Intro to Local Area Network

Purpose of class

Explore components of local area networks Look at the use and benefits of networks Learn about network hardware, software,

topologies, and terminology Identify technical and non-technical skills that

will help you succeed as a network professional

What is a Network?

A group of computers and other devices that are joined together.

Why Networks?

Share data Share resources Share software Centralize storage

Centralize backup Strengthen security Enhance

communications

Do you need a network? You are a self employed consultant with a

computer, a printer and a fax.– Do you need a network?

You work for a small graphics firm. All the computers have large hard disks as well as zip drives. You only have one color laser printer.– Do you need a network? Would one be helpful?

Because several people do not backup regularly, your company has lost some critical data and has spent thousands of dollar reconstructing the data.– Do you need a network? Would one be helpful?

Roles of Computers in a Network

Client– uses network resources but doesn’t

provide any resources to the network Peer

– uses and provides network resources Server

– provides network resources

Basic Network Types

Peer-to-peer Server-based (client-server)

Peer-to-Peer Networks Simplest type of network

– Inexpensive and relatively simple to set up and maintain

No dedicated server– All computers are equal– Each computer functions both as a client and as

a server Often called workgroups Each user acts as an administrator for their

own computer—no centralized administration of users or resources

Peer-to-Peer Networks

Can use Windows NT Workstation, Windows 98/ME, Windows 2000/XP Professional, or built-in network operating system (MACs)

Appropriate for small offices and homes– typically 10 users or less– no security issues– limited growth

Server-Based Network

One or more dedicated servers provide network resources– File and print server– Mail/Message server– Application server

Provide centralized storage Divide processing tasks between clients

and servers (client/server)

Server-Based Network

Can support a larger number of users Centralized management

– Often require an administrator(s) Require network operating system

(NOS) such as Windows NT Server, Windows 2000 Advanced Server or Novell Netware

Server-Based Network

Generally server-based networks provide higher security than peer-to-peer networks– User accounts and passwords

Access to resources can be control by individual user or groups– Rights and permissions

Server Hardware

Usually servers are high powered computers– Large hard disks– Fast processors– Multiple processors– Large amount of RAM

Which type of network would you recommend?

A collections agency with 5 computers wants an inexpensive network that enables users to share a printer and files. The agency is not expecting any increase in the number of employees.

Peer-to-peer or server-based?

Which type of network would you recommend?

A travel agency currently has 8 employees. They are expecting to hire 3-4 employees in the next year. They want to be able to share files, a laser printer and a color inkjet printer and send e-mail. It is important that data be backed up regularly.

Peer-to-peer or server-based

Network Topology

Physical layout of the computers and other devices in a network.

Four standard network topologies

Hub

Bus

Star

RingHybrid

Network Protocols A protocol is a set of rules or standards the

enable computer to exchange information. All computers in a network must have at least

one set of protocols in common in order to communicate– TCP/IP (Transmission Control Protocol/Internet

Protocol) is the protocol used to communicate using the Internet

There are protocols for hardware and software

Network Transmission Media

– Copper• Coaxial cable• Twisted-pair cable

– Glass• Fiber-optic cable

– Wireless (Air)• Infrared• Radio waves• Microwaves

Anything that carries the message through the network

Data Packet and Addressing Data packets--Small chunks of data and

other information transmitted from one computer to another on the network

Destination ID Control CRC

Sender ID Data

Addressing—scheme used to uniquely identify every workstation and device on the network

Network Services

File and Print services– Provide centralized storage of data– Allow printers to be placed in centralized locations

Communication services– Allow remote users to connect to the network

Mail services– Manage electronic messages between network

users

Network Services

Internet services– Manage access to the Internet; security

Management services– Provides for central administration and

management of network resources• Monitor traffic• Deploy software• Alert administrator of network problems

Technical Skills

Install, configure, and troubleshoot client operating systems

Install, configure, and troubleshoot network operating systems

Be familiar with network topologies, media, components, and protocols

Understand account policies, user accounts, groups, user rights, and permissions

Important Soft Skills

Customer Service Communications Strong Work Ethic Teamwork Leadership