Networks

Network Hardware For any network to function successfully, you need specialized computer Hardware. However, without the right knowledge, you will not be able to choose the right equipment and you can end up with a faulty network. This PPT hopes to outline some of the Hardware necessary for a fully functioning and successful network.

Network Hardware The five pieces of equipment to be covered in this PPT are: Network Hub Network Switch Network Attached Storage (NAS) Server Cables

Network Hub A network hub, also known as an ethernet hub, is probably the most unsophisticated piece of Hardware in computer networking. This is because all it does is receive data packets from every single port and broadcast them out through every single port without taking into account the source or destination. This results in many problems, in particular, packet collisions. However, many people still use hubs because they are cheap.

Network Switch A network switch is a Hardware device that sends traffic from one part of a network to different parts of the network. While it may appear to be similar to a hub, they are generally more intelligent and more expensive. The reason why they are more intelligent is because they have the capacity to analyze the source and the destination of the data packets that they receive and this way they are able to forward it to the correct destination. Finally, a network router is a very sophisticated piece of network Hardware which can determine the next point to forward any data packet it receives so that it reaches its destination.

Network Attached Storage NAS is simply a device such as a computer whose job is to provide file-based storage services to other connected devices within the network. A NAS device is used to aid or replace the function of a file server which normally performs other services such as carrying out database assistance. The NAS device generally does not have other peripherals to be attached to it. Even though it is a computer there is no need for a mouse, keyboard or display system.

NAS The use of Network Attached Storage increases the performance of other devices such as file servers and a print server as it shares resources to balance out these servers workload. However, the performance impact of NAS devices will depend on the general performance and traffic on the network it is located on. Another great benefit by having a NAS device is that it enables the centralization of data within the network which encourages resource sharing in the network. This also means that storage memory is saved as no files are duplicated. However, if accessed by many users, just like other devices, its performance will be reduced. Multiple NAS devices may be needed to handle the amount of users that access it.

Servers In simple English, Servers refer to combinations of hardware and software with the objective of providing services to clients. In the context of computer networking, this refers to clients within networks. Nowadays, we are all part of some computer network whether we realize it or not, and it is Servers that make the network efficient and useful. While there are many different types of Servers available such as print, exchange and web servers, they all must possess special characteristics which separate them from other computer devices given that they are providing services to users on a network.

One of the necessary characteristics of any server is a fast network connection and high Input/Output throughput. If a network is to serve its users with an outstanding service, it must do so in a fast manner and be able to process a lot of data with ease. This is probably the single most important feature that all Servers must have. Another essential feature of a server is its availability and reliability. Given that most networks work for 20+ hours per day and process important (and sometimes confidential) data, Servers must be able to stand long periods and not be very prone to failure. In order to achieve a great level of reliability, Servers will use large computer fans or water cooling as well as power supplies which cannot be interrupted. An important industry where Servers are commonly used and relied upon is the web hosting industry which is becoming bigger and more important every year. Servers

Twisted Pair Twisted pair is the most used of all Network Cables. Its implementation with the Ethernet cable has allowed physical connections between network devices to be fast at an affordable price. The cable consists of eight smaller cables which are paired up. Each pair is then twisted around the other in order to cancel out electromagnetic interference. Technologies has allowed for wireless networks to be made but having a physical connection remains the most secure. Without Network Cables networks would not have been possible in the beginning. Cables

Optical Fiber (Fiber Optics) Optical fiber cables are somewhat a new technology. It has been around for several years but due to its expensive nature it’s not widely used as much as other cables. The cable is made up of three distinct components including a plastic jacket, cladding and the core. Data is transmitted in the form of light that bounces whilst traveling in the core. Optic fiber uses the principle of total internal reflection to create a bouncing effect similar to shinning a LASER in a room full of mirrors. Several advantages include faster data transmission, thinner than other cables and no electromagnetic inference can occur.

Security Security plays an important and necessary role in many parts of our lives. In the computing world it is used to protect data. Whether you like it or not, you are currently a stakeholder in various computer networks around you. You may not know which ones or how, but the fact that you are, means that you should be concerned about the Security of your personal details as well as how it is being protected. A good example would be banking. There are probably no banks in existence that keep their customer’s data on paper anymore. This used to happen in the past but it has all since then been transferred to an electronic storage device. Such devices are all part of computer networks in many banks which can only be accessed by authorized personnel. However, network security become an issue as there are many who attempt to break the codes and access such confidential data.

Some common forms of Security on networks include password protection or pin number access, firewalls and data encryption. While the effectiveness of Security measures available has been increasing, the number of hackers has also been increasing. This effectively means that in order to remain secure in the computing world, you have to keep up to date with new Security technologies and how it can benefit you. Computer Security is certainly not something to take for granted, especially when you analyze the potential cost of not actively protecting your data from external attacks. Security

Quiz 1.Identify the 5 hardware devices covered in this PPT 2.Define a NAS. 3.Identify the most efficient network cables. 4.Describe the most common network cables. 5.Compare the difference between these 2 cables. 6.Distinguish between a hub and a switch. 7.Explain two important features of a Server. Research Network Security and answer the question for homework 1.Evaluate the various forms of network security mentioned above.