A look at networking and its main components

NETWORK A network is a group of connected computers that allow people to share information and equipment.

COMPUTER ENVIRONMENTS Two main types: Stand Alone (best suited for home computing) ‏ Computer usually on its own Sometimes has devices such as printers, scanners, etc. connected directly to it. Networked (best suited for companies, schools, police, other workplaces) ‏ ‏ Several computers connected together Usually share devices such as printers, scanners, etc. Sometimes includes a server

LOCAL AREA NETWORK (LAN) A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that connects computers within a small geographic area, such as a building.

Wide Area Network (WAN) Wide Area Network A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that connects computers across a large geographic area, such as a city or country. A WAN can transmit information by telephone line, microwave or satellite.

4 ADVANTAGES OF NETWORKS 1. WORK AWAY FROM THE OFFICE When traveling or at home, you can connect to the network at work to exchange messages and files.

2. Eliminate Sneakernet Sneakernet refers to physically carrying information from one computer to another to exchange information. A computer network eliminates the need for sneakernet.

3. Share Information Networks let you easily share data and programs. You can exchange documents, electronic mail, video, sound and images.

4. Share Equipment Computers connected to a network can share equipment, such as a printer or modem.

NETWORK APPLICATIONS

Electronic Mail You can exchange electronic mail (e- mail) with other people on a network. Electronic mail saves paper and provides a fast, convenient way to exchange ideas and request information.

Groupware Groupware is software that helps people on a network coordinate and manage projects. Groupware packages usually let you exchange electronic mail, schedule meetings, participate in online discussions and share corporate information.

Videoconferencing Videoconferencing allows you to have face-to-face conversations with other people on a network, whether they are around the corner or on the other side of the country. A computer must have a sound card, speakers and a microphone to transmit and receive sound. The computer must also have a video camera to transmit video images.

PARTS OF A NETWORK Network traffic is the information that travels through a network. When there is a lot of network traffic, information travels more slowly through the network. A hub is a device that provides a central location where all the cables on a network come together. A network interface card is a device that physically connects each computer to a network. This card controls the flow of information between the network and the computer.

Cables Cables are the wires that connect computers and equipment on a network. There are four main types of cables: 1.Coaxial 2.Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) 3.Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) 4.Fiber-optic.

HOW INFORMATION IS STORED Peer-to-Peer

EXCHANGING INFORMATION

ETHERNET

TOKEN-RING

NETWORK SECURITY Firewall A firewall is special software or hardware designed to protect a private computer network from unauthorized access. Firewalls are used by corporations, banks and research facilities to keep information private and secure.

User Name And Password You usually have to enter a user name and password when you want to access information on a network. This ensures that only authorized people can use the information stored on the network.

Choose A Password When choosing a password, do not use words that people can easily associate with you, such as your name or favorite sport. The most effective password connects two words or number sequences with a special character (example: To increase security, memorize your password and do not write it down.

INTRANET DEFINED An intranet is a small version of the Internet inside an office.

Information An intranet is a very efficient and inexpensive way to make internal company documents available to employees. Companies use intranets to distribute information such as phone directories, product listings and job openings.

Connected Documents Documents on an intranet are connected. Employees can select highlighted text in one document to display another, related document.

Software The software used to exchange information on an intranet, such as a Web browser or e- mail program, is the same as the software used to exchange information on the Internet.

Networks Definition: A group of interconnected computers, telephones or other communication devices Allow people to share information and equipment Combination of software and hardware Many different layouts or configurations Two Main Types: Wide Area Networks (WAN) – i.e. The Internet, the City of Brampton, companies with locations across several parts of the world Local Area Networks (LAN) – i.e School network, small home networks, usually within the same building.

How do Networks Work? The School Network Example The school server manages the traffic of the information within the school. All programs are stored on the server All labs connect to the school server Printing – all print jobs go to the school server and it then redirects it to the printer in the classroom. You can print from any point in the school. Any program on the server is available to anyone in the school If the network goes down (crashes), you can only access the program on your own computer's hard drive. Firewall – software that keeps the information on the network safe from viruses and hackers. It does slow the network down, but it keeps it safe.

Another School Another School WAN

Topologies Network topology is the physical layout of how computers are connected together. There are two main ones: – Star – computers are all connected to a central hub or switch – Bus – computers are all connected to one main cable. Most network topologies are a combination of star and bus STAR Topolo gy BUS Topology