Lesson 25

Network Fundamentals
Communication Networks
Networks
are used to transmit voice, data, video, and
Internet traffic.
Multi-service networks
are capable of transmitting a combination of
these services on the same system.
Notes:
Some communication networks support public
use, and some networks are designed for
private use.

Comparing Public vs. Private Networks

Comparing Public vs. Private Networks
Public networks offer access to the public with a
connection to other networks.
A public switched network (PSN) is a common
carrier network that provides connections among
public users.
A public switched telephone network (PSTN)
is an international collection of interconnected
voice-based public telephone networks.
Comparing Public vs. Private Networks (continued)
PSTN
o originally created to support one-to-one
voice communications using analog
transmissions, but today it is largely
digital and includes services for both
cellular and landline phones.
o sets up a dedicated channel (or circuit)
between two points (locally, regionally,
nationally, or internationally) for the
duration of a call.
local Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
o are connected to the PSTN
o employ a range of more advanced
technologies to enable consumers to
connect to a network.
o For example, Integrated Services
Digital Network (ISDN) can send voice,
video, and data over digital or analog
telephone lines.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

o is a system that converts your telephone
signal into digital and uses the Internet
to deliver voice communications.
o how to connect to extranet
PRIVATE NETWORKS:
are owned by one or more establishments for
their exclusive use
are commonly used in offices and homes so that
multiple computers can share printers, files,
data, and programs
restrict access to authorized users
require user names and passwords to gain
access to the network
Virtual Private Network (VPN)
- is a network service that enables remote users
to use a public network to access their private
networks.
VPN technology encrypts incoming and outgoing
data, and uses a secure connection across a
public network.

Understanding Types of Networks

The design of a network is referred to as the
architecture.
Networks can be categorized by their scope and
the design of their communication methods.
Networks can have wired or wireless
connections, or both.
TYPES OF NETWORKS:
A. By Geogrpahical
1. Local area network (LAN):
o Connects computers, workstations, and
other devices that are relatively close to
each other within a confined space.
2. Wireless local area (WLAN):
o variation of the LAN without physical
wires to connect devices.
o connect devices that are very close to
each other, such as homes and small
offices.

3. Wide area network (WAN):

o A network that contains a substantial
number of computers and covers a large
geographical area.
o The largest WAN is the Internet.

B. By Relationship
4. Client/server:
o one or more computers on the network
act as a server.
o server manages network resources.
o client is the computer that requests and
uses services on the server.
o more powerful
5. Peer-to-peer (P2P):
o all the computers are equal
o no computer is designated as the
server.
o users determine which files on their
computer they share with others on the
network.
o server is the slave
C. Based on Accessibility
6. Internet:
o A worldwide system composed of
thousands of smaller networks.
o Internet Service Provider (ISP) provides
a connection to the Internet.
o public WAN
7. Intranet:
o A type of network used within a single
organization to share documents such
as handbooks, manuals, forms, and
other company documents.
o private WAN
o used by schools, organizations,
8. Extranet:
o similar to an intranet but allows specific
users outside of the organization to
access internal information systems.

private WAN except that it allows a few

users to connect to it through VPN

Identifying Network Components

Network can be as simple as two computers linked
together.
As more devices are added, installing devices
and managing the network become more
technical.
Networking concepts and terminology remain
basically the same, regardless of size or type.
A server computer provides a service to one or
many client computers.
The server is usually a high-speed
computer with considerable storage
space.
A network may have several servers.
A client accesses the shared resources,
services, and programs provided by the server.
HARDWARE COMPONENTS
HARDWARE COMPONENTS
1. Modems (modulator-demodulator)
enable a computer to transmit data over
cable or telephone lines.
A traditional modem is often referred to as
POTS (Plain Old Telephone Service).
A cable modem uses cable television
lines to send and receive data.
A digital subscriber line (DSL) modem
uses ordinary copper telephone lines to
transmit data.
2. Cable Media
Three types of cable media:
o coaxial cable transmit electricity
o twisted pair/copper wires
transmit electricity
o fiber optic transmit light, fastest

Ethernet cable
o is the most common type of
connection used in a local area
network (LAN).
Ethernet port
o looks like a regular phone jack but is
slightly wider.

