Overview

Introducing Computer Networks Network Fundamentals Local Area Networks (LANs) Wide Area Networks (WANs)

Computer Network
A collection of computers and related devices, connected in a way that allows them to share data, hardware, and software.
Network Interface Card (NIC) Network Operating System (NOS) Workstation Server Hub Router

Why Use a Network?

Share hardware resources
Hard drive space CD-ROM drives Modems Internet access Printers Copiers

Share applications

Why Use a Network?

Share data
Databases Many programs designed to allow workgroup collaboration

Connect people together

Email Instant Messenger

Network Fundamentals
Networks can be broken down into two components
Physical media Protocols

Physical Media
All the physical components needed to interconnect the network

Network Fundamentals
Two ways information is directed to its destination Circuit switching
Used in voice networks Virtual complete circuit between two points

Packet switching
Information broken down into pieces called packets These packets are sent across the network Routers guide these packets to their destination Each packet could possible take a different route to the destination

Network Fundamentals
Protocols
A set of standards (rules) that dictate exactly how two different components can communicate A group of protocols designed to work together is called a protocol suite
The most popular Internet protocol suite is TCP/IP

Network Fundamentals
Protocols
Network protocols are separated into layers
These layers of protocols are called a protocol stack Each layer has a specific function

Network Classifications
Local Area Network (LAN)
covers a relatively limited area such as a building.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

covers larger geographical areas

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Wearable computer communication Bluetooth: http://www.bluetooth.com

Network Classifications
Internet
A collection of local, regional, and national computer networks that are linked together to exchange data and distribute processing tasks.

Intranet
Private network limited to business or organization, that utilizes Internet technology (TCP/IP, HTTP).

Extranet
An Intranet made accessible to certain outside domains.

Local Area Networks (LANs)

Connect computers within a room, building, or a group of buildings Very fast communication speeds (100 Mbps and higher) Most popular LAN protocol is Ethernet

Local Area Networks (LANs)

Required hardware
Network interface card (NIC) Cable (if not wireless)
UTP (unshielded twisted pair) Coaxial cable Fiber optic cable

hub

Local Area Networks (LANs)

Required software
Operating system that supports networking
All newer Microsoft Windows Novell Linux Unix Macintosh

Local Area Networks (LANs)

Topologies
Bus Star Ring

Media access control (MAC)

How the LAN protocol governs access to the network Ethernet uses a first come first serve method Token Passing and CSMA/CD When two computers access at the same time its called a collision

Wide Area Networks (WANs)

WANs allow a organization to connect its computers in a private network throughout the country or globe The point of presence (POP) is a local point of access to a WAN
The organization connects to the WAN through a data line from the LEC

Wide Area Networks (WANs)

Backbone
Very high speed transmission lines

Public data network (PDN)

Companies that sell access to their WAN communication network

WAN protocols
X.25 Switched multimegabit data service (SMDS) Asynchronous transfer mode (ATM)

Communication
Media and Technology

Communications Network
Combination of hardware, A continuous, curving software, and connecting signal links that transport data. Digital Signal - Data
A signal represented by bits
Analog Signal - Voice

http://www.privateline.com/manual/threeA.html

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Communications Media
Bandwidth
The transmission capacity of a communications channel. Measured in Bits Per Second (Kbps, Mbps) Broadband: >256 Kbps (Ethernet / Cable Modem / DSL) Narrowband: < 256 Kbps (Dial-Up)

Cable Modem / DSL

11000101 11000101 11000101 11000101 11000101 11000101 11000101 11000101 11000101 11000101

11000101 Dial Up
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Communications Media
Twisted Pair Wire Cable (Narrowband)
Insulated pairs of wires historically used in telephone service and to connect computer devices.

Coaxial Cable (Broadband)

Used for Cable TV, Faster than Twisted Pair Consists of an inner conductor wire surrounded by a conductive shield, which is surrounded by a nonconductive jacket.

Fiber Optic Cable (Broadband)

Many extremely thin strands of glass or plastic bound together in a sheathing which transmits signals with light beams. Fastest Available
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Communications Media
Microwave Communications Line-of-sight devices which must be placed in relatively high locations.

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Communications Media
Satellite Transmission Communications satellites are relay stations that receive signals from one earth station and rebroadcast them to another.

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Communications Media
Wi-Fi Uses Radio Frequency (RF) Signals sent and received by transceivers equipped with an antenna used to provide broadband wireless connectivity.
http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/W/Wi_Fi.html http://news.com.com/2010-1071-954609.html http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/10.10/boingo.html http://www.boingo.com
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Communications Media

Infrared: Allows mobile devices to communicate wirelessly over short distances.

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Communications Media
Cellular Transmission Signals from cells are transmitted to a receiver and integrated into the regular network.

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Home Networking Technology

Ethernet Wired Network Home PNA
Uses telephone lines in house as a network special equipment needed to connect to telephone wall jack

Wireless
Use radio frequencies

Home Networking @ www.linksys.com Overview of Today's Options at zdnet.com http://www.zdnet.com/products/stories/reviews/0,4161,26 Intels home wireless products: http://www.intel.com/home/tech/wireless_lan.htm