Intro to Local Area Network

1. Intro to Local Area Network

2. 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

3. What is a Network? • A group of computers and other devices that are joined together.

4. Share data Share resources Share software Centralize storage Centralize backup Strengthen security Enhance communications Why Networks?

5. 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?

6. 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

7. Basic Network Types • Peer-to-peer • Server-based (client-server)

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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)

11. 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

12. 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

13. Server Hardware • Usually servers are high powered computers • Large hard disks • Fast processors • Multiple processors • Large amount of RAM

14. 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?

15. 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

16. Network Topology • Physical layout of the computers and other devices in a network.

17. Four standard network topologies • Bus • Star Hub Ring Hybrid

18. 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

19. Copper Coaxial cable Twisted-pair cable Glass Fiber-optic cable Wireless (Air) Infrared Radio waves Microwaves Network Transmission Media • Anything that carries the message through the network

20. Destination ID Control CRC Sender ID Data Data Packet and Addressing • Data packets--Small chunks of data and other information transmitted from one computer to another on the network • Addressing—scheme used to uniquely identify every workstation and device on the network

21. 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

22. 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

23. 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

24. Important Soft Skills • Customer Service • Communications • Strong Work Ethic • Teamwork • Leadership