Introduction to Networking MakingConnections

Why Network? connect! When a company or people want to make the most of their resources they connect!

What is a Network? A Network links two or more computers together permanently

Networking Benefits Sharing of software,data and hardware Teamwork Reduced costs

Sharing Share files without the need for removable storage such as floppy drives. Share peripherals such as printers and scanners

Teamwork Teamwork makes any task easier Get everyone involved using standardized software In today’s workplace collaboration is critical for success!

Reduced Costs All the computers in a network can share one peripheral device such as a printer People can use the network to communicate effectively and efficiently

Networks come in a variety of sizes to suit the needs of users X large =WAN Large = MAN Small to Medium = LAN

LAN Local Area Network A group of computers in a small geographic area such as an office or office building

MAN Metropolitan Area Network A group of computers within a limited geographic region such as a city

WAN Wide Area Network A network that uses long distance communication tools to link computers in widely dispersed regions

Networks of All Sizes

Problems With Networks Accessing anything across a network is slower than accessing your own computer. Networks are more complex than stand alone computers; therefore, they are more problematic Security issues Sharing is hard for some folks!

Next: Networking Essentials