Transcript Chapter One

Peer-to-Peer Network
Computers communicate on single segment of cable and
share each other’s data and devices
Simple example of a local area network (LAN)
Figure 1-2: Simple peer-to-peer network
Peer-to-Peer Network
Simple to configure and require little
expertise
Less expensive than other setups
Not very flexible solution
Net very secure solution
Not very practical for connecting more
than a few computers
Does not require NOS
Networking Basics
Figure 1-3:
LAN with a file
server
Networking Basics
Figure 1-4:
An example
of a complex
network
Advantages of Server-Based
over Peer-to-Peer Networks
User login accounts and passwords can be
assigned in one place
Access to multiple shared resources can be
centrally granted
Servers are optimized to handle heavy
processing loads and dedicated to handling
requests from clients
Servers can connect more than a handful of
computers
MANs and WANs
Metropolitan area network (MAN)

Network connecting clients and servers in
multiple buildings within limited geographic
area
Wide area network (WAN)


Network that spans large distance and
connects two or more LANs
The Internet is an example of a very
intricate and extensive WAN that spans the
globe
WAN
Figure 1-5:
A simple
WAN
Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks
Client

In addition to referring to a computer on the
network, may also refers to human user of
client workstation
Server
Workstation
Network interface card (NIC)

Enables workstation to connect to the network
and communicate with other computers
Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks
Figure 1-6:
A network
interface
card (NIC)
Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks
Network operating system (NOS)
Host

Server that manages shared resources
Node

Client, server, or other device that can
communicate over a network and that is
identified by a unique identifying number,
known as its network address
Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks
Topology


Physical
layout of
computer
network
More
detail in
Ch. 5
Figure 1-7: Commonly used network topologies
Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks
Protocol


Rules network uses to transfer data
Ensures data are transferred whole, in
sequence, and without error (Ch. 3)
Data Packets

The distinct units of data transmitted from one
computer to another on a network (Ch. 2/3)
Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks
Addressing


Scheme for assigning unique identifying
number to every workstation on network
The number that uniquely identifies each
workstation and device on a network is its
address (Ch. 2/3)
Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks
Transmission
media


Means
through
which data
are
transmitted
and received
More detail
in Ch. 4
Figure 1-8: Examples of network transmission media
How Networks Are Used
Services

Features provided by a network – most visible
is e-mail
File and print services
Communications services (RAS)
Mail services
Internet services
Management services
Network Services
File services


Refers to capability of a server to share data
files, applications, and disk storage space
Server that provides file services is called a
file server
Print services

Allows printers to be shared by several users
on a network
Network Services
Communications services

Allow remote users to connect to a network
Remote user




Person working on a computer in a different geographical
location from the LAN’s server
Win 2K – Remote Access Server (RAS)
Netware – Network Access Server (NAS)
Communications server
Server that runs communications services
Also referred to as access servers and remote
access servers
Network Services
Mail services

Coordinate storage and transfer of e-mail
between users on a network
May include a Gateway

Combination of software and hardware enabling two
different kinds of networks to exchange data
Internet services

Enable networks to communicate with the
Internet
Network Services
Management services


Centrally administer and simplify complicated
management tasks on the network
Numerous services fall under category of
network management
Important Management
Services
Traffic monitoring and control

Traffic
Data transmission and processing activity taking
place on a computer network at any given time

Segment
Part of LAN that is logically separated from other
parts of LAN and that shares fixed amount of
traffic capacity
Important Management
Services
Load balancing

Distributing process activity evenly across a
network so that no single device is
overwhelmed
Hardware diagnosis and failure alert

Determining when a network component
fails and automatically notifying network
administrators through e-mail or pager
Important Management
Services
Asset management

Collecting and storing data on number and
types of software and hardware assets in an
organization’s network
License tracking

Determining how many copies of a single
application are currently in use on a network
Important Management
Services
Security auditing

Evaluating what security measures are
currently in force and notifying network
administrator if a security breach occurs
Software distribution

Automatically transferring data file or program
from the server to a client on the network
Important Management
Services
Address management

Centrally administering a finite number of
network addresses for an entire LAN
Backup and restoration of data

Backing up
Copying critical files to a secure storage area

Restoring
Retrieving data if original files are lost or deleted
Covered more in depth in Ch. 12/13
Becoming a Network
Professional
Mastering the technical challenges
Developing your “soft skills”
Pursuing certification
Finding a job in networking
Joining professional associations
Mastering the Technical Challenges
Specialty areas in high demand for
networking professionals:





Network security
Internet and intranet design
Network management
Voice/data integration (VoIP)
Remote and mobile computing
Mastering the Technical Challenges
Specialty areas in high demand for
networking professionals (cont.):




Data integrity and fault tolerance
In-depth knowledge of Microsoft networking
products
In-depth knowledge of NetWare networking
products (decreasing)
In-depth knowledge of router configuration
and management (Cisco)
Developing Your “Soft Skills”
Skills not easily measured but important to
a networking career:





Customer relations
Oral and written communications
Dependability
Teamwork
Leadership abilities
Pursuing Certification
Certification

Process of mastering material pertaining to a
particular hardware system, operating system,
programming language, or other software
program, then proving your mastery by passing
a series of exams
Computer Technology Association
(CompTIA)

An association that sets industry-wide
standards for computer professionals
Pursuing Certification
A+


Certification established by CompTIA
Verifies knowledge about PC operation, repair,
and management
Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer
(MCSE)


Certification established by Microsoft
Demonstrates in-depth knowledge about
Microsoft’s products
Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator
(MCSA)

MCSE – designs networks; MCSA – administers
networks
Pursuing Certification
Certified NetWare Engineer (CNE)


Certification established by Novell
Demonstrates in-depth understanding of
Novell’s networking software
Network+ (Net+)


Certification established by CompTIA
Verifies broad, vendor-independent
networking technology skills
Pursuing Certification
Benefits of becoming certified include:





Better salary
Greater opportunities
Professional respect
Access to better support
Good way to “prove” you have at least some
knowledge of a specific skill
Degree vs. certification debate
Finding a Job in Networking
Search the Web
Read the paper
Visit a career center
Network
Attend career fairs
Finding a Job in Networking
Table 1-1:
Web sites
with job
databases
Joining Professional
Associations
Benefits can include:




Connecting with people who have similar
interests
Providing new opportunities for learning
Allowing access to specialized information
Giving you tangible assets such as free goods
Joining Professional
Associations
Table 1-2: Web sites of networking organizations