Chapter 6

Communications and
Networks
 Introduction
Cell phones and other wireless technologies
are allowing us to stay connected in
today’s world like never before.
Increased connectivity potentially means
increased productivity especially in the
business world.
You will learn more about the concept of
connectivity and the impact of the wireless
revolution in this chapter.

Copyright © 2010 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

 9-3

Communications

The process of sharing data, programs, and

information between two or more computers
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 9-4

Communications Today
• Numerous applications depend on communication
systems—E-mail, Instant messaging (IM), Internet
telephone, and Electronic commerce
• Connectivity uses computer networks to link
people and resources
• Going wireless has been the most dramatic
change

Copyright © 2010 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

 9-5

Communication Systems
• Four basic elements
– Sending and receiving devices
– Communication channel
– Connection devices
– Data transmission specifications

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 Communication Channels
• Channels carry data from one computer to
another
• Two categories of communication
channels
– Physical connection
– Wireless connection

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 Physical Connections
• Ethernet cable
(Twisted pair cables)

• Coaxial cable

• Fiber-optic cable

Return
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 9-8

Wireless Connections

• Infrared
• Radio frequency (RF)
– Wi-Fi (wireless fidelity)
802.11
Microwave dish
• Microwave
– Stations
• Satellite
– GPS
Satellite

GPS
Copyright © 2010 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Communication Channels
Summary

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 Connection Device Signals
• Types of signals

– Analog

– Digital

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 Connection Device Types and
Transfer Speeds
• Types of modems
– External
– Internal
– PC Card
– Wireless

Transfer Speeds

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 Connection Service
• Dial-Up services
• Leased lines – T1, T2, T3 and T4
• Digital subscriber line (DSL)
– Uses existing phone lines
– One type widely used is ADSL
• Cable
– Uses existing TV cable
– Provides speeds as fast as DSL at a lower cost
• Satellite/air connection services
– Seven times faster than dial-up
– Slower than DSL & cable modem
• Cellular Services
– Alternative for mobile devices and laptops
– Current service areas limited

Copyright © 2010 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Typical User Connection Costs
& Speeds

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 Bandwidth
• Measurement of the capacity of the
channel
• Categories
– Voice band also known as low bandwidth
– Medium band
– Broadband
• Used for high capacity transmission
• Used by DSL, cable, and satellite

Copyright © 2010 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

 Protocols
• Set of communication rules
• Standard for Internet: TCP/IP
(Transmission control protocol/Internet
protocol)
– Identification
– Packetization

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 Networks
• A computer network is a communication
system
• Connects two or more computers
• Allows information exchange

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 9-17

Computer Networks
Computer Networks Connect Computers
Common network terms
• Node
• Client
• Server
• Switch
• Network interface
cards (NIC)
• Network operating
system (NOS)
• Distributed processing
• Host computer
• Network administrator
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 Network Types
• Local area networks
• Home networks
– WLAN
• Metropolitan area networks
• Wide area networks

LAN

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 Network Architecture
• Topology describes how a network is
arranged
• Arrangement is called topology
• Types of network topology
– Star
– Bus
– Ring
– Tree
– Mesh
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 9-20

Star Network
• Smaller computers
linked to a central unit
• Central unit is called
the network hub
• Control is maintained
by polling

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 9-21

Bus Network
• Each device handles its own communication
control
• There is no host computer
• Has a common connecting cable called a
backbone

Return

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 9-22

Ring Network
• Each device is
connected to two
other devices
• No central file server
or computer
• Useful in a
decentralized
environment

Return
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 9-23

Tree Network
• Several computers
linked to a central
host
• Computers are hosts
to other computers
• Useful in centralized
organizations

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Principal Network
Configurations

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 9-25

Organizational Internets
• Intranets
– Private network within an
organization
– Provides information to
employees
• Extranets
– Private network that connects
organizations
– Used to allow suppliers and others
access
• Firewalls
– Security system
– Protects against external threats
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 9-26

Careers In IT
• Network Administrator
– Manage a company’s LAN
and WAN networks
– Maintain hardware and
software
– Diagnose and repair
problems
– Candidates usually have a
bachelor’s degree in
computer science and
practical experience

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