BUSINESS COMPUTER
APPLICATIONS
Introduction to Computer
Network Concepts
L9
Overview
Introduction to networks.
Need for networks.
Classification of networks
◦ LAN
◦ MAN
◦ WAN
◦ Internet, Intranet, & Extranet
Network devices
Learning outcomes
Explore computer communication and
its fundamentals
Describe the classification of
networks
Describe various types of computer
network topologies.
Describe the components of the
computer network.
What are the uses of computer
network
Introduction to Networks
A network consists of two or more
entities or objects sharing resources
and information.
A computer network consists of two or
more computing devices connected to
each other to share resources and
information.
The network becomes a powerful tool
when computers communicate and
share resources with other computers
on the same network or entirely distinct
Introduction to Networks
Computers on a network can
act as a client or a server.
A client is a computer that
requests for resources.
A server is a computer that
controls and provides access
to resources.
Need for Networks
A computer that operates
independently from other
computers is called a stand-alone
computer.
The process of printing or
transferring data from one
system to another using various
storage devices is called
sneakernet.
Need for Networks
Enhance communication.
Share resources.
Facilitate centralized
management.
Enhance Communication
Computer networks use
electronic mail (e-mail) as the
choice for most of the
communication.
By using networks,
information can be sent to a
larger audience in an
extremely fast and efficient
Share Resources
A copy of data or application stored at a single
central location is shared over a network.
Computer peripheral devices, referred to as
additional components, can be attached to a
computer and be shared in a network.
Share Resources
Peripheral devices include faxes,
modems, scanners, plotters, and
any other device that connects to
the computers.
Equipment's having common
requirements can be shared in
order to reduce maintenance cost.
Share Resources
Important data can also be
stored centrally to make it
accessible to users, thereby
saving storage space on
individual computers.
Computer applications, which
take up a considerable amount
of storage space, can be
installed centrally on the
Facilitate Centralized
Management
Networks are used to assist in
management tasks associated
with their own operation and
maintenance.
Using networks results in
increased efficiency and a
resultant reduction in
maintenance costs.
Facilitate Centralized
Management
Software:
◦ Software is a set of instructions or
programs that control the
operation of a computer.
◦ Software can be installed at a
central location using servers,
where the installation files are
made accessible over the
network.
Classification of Networks
Classification by network
geography.
Classification by
component roles.
Classification by Network
Geography
Networks are frequently classified
according to the geographical
boundaries spanned by the
network itself.
LAN, WAN, and MAN are the basic
types of classification, of which
LAN and WAN are frequently
used.
Classification by Network
Geography
Local Area Network (LAN):
◦ A LAN covers a relatively small
area such as a classroom,
school, or a single building.
◦ LANs are inexpensive to install
and also provide higher speeds.
Classification by Network
Geography
Local Area Network
Classification by Network
Geography
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN):
◦ A MAN spans the distance of a typical
metropolitan city.
◦ The cost of installation and operation is
higher.
◦ MANs use high-speed connections such
as fiber optics to achieve higher speeds.
Classification by Network
Geography
Wide Area Network (WAN):
◦ WANs span a larger area than a
single city.
◦ These use long distance
telecommunication networks for
connection, thereby increasing the
cost.
◦ The Internet is a good example of
a WAN.
Classification by Network
Geography
Wide Area Network
Classification by Component
Roles
Peer-to-peer:
◦ In a peer-to-peer network, all computers
are considered equal.
◦ Each computer controls its own
information and is capable of functioning
as either a client or a server depending
upon the requirement.
◦ Peer-to-peer networks are inexpensive
and easy to install.
◦ They are popular as home networks and
for use in small companies.
Classification by Component
Roles
Peer-to-peer (continued):
◦ Most operating systems come with
built-in peer-to-peer networking
capability.
◦ The maximum number of peers that
can operate on a peer-to-peer
network is ten.
◦ Each peer shares resources and
allows others open access to them.
Classification by Component
Roles
Peer-to-peer (continued):
◦ Peer-to-peer networks become difficult
to manage when more security is
added to resources, since the users
control their security by password-
protecting shares.
◦ Shares can be document folders,
printers, peripherals, and any other
resource that they control on their
computers.
Classification by Component
Roles
Peer-to-Peer Network
Classification by Component
Roles
Server-based:
◦ A server-based network offers
centralized control and is
designed for secure operations.
◦ In a server-based network, a
dedicated server controls the
network.
Classification by Component
Roles
Server-based (continued):
◦ A dedicated server is one that services the
network by storing data, applications,
resources, and also provides access to
resources required by the client.
◦ These servers can also control the
network’s security from one centralized
location or share it with other specially
configured servers.
Classification by Component
Roles
Server-based Network
Classification by Component
Roles
Client-based:
◦ Client-based network servers process
requests from clients and return just the
results.
◦ These networks take advantage of the
powerful processing capabilities of both
the client and the server.
◦ Application servers and communications
servers are examples of client-based
networks.
Classification by Component
Roles
Client-based network
Internet, Intranet, & Extranet
Internet
Internet is a network of
interconnected computers that is
now global (Net)
The Internet is a global system of
interconnected computer networks
that use the standard Internet
Protocol Suite (TCP/IP) to serve
billions of users worldwide
Intranets
Network within an organization that
uses Internet protocols and
technologies for collecting, storing, and
disseminating useful information that
supports business activities
Also called “corporate portals”
For internal use by employees
◦ Many companies also allow trusted business
partners to access their intranets
Different from a LAN
Define and limit access carefully
The Internet versus Intranets
Applications of an Intranet
Human resources management
Sales and marketing
Production and operations
Accounting and finance
Help organizations move from a
calendar- or schedule-based document-
publishing strategy to one that’s based
on events or need
◦ Reduce the costs and time of document
production
Extranets
Secure network
◦ Uses the Internet and Web technologies to
connect intranets of business partners
Type of interorganizational system (IOS)
◦ Electronic funds transfer (EFT)
◦ Electronic data interchange (EDI)
DMZ
◦ Refers to the demilitarized zone, an area of
the network that’s separate from the
organization’s LAN
Advantages of Extranets
Coordination
Feedback
Consumer satisfaction
Cost reduction
Expedited
communication
Network Elements
Nodes: Special purpose devices
PC server switch bridge router
Links: Connections between nodes
wireless
Optical fiber Coaxial cable 37
Summary
Overview and brief history of the Internet
and the World Wide Web
Navigational tools, search engines, and
directories
Internet services
◦ E-mail, newsgroups, and instant messaging
Web applications and the service
industry
Intranets and extranets
