Network Architecture

• 1. Peer to Peer – no
centralized computer oversees
the networks, no server, and
computers simply connect with
each other in a workgroup to
share files, printers and
Internet access
2 Types of Network Architecture

• Client / Server – use a

network OS to manage the
entire network. There is
usually a Domain Controller,
which all of the computers log
on to. WSs requests
information- a file, for example-
from a server. The server
provides the requested
information. This server can
provide various services,
including centrally routed
Internet Access, mail, file
sharing and printer access.
Network Media – any material that transport data in any way or
form. When data is sent over a network, it travels through wires,
cables or cords. The physical means through which a network data
travels is called media

RJ45 CONNECTOR
• 1. UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) – the least expensive and most
popular network media.
– Advantage: Special coating that shrinks in high fire temperature
eliminating toxic fumes
– Disadvantage: lack of insulation, which makes the cable susceptible
to electrical interference
•2. STP (Shielded Twisted Pair) – is twisted, plastic coated, sheath-wrapped
copper wire. The main difference of UTP and STP is the STPs aluminum or
polyester shielding surrounding individual wires allowing STP to reduce or eliminate
interference
3. Fiber Optic – are thin, glass strand that carry light waves and are wrapped by an
outer, protective sheath. Interpreted by computer as data, the light waves in a
fiber optic can travel great distances and deliver vast amounts of data. Fiber optic
cabling systems are extremely powerful and efficient but quite expensive
4. Coaxial cable – commonly used by cable TV. A center cable is insulated
by plastic or foam, wrapped in a copper mesh wire and sheathed in a
plastic or rubber jacket. Coaxial cable is relatively inexpensive to
produce and install.
 Network Hardware
1. Network Interface Card (NIC) – a printed circuit board, an adapter
that plugs into the computer’s motherboard when connected with a
network cable, provides a physical link between your computer and
the network. Its main function is to convert computer data into cable-
transmittable data, and provide a connection to network media
2. Network Hub – a hardware device that all PCs on a network are
connected to by cabling. The hub manages receiving and
transmitting data from network devices. It allows data to flow on and
off the network between printers, computers and other devices by
sharing the lanes of traffic
3. Wireless Hub – it works by converting network signals to radio
frequencies and back to network signals at the receiving computer
Kinds of HUBS
• Standalone Hub – are single products with a number of ports. The
least expensive kinds of hub. Typically with fewer than 12 users per
LAN
Stackable Hubs – work just like standalone hubs, except that several
of them can be “stacked” (connected) together. When they are
connected together, they act like a modular hub because they can
be managed as a single unit
• Modular Hubs – popular in networks because they are easily expanded
and always have a management option. Purchased as a chassis or card
cage with several card slots, each of which accepts a communication
card or module. Each module acts like a standalone hub.
 3 Basic HUB Types
1. Passive Hub – simply connects various cables
2. Active Hub – amplify or boost signals
3. Intelligent Hub – select which path a specific signal will travel

Intelligent Hub

Active Hub

Passive Hub
4. Repeater – a device that strengthen signals and allow them to stay clear
over longer distance
2 Basic Types of Repeater
• 1. Amplifiers – strengthen an incoming signal to make the signal
stronger and more powerful, unfortunately the accompanying noise is
also amplified
• 2. Signal Generators – a device that work by receiving and rebuilding
signals, then re-transmitting the signal with fresh power
Network Bridge – divides network into smaller, more manageable sections
helping reduce network traffic. Data signals arriving at a bridge contain
information about their destinations. The network bridge allows only specific
information to travel over certain paths. When a signal arriving at a bridge does
not posses the appropriate address it is filtered out completely.
Network Switch – makes a
simple do / don’t decision on
which packets to send across
two segments they connect. It
helps determine how data
moves over very large
networks. It works like a
stoplight at a busy intersection.
It allows data to travel in its own
lane of traffic.

3 Types of Network Switches

1. Circuit Switch – establish a
single, direct data route
2. Message Switch – store
data, forwarding the information
when possible
3. Packet Switch – combine
circuit and message switching
technology dividing long
messages into smaller ones
called “Packages”
Router – a device that forwards data packets between Local or Wide
Area Network groups. Using routing tables and protocols, routers
read a signal’s network address and decides its most expedient route