NETWORK

TECHNOLOGIES
FOR
ACCOUNTANTS/M
ARKETERS
 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORKS AND
THEIR COMPONENTS

◼ Computer networks play a crucial role in facilitating

communication, data sharing, and collaboration for
accountants and marketers.
◼ Understanding the basics of network technologies and
their components is essential for leveraging the power
of interconnected systems.
1. Network:
◼ A network refers to a collection of interconnected
devices (such as computers, servers, printers, and
routers) that can communicate and share resources
with each other.
◼ Networks can be classified based on their geographical
coverage, such as Local Area Networks (LANs) that
cover a small area, or Wide Area Networks (WANs)
that span larger distances.
2. Nodes:
◼ Nodes are the devices connected to a network.
◼ They can be computers, servers, printers, switches,
routers, or any other device capable of sending or
receiving data over the network.
3. Network Interface Cards (NICs):
◼ NICs are hardware components that enable devices
to connect to a network.
◼ They provide a physical interface for devices to
transmit and receive data signals.
◼ NICs are commonly integrated into computers and
other network-enabled devices.
4. Switches:
◼ Switches are devices that connect multiple devices
within a network.
◼ They receive data packets from one device and
forward them to the appropriate destination device
based on the MAC (Media Access Control) addresses
of the devices.
◼ Switches operate at the data-link layer (Layer 2) of
the network protocol stack.
5. Routers:
◼ Routers are devices that connect multiple networks
together, allowing data to be routed between them.
◼ They make decisions about the best path for data
transmission based on network addresses (IP
addresses) and maintain routing tables to facilitate
the routing process.
◼ Routers operate at the network layer (Layer 3) of the
network protocol stack.
6. Modems:
◼ Modems are used to connect networks to the
internet or other wide-area networks.
◼ They convert digital data from computers into
analog signals that can be transmitted over
telephone lines or cable lines, and vice versa.
◼ Modems are essential for establishing internet
connectivity.
7. Protocols:
◼ Network protocols define the rules and standards for
communication across a network.
◼ They ensure that devices can understand and
interpret data sent over the network.
◼ Some common network protocols include Ethernet,
TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol), HTTP (Hypertext Transfer Protocol), and
DNS (Domain Name System)..
8. Firewalls:
◼ Firewalls are security devices that monitor and
control incoming and outgoing network traffic.
◼ They help protect networks from unauthorized
access, malware, and other security threats.
◼ Firewalls can enforce security policies and filter
network traffic based on predefined rules.
9. Wireless Access Points (WAPs):
◼ WAPs provide wireless connectivity to devices within
a network.
◼ They enable devices with wireless capabilities (such
as laptops, smartphones, and tablets) to connect to a
network without the need for physical cables.
10. Network Cabling:
◼ Network cabling refers to the
physical infrastructure used to
connect devices within a network.
◼ Common types of network cabling
include Ethernet cables (such as
Cat 5e or Cat 6) for wired
connections and fiber optic cables
for high-speed and long-distance
data transmission.
◼ Understanding these basic components of
computer networks provides a foundation for
accountants and marketers to effectively utilize
network technologies for data sharing,
collaboration, and accessing online resources.
◼ It is important to consider network security,
scalability, and performance requirements when
designing and implementing networks to
support the specific needs of accounting and
marketing functions.
 LOCAL AREA NETWORKS (LANS)
AND
WIDE AREA NETWORKS (WANS)

◼ are two fundamental types of computer networks with

different geographical coverage and characteristics.
◼ are two fundamental types of computer networks with
different geographical coverage and characteristics.
Local Area Networks (LANs):

◼ A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that covers

a relatively small geographic area, such as an office
building, a school campus, or a single site.
◼ LANs are commonly used in organizations to connect
computers, printers, servers, and other devices within
a limited area.
◼ Here are some key characteristics of LANs:
Geographical Coverage:
◼ LANs typically cover a small area, ranging from a single room to
a few kilometers.

Ownership and Control:

◼ LANs are usually owned and controlled by a single organization
or entity.

High Data Transfer Rates:

◼ LANs provide high-speed data transfer rates, often reaching
gigabit speeds.
Low Latency:
◼ LANs offer low latency (delay) in data transmission, making them suitable for
real-time applications.
Localized Administration:
◼ LANs are managed and administered locally by network administrators within the
organization.

Cost-Efficiency:
◼ LAN infrastructure, including switches, cabling, and network adapters, is relatively
affordable compared to WANs.

