Dr. GUVEN Aerospace Engineer (P.hD) Nuclear Science and Technology Engineer (M.Sc) What is a Network? • As the demands on IT systems and computers have grown, the need to share resources to create an overall working system has emerged. • Network is the concept of having more then one computer, hardware devices, software and communication devices working in tandem with each other for a common purpose. Network Materials • Network consists of the following materials: - Computers (Desktop, Server, Mainframe) - Printers and other devices connected for common use - Communications Media for connecting these devices (Hubs, Switches, Routers, Modems) - Software for allowing for the system to work together - Protocols for determining how the data is transmitted and how the applications are priotorized and how the rights are determined Types of Computer Networks • There are mainly two types of computer network types for computer systems - Local Area Network - Wide Area Network Local Area Network (LAN) • Local Area Network connects two or more communicating devices within a building or within nearby buildings. • Every user on LAN has the potential to communicate with every other device • LAN allows large number of corporate users to share resources such as printers, programs, storage devices and data files • LAN users can have a common access to corporate information which can allow for productivity LAN How to Connect LAN Devices? • LAN consists of cabling or wireless technology linking individual devices, network interface cards (adapters that allow for network cables to be interfaced with computers) and software to control LAN activities • Hub / Switch connects more then one device in a nearby area. • Bridge connects two networks of the same type • Router connects LAN to Wide Area Network. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) • WLAN technologies provide LAN connectivity, typically limited to less then 150 meters, usually within one building. • Wi-fi is the usage of radio technology to create internet and network connectivity wirelessly • Bluetooth is used for shorter range applications to connect computers, printers and palm pilots. WLAN Wide Area Networks (WAN) • Wide area networks are long haul, broadband networks covering wide geographic areas. • Some WANs are commercial, while others are private created by large corporations • An example of a widespread public WAN is the Internet. • WANs may connect using cables as well as wireless technology. WAN Virtual Private Network (VPN) • Virtual Private Network is a gateway between a corporate LAN and an Internet. • VPN allows an access to corporate networks email, shared files etc. with an Internet connection • VPN transmissions are encrypted allowing for the necessary security for companies. • VPNs are used as extranets VPN Network Transmission • In order to create a network, you need a medium to transmit the signal from one computer or device to another. • The types of transmission technology are: 1) Cable Media 2) Broadcast Media Cable Media • Cable Media use physical wires or cables to transmit data and information. The three types of cable that are available are: • Coaxial Cable • Twisted Pair • Fiber optic cables Coaxial Cable • Coaxial Cable: These cables are like black TV cables and they can transmit huge amounts of information (like audio – visual signals), but they are expensive Twisted Pair Cable • Twisted Pair: These cables are very widespread and majority of networks are used with these since they use RJ-45 connectors. • These connectors are similar to telephone connectors and they make connection very easy • Twisted pair cables consist of 8 cables twisted around each other. Fiber Optic Cables • Fiber optic cables: They transmit laser signals through glass fibers. • They are very expensive due to high cabling costs • A single glass fiber can carry more then 50,000 simultaneous telephone cables compared to only 5,500 calls. • Fiber cable can carry 25 terabits of data per second. Network Broadcast Media • Microwave Signals • Radio Signals • Cellular Transmission • Infrared • Satellite Broadcast Media Properties • On the available broadcast media, satellites have a high bandwidth and large coverage area, but they are the most expensive. Mostly preferred for ATM’s and similar remote outposts. • Radio transmissions are cheap and signals can pass through walls. However, the security is an issue, but all computers and notebooks use radio technology for wireless networking. • Microwave, infrared are susceptible to interference Network Management Software • Network Operating system is a software that controls the hardware devices, software and communications media across the network. • Some common network operating systems are: - Microsoft NT / Microsoft Server 2003-2008 - Novell Netware Network Protocols • The set of rules and procedures that govern transmission across a network is called protocol. • The principal functions of protocols in a network are line access and collision avoidance. • Line access is the regulation of how the sending device gains access to the network • Collision avoidance refers to managing message transmission so that two messages do not collide over the network TCP / IP • Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP) refers to a transfer protocol that cab send files of information across networks with the assurance that the data will arrive in an un corrupted form.