Computer Networks

What are Networks? A computer network is a group of connected computers. Networks allow:  the sharing of information, such as files and folders  the sharing resources such as printers and Internet access Organizations develop network requirements that specify hardware and software; these requirements affect what organizations will buy. Networks allow the organizations to have one central location for saving files. This allows multiple users to have access to the files without physically sharing them.

Network Servers A network is composed of servers and clients. The server is a computer that works behind-the- scenes to perform jobs such as providing central storage of files and managing the flow of information. It is the server that provide the network, internet and printing connection on a network. A variety of computers can be used as servers, including mainframe, minicomputers, and powerful PC, Macintosh, or UNIX workstations.

Network Clients The client is a network user (or computer) that connects to the server. Normally, clients connect to a network through a physical connection such as the Ethernet Connection or a wireless connection. A variety of computers can also be used as clients on a network, including PCs, Macintosh, and handheld devices.

Types of Networks LAN – Local Area Network  Is a relatively small network that is restricted to the organization that the network serves.  For example, the local Canadian Tire Store may have a network in the store for all the computers. WAN – Wide Area Network  Is a much larger network that can be made up of several LANS spanning across the country.  For example, Canadian Tire stores across Canada may connect together to a main network in Toronto. This connection may provides up to date information on products quantities and prices for example when you special order an item.

IP Address An IP address (Internet Protocol address) is a unique address that certain electronic devices use in order to identify and communicate with each other on a computer network — in simpler terms, it is a computer address. Any participating network device—including routers, switches, computers, time-servers, printers, Internet fax machines, and some telephones—can have their own unique address. In other words, the IP address acts as a locator for one IP device to find another and interact with it. It is a series of numbers similar to a phone number, where there each phone number is unique with its own number combination.

Networking Vocabulary - Key Terms router - A network device that determines the best route to deliver data. bridge - A device used to connect two larger elements of a network together. switch - A bridge with several ports that allows network components to communicate. broadband - An Internet connection that supports a wide range of frequencies and multiple signals. fiber optics - A type of cable made up of extremely thin tubes of glass or plastic that transmit data via pulses of light. node - Each piece of hardware connected to a network.

Homework Questions – have been ed Visit the websites provide and complete the questions per each section. Part A: IP Address  1. What is your IP Address?  2. Is it the same as your neighbours IP Address? Part B: Criminal Activity kground_070912/ / kground_070912/ /  1. How are the police enforcement agencies able to track the activity of internet criminals?  2. What types of criminal activities may be taking place over the internet? Part C: Internet Privacy a /WBStory/WBcyberia a /WBStory/WBcyberia  1. What are some of the issues that are being presented in the article?