1. Communications & Computer Networks Resource Notes - Introduction
Technology
ICT
Communications & Computer Networks
Resource Notes - Introduction

2. Introduction
Local area networks (LAN’s) are computers connected together for the purpose of sharing.
This sharing can include:
Files and folders
Printers
Scanners
Internet connection etc.

3. Introduction There are two main Types of LAN: 1. Workgroup:
 1. Workgroup:
All the computers are of equal status (peers)
There is no controlling computer
Share level access is used
Works well for small LAN’s

4. Introduction Domain: A Server is used to control access to the network
It also controls the sharing of resources
User Account is needed to access the network
Resources are shared with named users or groups
Permissions are set to control the amount of access

5. Introduction 3. Servers Many server types
Individual servers can be used
One server can perform many functions
Domain Controller
File server
Application server
Mail server
Print server
Proxy server

6. Introduction Domain Controller
A server holding a copy of the Active Directory
Active Directory - database holding information about users, groups, computers and network resources in the domain
File Server
Provides a location for shared folders and files
Domain Controller usually carries out the functions of the file server
Application Server
Set up to run specific applications
Could be one application or a number of applications
E.g.: large database - many users, a separate server may be required to take the load of the domain controller
Application server runs database - DC runs active directory

7. Introduction Mail Server:
Large networks throughput very large large
Separate server needed to handle the task.
Usually, a mail server is a software application run on a domain controller, a file server or an application server
Print Server:
A server - controls the printers on the network
Modern printers can have print server functions built in
Printer can be connected to the network directly
Proxy Server:
Acts as am intermediary between the clients and the Internet
Keeps the client computers anonymous for security reasons
Caches web pages to speed up Internet access for the clients
Filters Internet content