Examples:
◼ LANs can be found in small businesses, homes, schools, or corporate office
environments.
Topology:
◼ LANs can use various network topologies, such as bus, star,
ring, or mesh.
◼ The choice of topology depends on factors like scalability,
fault tolerance, and cost.

Ethernet:
◼ LANs often use Ethernet as the primary technology for
data transmission.
◼ Ethernet uses the Carrier Sense Multiple Access with
Collision Detection (CSMA/CD) protocol to ensure fair
access to the network medium.
Switches:
▪ LANs typically employ switches to connect devices within
the network.
▪ Switches analyze the destination MAC address of incoming
data packets and forward them directly to the intended
device, reducing network congestion and improving
performance.
Broadcast Domain:
▪ In a LAN, all devices are part of the same broadcast domain.
▪ This means that broadcast messages sent by one device are
received by all devices within the LAN, allowing for efficient
communication and discovery of network resources.
LAN Security:
▪ LANs require appropriate security measures to protect
against unauthorized access and data breaches.
▪ This may involve the use of firewalls, network
segmentation, VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks), and
access control mechanisms
Wide Area Networks (WANs):

• A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that spans a large

geographic area, connecting multiple LANs or remote sites
over long distances.
• WANs enable communication between geographically
dispersed locations, facilitating data sharing and
collaboration. Here are some key characteristics of WANs:
 Geographical Coverage:
▪ WANs cover extensive areas, such as cities, countries, or
even global networks.
Public or Private Infrastructure:
▪ WANs can utilize public infrastructure, such as the internet,
or private leased lines to establish connections between
sites.
Lower Data Transfer Rates:
▪ Compared to LANs, WANs often have lower data transfer
rates due to the longer distances and potential limitations
of the underlying infrastructure.
Higher Latency:
▪ WANs introduce higher latency in data transmission
compared to LANs due to the longer distances and multiple
network hops involved.
Centralized Administration:
▪ WANs may involve centralized administration to manage
network connectivity, security, and routing across multiple
sites.
Higher Costs:
▪ WAN infrastructure, including leased lines, routers, and
network services, can be more expensive compared to LANs
due to the wider coverage and reliance on external service
Examples:
• WANs are commonly used by multinational corporations,
government agencies, banks, and telecommunications
companies to connect branch offices or facilitate remote
access for employees.
Leased Lines:
▪ WANs often utilize leased lines, which are dedicated, and
private communication lines rented from telecommunications
providers. Leased lines provide reliable and secure
point-to-point connections between geographically dispersed
locations.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):

▪ WANs can also make use of VPNs, which create secure and
encrypted tunnels over public networks, such as the internet.
VPNs enable secure remote access and communication
between sites without the need for dedicated leased lines.
Routing Protocols:
▪ WANs employ routing protocols, such as Border Gateway
Protocol (BGP) or Open Shortest Path First (OSPF), to
determine the best paths for data transmission across multiple
networks and ensure efficient routing.

Latency and Bandwidth Considerations:

▪ WANs often face higher latency and limited bandwidth
compared to LANs due to the longer distances and potential
congestion on public networks.
▪ These factors need to be considered when designing and
Service Level Agreements (SLAs):

▪ WANs may involve contracts with service providers that define

guaranteed levels of service, including uptime, bandwidth,
and response times. SLAs ensure that the network meets the
required performance and availability standards.
• LANs and WANs are interconnected through routers and other
networking devices to facilitate communication between local
and remote networks.
• The choice between LANs and WANs depends on the scale,
requirements, and budget of the network deployment.
• Organizations often implement LANs for internal
communication and resource sharing, while WANs enable
interconnectivity between distributed locations, facilitating
collaboration and data exchange.
Network security and data transmission considerations

Network security and data transmission considerations are

crucial for accountants and marketers to protect sensitive
information, maintain data integrity, and ensure secure
communication. Here are some key aspects to consider:
1. Authentication and Access Control:
• Implement strong authentication mechanisms, such as
username/password combinations, multi-factor authentication
(MFA), or biometric authentication, to verify the identity of
users accessing the network.
• Additionally, enforce access control policies to restrict
unauthorized access to specific resources or sensitive data.
2. Encryption:
• Use encryption protocols (such as SSL/TLS for web
communication or IPsec for network-level encryption) to
encrypt data transmitted over the network.
• Encryption ensures that even if intercepted, the data remains
unreadable to unauthorized individuals.
3. Firewalls and Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS):
• Deploy firewalls to monitor and control incoming and outgoing
network traffic.
• Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems can also be used to
identify and prevent malicious activities or unauthorized access
attempts.

4. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs):

• Utilize VPNs to establish secure and encrypted connections over
public networks, such as the internet.
• VPNs provide a secure tunnel for remote access, ensuring that
data transmitted between locations remains protected from
eavesdropping.
5. Data Backup and Disaster Recovery:
• Implement regular data backup procedures and disaster
recovery plans to ensure data availability and minimize the
impact of potential data loss or system failures.
• Backups should be stored securely and tested periodically to
verify their integrity.
6. Network Monitoring and Logging:
• Use network monitoring tools to detect and respond to security
incidents promptly.
• Monitor network traffic, logs, and system events to identify
potential threats or suspicious activities.
• Log files can be valuable for forensic analysis and incident
response.
7. Security Patches and Updates:
• Regularly apply security patches and updates to network
devices, operating systems, and applications.
• Vulnerabilities in software can be exploited by attackers, and
timely updates help mitigate these risks.

8. Employee Awareness and Training:

• Educate employees about network security best practices, such
as creating strong passwords, recognizing phishing attempts,
and understanding social engineering techniques.
• Regular training helps promote a security-conscious culture
within the organization.
.
9. Physical Security:
• Consider physical security measures, such as restricted access to
network equipment rooms, surveillance cameras, and secure
storage for critical hardware.
• Physical security helps prevent unauthorized physical access to
network infrastructure.

10. Compliance and Regulations:

• Stay updated with relevant industry regulations, such as the
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the Payment Card
Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS).
• Ensure that network security measures align with regulatory
requirements to avoid penalties and maintain data privacy.
11. Security Audits and Penetration Testing:
• Conduct regular security audits and penetration testing to
identify vulnerabilities in the network infrastructure.
• Audits help assess the effectiveness of security controls and
ensure compliance with security policies and standards.

12. Network Segmentation:

• Implement network segmentation to divide the network into
separate segments or subnets.
• This helps isolate sensitive data and restrict access to critical
resources.
• Network segmentation can be achieved through VLANs,
firewalls, or virtualization technologies.
13. Intrusion Detection and Prevention:
• Deploy intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) to
monitor network traffic, detect suspicious activities, and
prevent potential threats.
• IDPS can analyze network packets, monitor system logs, and
generate alerts or take automated actions to mitigate security
incidents.
14. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM):
• Utilize SIEM solutions to centralize and correlate security event
logs from various network devices and systems.
• SIEM tools provide real-time monitoring, threat detection, and
incident response capabilities, helping organizations identify
and respond to security threats effectively.
15. Data Loss Prevention (DLP):
• Implement DLP solutions to prevent unauthorized disclosure or
leakage of sensitive data.
• DLP systems can monitor data in transit or at rest, apply access
controls and encryption, and detect and block data exfiltration
attempts.

16. Antivirus and Anti-Malware Protection:

• Deploy antivirus and anti-malware software on network devices
to detect and remove malicious software.
• Keep the software up to date with the latest virus definitions to
ensure effective protection against new threats.
17. Secure Remote Access:
• If remote access to the network is required, use secure protocols
such as VPNs and ensure strong authentication and encryption.
• Implement access controls and enforce security policies to
manage remote access effectively.

18. Incident Response:

• Establish an incident response plan to define procedures for
identifying, containing, and mitigating security incidents.
• The plan should include steps for communication, reporting,
evidence preservation, and recovery to minimize the impact of
security breaches.
19. Security Awareness Training:
• Continuously educate employees about emerging threats, social
engineering techniques, and best practices for maintaining security.
• Regular training sessions and awareness campaigns help employees
stay vigilant and make informed decisions regarding network
security.

20. Vendor and Third-Party Security:

• Ensure that vendors and third-party providers adhere to robust
security practices.
• Conduct due diligence when selecting vendors and include security
requirements in service level agreements (SLAs) to protect against
potential vulnerabilities introduced through external parties.
21. Patch Management:
• Establish a patch management process to regularly update software
and firmware across the network.
• Promptly apply patches and security updates to address known
vulnerabilities and protect against exploitation.

22. Data Privacy and Compliance:

• Adhere to data privacy regulations and industry-specific compliance
requirements.
• Implement data encryption, anonymization, and access controls to
protect personally identifiable information (PII) and confidential
data.
By incorporating these additional network security and data
transmission considerations, accountants and marketers can
enhance the security posture of their networks, safeguard
sensitive information, and minimize the risk of data breaches
or unauthorized access.