Network+ Guide to Networks

6
th
Edition
Chapter 1
An Introduction to Networking
Goals of This Chapter
List the advantages of networked computing relative
to standalone computing
Distinguish between client/server and peer-to-peer
networks
List elements common to all client/server networks
Describe several specific uses for a network
Identify some of the certifications available to
networking professionals
Identify the kinds of skills and specializations that
will help you excel as a networking professional
Why Use Networks?
Network
Group of computers and devices
Connected by transmission media
Stand-alone computer
Not connected to other computers
Uses local software and data
Advantages of networks over standalone computers
Device sharing by multiple users
Saves money and time
Central network management
Types of Networks
Models vary according to:
Computer positioning
Control levels over shared resources
Communication and resource sharing schemes
Network models
Peer-to-Peer
Client/server

Peer-to-Peer Network
Figure 1-1 Resource sharing on a simple peer-to-peer network
Peer-to-Peer Networks
Typical in a home with several computers
Direct computer communication
Equal authority
Individual resource sharing
May share resources
May prevent access to resources
Each computer can send data to every other
computer on the network

Peer-to-Peer Networks
Advantages
Simple configuration
Inexpensive to set up
Disadvantages
Not flexible
Not necessarily secure
Not practical for large installations
Peer-to-Peer Networks
Resource sharing method
Modify file sharing controls
A user responsibility
Not centrally controlled
Potential variations and security issues
Environments
Small home or office
Large networks using the Internet
Gnutella, Freenet, original Napster
BitTorrent software
Obamas
Helicopter Secrets
Revealed
Because of
misconfigured
peer-to-peer file
sharing
Link Ch 1a on the
course Web page
samsclass.info
Click on CNIT 106
Client/Server Networks
Figure 1-2 Resource sharing on a client/server network
Client/Server Networks
Central computer (server)
Facilitates communication and resource sharing
Clients (other computers)
Personal computers
Known as workstations
Central resource sharing controlled by server
Data sharing, data storage space, devices
No direct sharing of client resources


Client/Server Networks
Computer roles
Server
Clients
Run local applications
Store data locally
Use server shared applications, data, devices
Use server as intermediary
Communication
Switches or routers
Client/Server Networks
Server requirement
Network operating system
Manages client data, resources
Ensures authorized user access
Controls user file access
Restricts user network access
Dictates computer communication rules
Supplies application to clients
Server examples
UNIX, Linux, Microsoft Server 2003 and 2008, MAC
OS X Server
Client/Server Networks
Server features relative to clients
More memory, processing, storage capacity
Equipped with special hardware
Provides network management functions
Disadvantages relative to peer-to-peer networks
Complex in design and maintenance


Client/Server Networks
Advantages relative to peer-to-peer networks
User credential assigned from one place
Multiple shared resource access centrally controlled
Central problem monitoring, diagnostics, correction
capabilities
User response time optimization capabilities
Efficient processing on large networks
Scalability
Popular in medium- and large-scale organizations

