Introduction to networks.
Need for networks.
Classification of networks.
A network consists of two or more entities or
objects sharing resources and information.
A computer network consists of two or more
computing devices connected to each other
to share resources and information.
The network becomes a powerful tool when
computers
communicate
and
share
resources with other computers on the same
network or entirely distinct networks.
Computers on a network can act as a
client or a server.
A client is a computer that requests
for resources.
A server is a computer that controls
and provides access to resources.
Data is a piece of information.
The computing concept hierarchy of data is
used when planning a network.
It is essential to maintain a hierarchy of data
to manage and control resources among
computers.
Network access to data must be evaluated
carefully to avoid security issues.
A computer that operates
independently from other computers
is called a stand-alone computer.
The process of printing or
transferring data from one system to
another using various storage
devices is called sneakernet.
Enhance communication.
Share resources.
Facilitate centralized management.
Computer networks use electronic
mail (e-mail) as the choice for most
of the communication.
By using networks, information can
be sent to a larger audience in an
extremely fast and efficient manner.
A copy of data or application stored
at a single central location is shared
over a network.
Computer peripheral devices,
referred to as additional components,
can be attached to a computer and
be shared in a network.
Peripheral devices include faxes,
modems, scanners, plotters, and any
other device that connects to the
computers.
Equipments having common
requirements can be shared in order
to reduce maintenance cost.
Important data can also be stored
centrally to make it accessible to
users, thereby saving storage space
on individual computers.
Computer applications, which take up
a considerable amount of storage
space, can be installed centrally on
the network, saving storage space.
Networks are used to assist in
management tasks associated with
their own operation and
maintenance.
Using networks results in increased
efficiency and a resultant reduction
in maintenance costs.
Software:
Software is a set of instructions or
programs that control the operation of a
computer.
Software can be installed at a central
location using servers, where the
installation files are made accessible
over the network.
Classification by network geography.
Classification by component roles.
Networks are frequently classified
according to the geographical
boundaries spanned by the network
itself.
LAN, WAN, and MAN are the basic
types of classification, of which LAN
and WAN are frequently used.
Local area network (LAN):
A LAN covers a relatively small area
such as a classroom, school, or a single
building.
LANs are inexpensive to install and also
provide higher speeds.
Local area network
Metropolitan area network (MAN):
A MAN spans the distance of a typical
metropolitan city.
The cost of installation and operation is
higher.
MANs use high-speed connections such
as fiber optics to achieve higher speeds.
Metropolitan area network
Wide area network (WAN):
WANs span a larger area than a single
city.
These use long distance
telecommunication networks for
connection, thereby increasing the cost.
The Internet is a good example of a
WAN.
Wide area network
Networks can also be classified
according to the roles that the
networked computers play in the
networks operation.
Peer-to-peer, server-based, and
client-based are the types of roles
into which networks are classified.
Peer-to-Peer:
In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are
considered equal.
Each computer controls its own information
and is capable of functioning as either a client
or a server depending upon the requirement.
Peer-to-peer networks are inexpensive and
easy to install.
They are popular as home networks and for
use in small companies.
Peer-to-peer (continued):
Most operating systems come with builtin peer-to-peer networking capability.
The maximum number of peers that can
operate on a peer-to-peer network is
ten.
Each peer shares resources and allows
others open access to them.
Peer-to-peer (continued):
Peer-to-peer networks become difficult
to manage when more security is added
to resources, since the users control
their security by password-protecting
shares.
Shares can be document folders,
printers, peripherals, and any other
resource that they control on their
computers.
Peer-to-peer network
Server-based:
A server-based network offers
centralized control and is designed for
secure operations.
In a server-based network, a dedicated
server controls the network.
Server-based (continued):
A dedicated server is one that services
the network by storing data,
applications, resources, and also
provides access to resources required by
the client.
These servers can also control the
networks security from one centralized
location or share it with other specially
configured servers.
Server-based network
Client-based:
Client-based network servers process
requests from clients and return just the
results.
These networks take advantage of the
powerful processing capabilities of both
the client and the server.
Application servers and communications
servers are examples of client-based
networks.
Client-based network
A network consists of two or more
entities sharing resources and
information.
A computer network consists of two
or more computers that are
connected and are able to
communicate.
The basic purpose of networks is to
enable effective communication,
share resources, and facilitate
centralized management of data.
Networks can be classified according
to their geographical boundaries or
their component roles.
