Networks Computer Technology
Network Two or more computers and other devices (printers or scanners) that are connected, for the purpose of sharing data and programs
Advantages of Networks Communication E-mail, chat rooms, telephone, video telephone, video conferencing Sharing hardware Printers Sharing files and data Users can access data from other computers on the network, including the server
Advantages of Networks Sharing software Users can run programs from remote computers on the network Security of data Information preservation
Network Terms File Server A computer connected to a network that distributes resources to other users Contains the software to manage and process files for other network users Host Computer Refers to any computer the provides services to network users Used more commonly with the Internet
Network Terms Workstation Refers to a personal computer connected to a network Example Each computer in the classroom Client Refers to the software on a computer that allows the user to access the server Example Windows
Network Interface Card (NIC) Small circuit board that converts the digital signals from a computer into signals that can travel over a network Desktop Computers have the NIC inside the case with a jack on the outside for the network cable Example: Our classroom computers
Network Connection Devices Hubs A device that connects several components of a network Routers A device that connects at least two networks
Network Connection Devices Gateway A device that serves as an entrance to another network or the Internet
Firewalls This is part of a network that is designed to block unauthorized access to the network while allowing authorized access Firewalls can be implemented in software or hardware or both
Physical Infrastructure Physical infrastructure refers to cables, modems, switches, and routers. Twisted-pair Two insulated wires twisted around each other; the same type of wire as that used for telephones
Physical Infrastructure Coaxial cable Consists of an insulated center wire surrounded by a layer of braided wire; the same type of wire as that used for cable TV Fiber-optic cable Type of fiber glass cable that transmits data in the form of light impulses; can carry more data for longer distances than other wire
Wireless Networks (no wires involved) Wireless communication across networks or within a network can be achieved through the following technologies: Satellite Microwaves Radio waves (cell phone systems, wireless LANs, home networks) Infrared technology
Bandwidth Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transmitted through a communications channel. Digital bandwidth is measured in bits per second (bps), kilobits per second (Kbps), megabits per second (Mbps), or gigabits per second (Gbps).
Local Area Network (LAN) Computer network that is located within a limited geographical area, such as a school or small business Example: The network in our classroom
Wide Area Network (WAN) Interconnected group of computers and peripherals that cover a large geographical area, such as multiple buildings Examples The Jordan School District Network The Internet
Packet Switching The Internet is a packet switching network: Outgoing messages are divided into fixed-size data units called packets. Packets are numbered and addressed to the receiving computer. Routers examine the packets and send them to their destination. Packet Switching Demonstration
IP Addresses A unique identifying number assigned to each computer connected to the internet Example 204.127.102.001 Each computer on a network should have its own separate IP Address or conflicts will occur when there are duplicate addresses