LANs, MANs, and WANs
Figure 1-3 A more complex client/server network
LANs, MANs, and WANs
LAN (local area network)
Network confined to a relatively small space
1980s
LANs became popular as peer-to-peer based
Today
Larger and more complex client/server network
MAN (metropolitan area network)
Network extends beyond building boundaries
Larger than LAN
Connects clients and servers from multiple buildings
LANs, MANs, and WANs
WAN (wide area network)
Connects two or more geographically distinct LANs or
MANs
Comparison to LANs
Use slightly different transmission methods and media
Use greater variety of technologies
Network connection
Separate offices in same organization
Separate offices in different organizations
LANs, MANs, and WANs (contd.)
Figure 1-4 A simple WAN
Warriors of the Net Video
Links Ch 1b,
1c
Elements Common to
Client/Server Networks
Client
Network computer requesting resources or services
from another network computer
Client workstation human user
Client software installed on workstation
Server
Network computer managing shared resources
Runs network operating system
Workstation
Personal computer
May or may not be connected to network
Elements Common to
Client/Server Networks
NIC (network interface card)
Device inside computer
Connects computer to network media
Allows communication with other computers
NOS (network operating system)
Server software
Enables server to manage data, users, groups,
security, applications, and other networking functions
Ethernet NIC
Figure 1-5 A NIC (network interface card)
Elements Common to
Client/Server Networks
Host
A computer that enables other computers to share
resources
Node
Client, server, or other device
Communicates over a network
Identified by unique number (network address)
Connectivity device
Allows multiple networks or multiple parts of one
network to connect and exchange data
Such as a switch or router
Elements Common to
Client/Server Networks
Segment
Group of nodes
Use same communications channel for traffic
Backbone
Connects segments and significant shared devices
A network of networks
Topology
Computer network physical layout
Ring, bus, star or hybrid formation
A LAN Backbone
Figure 1-6 A LAN backbone
Common Network Topologies
Figure 1-7 Common network topologies
Elements Common to
Client/Server Networks
Protocol
Standard method or format for communication
between networked devices
Data packets
Distinct data units exchanged between nodes
Addressing
Scheme for assigning unique identifying number to
every node
Transmission media
Means through which data is transmitted and
received
Transmission Media
Figure 1-8 Examples of network transmission media
How Networks Are Used
Network services
Functions provided by a network
Most visible
E-mail
Other vital services
Printer sharing, file sharing, Internet access and Web
site delivery, remote access capabilities, the provision
of voice (telephone) and video services, network
management
File and Print Services
File services
Capability of server to share data files, applications
and disk storage space
File server
Provides file services
File services provide foundation of networking
Print services
Share printers across network
Saves time and money
Access Services
Allow remote user network connection
Allow network users to connect to machines outside
the network
Remote user
Computer user on different network or in different
geographical location from LANs server
Network operating systems include built-in access
services
Access Services
Provide LAN connectivity when WAN connection is
not cost-effective
External staff used to diagnose problems
Allow external users to use network resources and
devices
Same as if logged on to office workstation
Communications Services
Convergence
Multiple types of communications services on the
same network
Phone calls, fax, text messages, video
Unified communications
Centralized management of network-based
communications
E-mail
Oldest and most frequently used
Mail server
Computer responsible for mail services
Coordinates storage and transfer of e-mail
Communications Services
Additional tasks of mail servers
Intercept spam
Handle objectionable content
Route messages according to rules
Provide Web-based client
Notify administrators or users if certain events occur
Schedule e-mail transmission, retrieval, storage,
maintenance functions
Communicate with mail servers on other networks
Mail server runs specialized mail server software
Internet Services
Supplying Web pages
Servers work together to bring Web pages to users
desktop
Web server
Computer installed with appropriate software to supply
Web pages to many different clients upon demand
Other Internet services
File transfer capabilities, Internet addressing
schemes, security filters, means for directly logging
on to other Internet computers
Management Services
Small network management
Single network administrator
Network operating systems internal functions
Todays larger network management
Centrally administered network management tasks
Management Services
Other important services
Traffic monitoring and control
Load balancing
Hardware diagnosis and failure alert
Asset management
License tracking
Security auditing
Address management
Backup and restoration of data
Becoming a Networking Professional
Job market
Many job postings for computer professionals
Expertise levels required vary
To prepare for entering job market
Master general networking technologies
Select areas of interest
Study those specialties
Hone communication and teamwork skills
Stay abreast of emerging technologies
Mastering the Technical Challenges
Networking positions utilizing logical and analytical
thinking
Obtain skill sets desired
Positions in high demand
Consider a general knowledge of all
Specialize in a few
Determine appropriate personal learning methods
Obtain hands-on experience
Developing Your Soft Skills
Soft skills
Not easily measurable
Important to networking projects
Customer relations
Oral and written communications
Dependability
Teamwork
Leadership abilities

Pursuing Certification
Certification process
Master material
Pertaining to particular hardware system, operating
system, programming language, software application
Proving mastery
Pass exams
Professional organizations
CompTIA
Vendors
Microsoft , Cisco
Pursuing Certification
Benefits
Better salary
Greater opportunities
Professional respect
Access to better support
Drawback
Number of people obtaining and pursuing them
Cheating and fraud (strangely not mentioned in the
book)
Finding a Job in Networking
Job research methods
Search the Web
Read the newspaper
Visit a career center
Network
Attend career fairs
Enlist a recruiter
Joining Professional Associations
Provide varying benefits
Connect with people having similar interests
New learning opportunities
Specialized information access
Tangible assets (free goods)
Publications
Technical workshops and conferences
Free software, prerelease software
Expensive hardware lab access
Joining Professional Associations
Table 1-1 Networking organizations