Section A: Network Architecture: Network architecture is the design of a communications network. It is a framework for the

specification of a network's physical components and their functional organization and

configuration, its operational principles and procedures, as well as data formats used in its

operation. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_architecture)

1. Types of Network Architecture:

a. Peer-to-peer

b. Client/Server

2. Peer-to-Peer Architecture:

a. A simple, inexpensive network that typically connects less than 10 computers

together

b. Each computer on a peer-to-peer network can share the hardware, data, or

information located on any other computer in the network

c. Each computer stores files on its own storage devices

Source: Discovering Computers 2002

3. Client/Server Architecture:

a. A network in which one or more computers act as a server and the other computers

on the network can request services from the server

Source: Discovering Computers (2002)

Section B: Networking Hardware

1. Server

2. Client

3. Network Interface Card (NIC)

4. Router

5. Switch

6. Firewall

7. Wireless Application Point (WAP)

8. Modem

1. Server:

• Controls access to the hardware and software on the network

• Provides a centralized storage area for programs

• Dedicated servers perform a specific task

Types of Servers include:

1. File Server: stores and manages files

2. Print Server: manages printers and print jobs

3. Database Server: stores and provides access to a database

4. Network Server: manages network traffic

2. Clients:

• Other computers on the network

• Rely on the server for resources

3. Network Interface Cards:

Also called a LAN adapter

A card you insert into an expansion slot of a personal computer

or other device, enabling the device to connect to a network

Works with a particular network technology

Available for desktop and mobile computers Network Interface Card

Source: Discovering

Computers (2002)

4. Router:

a. Devices on a network that direct packets along the fastest available path

b. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly two LANs or WANs or

a LAN and its ISP's network.

5. Switch/Hub:

Source:

Discovering

Computers

(2002)

a. A

network switch (also called switching hub, bridging hub, officially MAC bridge)

is a computer networking device that connects devices together on a computer

network, by using packet switching to receive, process and forward data to the

destination device.

b. Packet switching: Technique of breaking a message into packets, sending the

packets, and then reassembling the data

c. Packets: refer to data divided into small pieces.

6. Firewall: A general term that refers to hardware and/or software that restricts access

to data and information on a network

Source:

Discovering

Computers

(2002)

7. Wireless Access Point (WAP):

a. Allows wireless mobile devices to access the Internet and its services such as the

Web and e-mail via Wi-Fi

b. Uses a client/server network

c. The wireless device contains the client software, which connects to the Internet

service provider's server (ISP)

d. Devices that support WAP are called WAP-enabled devices

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wireless_access_point

8. Modem:

a. A communications device that converts a computer's digital signals to analog

signals before they are transmitted over standard telephone lines

b. Sometimes called a dial-up modem

c. Types of modems:

i. Digital Modem: One that sends and receives data and information to and

from a digital telephone line such as ISDN or DSL

ii. Cable Modem: A modem that sends and receives data over the cable

television (CATV) network. Currently, much faster than a dial-up modem

or ISDN. Usually attaches to a USB port or a port on a network interface

card

Source: Discovering Computers (2002)