◦ List the advantages of networked computing relative to stand-alone computing

◦ Distinguish between Client/Server and Peer-to-Peer networks

◦ List elements common to all Client/Server networks

◦ Describe several specific uses for a network◦ Identify some of the certifications available to

networking professionals◦ Identify the kinds of skills and specializations

that will help you excel as a networking professional

◦ Before we can know why we use networks we have to have the definition of a network

◦ What is a network? A collection of devices that communicate together The electronic and digital fabric that ties not only

business, but personal applications together◦ The main reason we use networks is to share

resources Stand-alone computers had to use what was and is

commonly referred to as the “sneakernet” The sneakernet describes the stand-alone computers

share data…someone physically takes the storage media from one computer to another.

◦ Simplest form of a network◦ All computers can directly communicate each

other◦ No one computer has more authority than an

other◦ Traditional peer-to-peer networks consisted of 2

or more computers with modest computer processing capabilities

◦ Advantages Simple to configure Less expensive to maintain

◦ Disadvantages Not a flexible network Not as secure - Uses shared folders Not practical for large networks

◦ Uses a central computer called a server which facilitates communication to clients The server normally has more processing power,

storage capacity, and memory than clients Servers may also contain management software to help

control and monitor the clients and resources Servers may also provide identification, authentication,

authorization, and other security features◦ Clients are normally computers that are called

workstations All clients rely on the server to share resources with

other clients. Clients do not communicate directly to each other.

Clients connect to the server normally through a network switch

◦ Logon accounts and passwords can now be stored and managed at the server

◦ Access to multiple shared resources can now be centrally granted to a single user or groups of users

◦ Network problems can be monitored, diagnosed, and sometimes fixed from one location

◦ Servers are optimized to handle much more processing loads and are dedicated to handling requests from clients which enables faster response times

◦ Particularly suited for large networks

◦ Clients Workstations hosts

◦ Servers◦ Network Interface Cards (NIC)◦ Network Operating System (NOS)◦ Node◦ Connectivity devices

◦ Networks are classified by size Local Area Network (LAN) - small Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - bigger

◦ Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a LAN and a MAN In the scheme of small and bigger, what defines small and what

defines bigger? It is this logic that sometimes convolutes clarity when it comes to

LANs and MANs. A very simple way to remember the difference between a LAN

and a MAN is to think of an institution such as a college campus. The campus is made up of several buildings, offices and departments. A

LAN is represented in this case by a floor in the building. Inside the building there could be several LANs just as there are several

floors in a building. The campus represents the MAN. All of the LANs that are common to

the campus make up the MAN.◦ In most cases LANs and MANs can be distinguished by the different

transmission types and media.

LAN

MAN

◦ Connects two or more geographically separated LANs or MANs

◦ There is little or no difference in MANs and WANs, in fact, most network professionals only use the terms LAN and WAN

Backbone Bus

Star

Ring

Hybrid

◦ Network Services – Are functions or services that the network provides

◦ The common services and functions are listed below File and Print Services – allows file sharing and

printer sharing Access Services – allows remote users to connect

to the network Communication Services – functions include

phone, fax, video, cell phone, PDAs, and the most visible – email services

Internet Services Management Services – allows clients to managed

from a single server or application

◦ There are hundreds of networking positions available in today’s workforce. These positions required different levels of education, experience, and dedication. The first step in moving toward this career field is mastering the technical aspects. These include: Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting client/server

hardware and software Knowing the characteristics of the different transmission

media Understanding network design and protocols How user interact with the network Constructing complex networks

◦ On top of mastering these challenges, certifications are highly regarded in the industry. Some of the certifications include: CompTIA Network + CCENT, CCNA, CCNP, CCIE CompTIA Security +

For more information on this lesson, See Chapter

1 in the text book or email the Professor

**All Slides and graphics were produced by Professor Patrick Hughes**