NetworksWhat are they and how do

they work?

What is a Network?

Hardware and software data communication system

Two or more devices connected for the purpose of sharing data or services

What does a Network Do?

Access Data

Share hardware and software

Share files

Save personal files in a secure centralized location

A Network allows users to:

How are networks classified?

Peer to Peer – Two or more computers in the same proximity connected to each other

How are networks classified?

LAN (Local Area Network) – A data communications network which is geographically limited, such as your entire campus.

How are networks classified?

WAN (Wide Area Network) - A network extending over distances greater than one kilometer, such as all of the Cedar Hill Independent School District, a large corporation, or even the WWW.

Types of Networks Continued…

The “ultimate” WAN

Available worldwide (World Wide Web)

Worldwide collection of networks that links together millions of commercial (.com), education (.edu), non profit (.org), public networks (.net), government (.gov), military (.mil) as well as individual sites

Internet

What components are required?

Before network components can communicate they must be connected

A Network Adapter – a circuit board installed in a computer or network device to provide a physical connection to a network

NIC – Ethernet Card

NIC (Network Interface Card) – typically an Ethernet card such as those installed in the Middle School Computer Applications labs

The cable which attaches to this type of card has 8 smaller twisted wires

Types of Networks Continued…

A private network

May be protected by a “firewall”

May require a User ID and password

May be available worldwide but not open to the general public

Intranet

Hubs, Switches, Routers

Multi-port hardware components that allow several components to be attached to a single port or connection

Hub

SwitchRouter

Wireless Card

WI-FI – (Wireless Fidelity) The standard for manufacturer of wireless network components. Such adaptors may be built into desktops or inserted into notebooks

No cables required, only an access point

Communication Software

All network components require software

Different networks components communicate with different types of software:

Drivers Network Operating System Network Client Browsers

Drivers

Drivers are the software packages that control hardware components

All adaptors must have drivers loaded in order to communicate

Some drivers load automatically utilizing the operating system

Some drivers must be installed from floppy disks or CDs

Network Operating Systems

Networks that connect to a common server or servers require a Network Operating System (NOS)

A NOS allows resources such as file storage, application programs, and printers to be shared

A NOS may allow users to save their files in a secure environment

Network Operating Systems

Common Network Systems include: Unix Novell Microsoft NT LANtastic MS LAN Manager

Internet Access Software

ISP (Internet Service Provider) – Access to the Internet is provided by companies licensed to provide such services

AOL Internet America SBC, Verizon, AT&T, Sprint

They provide specific access software, User ID, password, and possibly email and web space

Network Clients

All computers that access a Network Operating System must have a client

Browsers

All computers that access the Internet or Intranet must have a browser

Browsers include Internet Explorer Netscape Opera Mozilla UltraBrowser

Shared Components

Server – A computer which provides services for users of other computers connected within a network, LAN or WAN.

Authentication of users Read/write shared and personal files Print services

Printer – Registered network users may access common printers reducing the number of required printers

Additional Hardware

Cable – individual components in a network are connect from one adaptor or component to the next with cables

Fiber opticCoaxial Ethernet or

Telephone

Identify The Following

Network adaptor or NIC Ethernet cable Hub, switch, or router Server Network printer

How many of the following can you identify in your classroom?

Identify The Following

Network Operating System (NOS) Network Client Browser Drivers ISP software

Identify software provided in your classroom for each of the following categories?

Compare and Contrast

LAN and WAN Similarities

Differences

Compare and Contrast

Internet and Intranet Similarities

Differences

Networks