Download Intro to Local Area Network

Intro to Local Area Network
Purpose of class




Explore components of local area networks
Look at the use and benefits of networks
Learn about network hardware, software,
topologies, and terminology
Identify technical and non-technical skills that
will help you succeed as a network
professional
What is a Network?

A group of computers and other devices
that are joined together.
Why Networks?




Share data
Share resources
Share software
Centralize storage



Centralize backup
Strengthen security
Enhance
communications
Do you need a network?

You are a self employed consultant with a
computer, a printer and a fax.
– Do you need a network?

You work for a small graphics firm. All the
computers have large hard disks as well as zip
drives. You only have one color laser printer.
– Do you need a network? Would one be helpful?

Because several people do not backup regularly,
your company has lost some critical data and has
spent thousands of dollar reconstructing the data.
– Do you need a network? Would one be helpful?
Roles of Computers in a Network

Client
– uses network resources but doesn’t
provide any resources to the network

Peer
– uses and provides network resources

Server
– provides network resources
Basic Network Types


Peer-to-peer
Server-based (client-server)
Peer-to-Peer Networks

Simplest type of network
– Inexpensive and relatively simple to set up and
maintain

No dedicated server
– All computers are equal
– Each computer functions both as a client and as
a server


Often called workgroups
Each user acts as an administrator for their
own computer—no centralized administration
of users or resources
Peer-to-Peer Networks


Can use Windows NT Workstation,
Windows 98/ME, Windows 2000/XP
Professional, or built-in network
operating system (MACs)
Appropriate for small offices and homes
– typically 10 users or less
– no security issues
– limited growth
Server-Based Network

One or more dedicated servers provide
network resources
– File and print server
– Mail/Message server
– Application server


Provide centralized storage
Divide processing tasks between clients
and servers (client/server)
Server-Based Network


Can support a larger number of users
Centralized management
– Often require an administrator(s)

Require network operating system
(NOS) such as Windows NT Server,
Windows 2000 Advanced Server or
Novell Netware
Server-Based Network

Generally server-based networks
provide higher security than peer-topeer networks
– User accounts and passwords

Access to resources can be control by
individual user or groups
– Rights and permissions
Server Hardware

Usually servers are high powered
computers
– Large hard disks
– Fast processors
– Multiple processors
– Large amount of RAM
Which type of network would you recommend?

A collections agency with 5 computers wants
an inexpensive network that enables users to
share a printer and files. The agency is not
expecting any increase in the number of
employees.
Peer-to-peer or server-based?
Which type of network would you recommend?

A travel agency currently has 8 employees.
They are expecting to hire 3-4 employees in
the next year. They want to be able to share
files, a laser printer and a color inkjet printer
and send e-mail. It is important that data be
backed up regularly.
Peer-to-peer or server-based
Network Topology

Physical layout of the computers and
other devices in a network.
Four standard network topologies
Bus
Hub
Star
Ring
Hybrid
Network Protocols


A protocol is a set of rules or standards the
enable computer to exchange information.
All computers in a network must have at least
one set of protocols in common in order to
communicate
– TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol) is the protocol used to communicate using
the Internet

There are protocols for hardware and software
Network Transmission Media
 Anything that carries the message through
the network
– Copper
• Coaxial cable
• Twisted-pair cable
– Glass
• Fiber-optic cable
– Wireless (Air)
• Infrared
• Radio waves
• Microwaves
Data Packet and Addressing

Data packets--Small chunks of data and
other information transmitted from one
computer to another on the network
Destination ID Control
Sender

ID
CRC
Data
Addressing—scheme used to uniquely
identify every workstation and device on the
network
Network Services

File and Print services
– Provide centralized storage of data
– Allow printers to be placed in centralized locations

Communication services
– Allow remote users to connect to the network

Mail services
– Manage electronic messages between network
users
Network Services

Internet services
– Manage access to the Internet; security

Management services
– Provides for central administration and
management of network resources
• Monitor traffic
• Deploy software
• Alert administrator of network problems
Technical Skills




Install, configure, and troubleshoot client
operating systems
Install, configure, and troubleshoot network
operating systems
Be familiar with network topologies, media,
components, and protocols
Understand account policies, user accounts,
groups, user rights, and permissions
Important Soft Skills





Customer Service
Communications
Strong Work Ethic
Teamwork
Leadership