Extended Learning Module D
Network Basics
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What is a Computer Network?
What are the Benefits of Computer
Networking?
Describe some networks
Introduction
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Computer network - two or more
computers connected so that they can
communicate with each other and share
information, software, peripheral
devices, and/or processing power.
Advantages of Networks:
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streamline work _________ and cut costs
allow people within organizations to collaborate
share hardware, software, and processing power
enable geographically distant work groups to
communicate with each other
allow businesses to ________ information with
external groups such as suppliers
shorten business lead times and response times
support electronic commerce
Introduction
Basic Principles of Networks
1.
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3.
4.
Each computer must have a network card.
A network has at least one connecting
device.
There must be communications media
connecting the network hardware devices.
Each computer must have software that
supports the movement of information.
Peer-to-Peer Home
Networks
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Peer-to-Peer Home Networks 
Internet Access
Business Networks
LANs, MANs, WANs, and
Communications Media
Communications Service Providers
Peer-to-Peer Home Network
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Peer-to-peer network - a network in
which a small number of computers share
hardware, software and/or information.
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You can setup a small peer-to-peer
network
With Ethernet cards (NIC) and dedicated
cables
 Using the existing phone wiring
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Peer-to-Peer Home Network
Home Network Components
Figure D.1
Hub, Switch, and Router as
Roadway Intersections
page 428
Peer-to-Peer Home Network
Home Network Components
Typical Home
Network
Figure D.2
page 429
Peer-to-Peer Home Network
Wireless Access to Your Home Network
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Wireless network access point or
wireless access point - a device that
allows computers to access a
_________ network using radio waves.
Peer-to-Peer Home Network
Wireless Access to Your Home Network
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WiFi, Wireless Fidelity, or IEEE 802.11b - a way
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Bluetooth technology - provides entirely wireless
of transmitting information in wave form that is
reasonably fast and is often used for notebooks.
connections for all kinds of communication devices.
Internet Access
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Peer-to-Peer Home Networks
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Internet Access
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Business Networks
LANs, MANs, WANs, and
Communications Media
Communications Service Providers
Internet Access
Ways to Access the Internet at Home
1.
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Telephone line and a telephone or dial-up modem.
Telephone line and a Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)
modem.
Cable TV line and a cable modem.
Satellite dish and a satellite modem.
Provider that offers wireless connection for your
notebook.
Internet Access
Wireless Internet Connection
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Wireless Internet service provider
(wireless ISP) - does the same job as
standard Internet service providers
except that you don’t need a wired
connection for access.
Business Networks
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Peer-to-Peer Home Networks
Internet Access
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Business Networks 
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LANs, MANs, WANs, and
Communications Media
Communications Service Providers
Business Networks
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Client/server network - a network in
which one or more computers are
servers and provide services to the
other computers which are called
clients.
Client/Server Architecture
URL
Database Query
Client
Server
Requests & Parameters
TCP/IP
HTTP
Response & Results
Disks for
Storage
Business Networks
Client/Server: A Physical View
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There are many physical
implementations of client/server
networks
Conceptually, large networks work
on the same principles as small
ones
Business Networks
Client/Server: A Physical View
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You still need
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Network cards
Hubs
Switches
Routers
Communications media and
Network operating systems
Business Networks
Client/Server: A Physical View
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Communications protocol
(protocol) - a set of rules that every
computer follows to transfer
information.
LANs, MANs, MANs and
Communications Media
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Peer-to-Peer Home Networks
Internet Access
Business Networks
LANs, MANs, WANs, and
Communications Media
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Communications Service Providers
LANs, MANs, WANs, & Communications Media
Classification of Networks by
Geographic Distance
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Local area network (LAN) - covers a limited
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Municipal area network (MAN) - covers a ________
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Wide area network (WAN) – covers a large
_________ distance, such as an office, building, or a
group of buildings in close proximity to each other.
area.
geographic distances, such as a state, a country, or even
the entire _________.
LANs, MANs, WANs, and Communications
Media
Telecommunications Media: The Paths That Carry Information
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Communications media - the paths, or physical
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Wired ___________ media - transmit information
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__________communications media - transmit
channels, in a network over which information travels.
over a closed, connected path.
information through the air.
LANs, MANs, WANs, and Communications
Media
Telecommunications Media: The Paths That Carry Information
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Wired Communications Media include:
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Twisted-pair cable
________ cable
Optical Fiber
LANs, MANs, WANs, and Communications
Media
Telecommunications Media: The Paths That Carry Information
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Wireless Communications Media
Include:
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Microwave
_________
Infrared
LANs, MANs, WANs, and Communications
Media
Infrared and Omnidirectional Microware for Short Distances
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Wireless communications media radiate information into the air,
either very narrowly beamed or in many directions like ripples from
a pebble tossed into a pond.
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Infrared - a wireless communications medium that uses radio waves to
transmit signals or information.
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Bluetooth
Microwave transmission - a type of radio transmission.
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WiFi
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http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/
Communications Service Providers
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Communications service providers - third
parties who furnish the conduit for
information.
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Public network - a network on which your
organization _________ for time with others.
Communications Service Providers
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Private network - communications media that your
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Value-added network (VAN) - a semipublic network that
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Virtual private network (VPN) – uses software to establish a
organization ______ or exclusively leases to connect networks
or network components.
provides services beyond the movement of information from
one place to another.
________ channel on the Internet for transmitting data.
Communications Service Providers
Key Considerations for Communications Media
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To determine the most appropriate
communications medium, you must consider:
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Capacity
Reliability
Cost
Distance
Mobility