3. T-1 Line
is a type of fiber-optic telephone line that
can transmit voice and data at the same
time.
ideal for businesses because the line is
dedicated, meaning it is not shared with
other businesses.
connection is more secure and doesnt get
bogged down.
4. Hub
is a device that joins all the devices of a
network together.
every network device connects directly to
the hub through a port.
forwards data frames from a connected
device to all other connected devices.
broadcasts the data to all other computers
one computer at a time
5. Switch
performs the same tasks as a hub but
works much faster.
filters the target for a data frame and
forwards it only to a specific device in
the LAN.
replaced hubs in Ethernet networks
can be a hardware or software
component, or a combination of both
6. Router
directs the flow of data from a local area
network (LAN) to another network
connection.
breaks down data into packets and
identifies the best path for forwarding the
packet to a specific target.
calculate the optimize path from one
computer to another
7. Network Interface Card (NIC)
makes the electrical and electronic
connections between a computer and a
network
provides the computer an address
are built into the motherboard
are installed as an expansion card

Software Components

Software - is used to set up, manage, and monitor

communication networks.
Applications or programs - provide remote access to
networks and the tools needed to transmit data in
the required formats.
SOFTWARE COMPONENTS
1. Protocols
communications protocol
o is a description of the rules
computers follow to identify devices
and transmit data.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet
Protocol (TCP/IP),
o most common communications
protocol is
o used for transporting data between
computers on the Internet.
2. Operating Systems
contain built-in services that support
network protocols, and include functions
for connecting computers and other
devices to a network.
Three of the most popular operating
systems are:
o Microsoft Windows,
o Mac OS X,
o Linux.
3. Addressing
address
o is a unique identifier for each
computer or device on a network.
Media Access Control (MAC)
o Every NIC (network interphase card)
has this
o a address for communications on the
physical network segment.
MAC address
o is assigned by the manufacturer of
the device.
IP address,
o devices connected to a TCP/IP
network are assigned an
o which identifies the host device and
the network to which it belongs.
o are usually assigned by the network
administrator or the Internet Service
Provider.

Before a computer can access data on the

Internet, the computer address must be
translated into an IP address.
Internet Service Providers access a
Domain Name Server (DNS), which
maintains a directory of domain names
and their correlated IP addresses, to
perform the translation and direct a
connection to the correct address.

4. Gateways
A gateway connects networks using
different communications protocols so that
information can be passed from one
network to the other.
The gateway converts data to a form that
is compatible with the destination network
and then transmits the data.
5. Packet Switching
Packet switching splits data into
manageable packets (small pieces),
allowing a more efficient flow in the
transmission of data.
The NIC breaks down the data into
packets before transmitting it to the hub.
After the data packets are transmitted to
the destination device, the NIC on the
destination device puts the packets back
together.
Identifying the Benefits of a Network
Benefits:
1. Enhanced communications:
e-mail, text messages, social media, and
other electronic communications have
changed the way the world interacts.
2. Information sharing:
Users around the world can connect to each
other to access, share, and exchange
information.
3. Searching and researching:
The Internet provides an astronomical number of
resources for finding information.
4. E-commerce:
The Internet enables business owners to run
their businesses online from desktop computers,
laptops, tablets, or smart phones.
5. Online training:

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Online courses are convenient and offer

flexibility. You can learn at your own pace, on
your own schedule without taking time off from
work or leaving your home.
Telecommuting:
Working from home saves travel time and
transportation expenses.
Collaborative environment:
A shared environment enables users to
exchange files and collaborate on group
projects.
Hardware sharing:
It is not necessary to purchase a printer or a
scanner, for example, for each individual
computer. A device connected to a network can
serve the needs of many users.
Software sharing: Software installed on a
network server can be accessed by many users.
Sharing software saves money on licensing and
makes installing software updates easier and
more efficient.
Entertainment: Networks facilitate many types of
games and entertainment, and the Internet
offers many sources of entertainment.

Evaluating the Risks of Networked Computing

Risks of Networked Computing:
1. Privacy: Computer networks are vulnerable to
unauthorized access. Hackers steal services
and information.
2. Malfunctions and system failures: Users can
lose access to network resources due to natural
disasters such as storms and fires.
3. Malicious code: Networks are vulnerable to
viruses, worms, and Trojan horses, which can
cause equipment malfunctions and system
failures.
4. Individual loss of autonomy: Networks can play
a part in taking away an individuals autonomy
by controlling which software programs are
accessible, and keeping a record of how the
computer is used and what sites are accessed.
5. Network faults: Network equipment problems
can result in loss of data and resources.
6. Setup and management costs: Initial and
ongoing investments of money and labor are
required to set up and manage a network.
7. Some network connection problems are easy to
identify and fix:
o First, check the physical connections.
o If everything is connected correctly,
power down all the devices, and unplug
the power to the router and modem.

Wait 10 to 15 seconds, and then plug in

the router and modem and turn on the
computer again.
If that doesnt solve the problem, try the
Windows troubleshooter wizards.

Summary
Communication networks are used to transmit
voice, data, video, and Internet traffic.
Communication networks are created for both
public and private use.
A computer network is a group of two or more
computers linked together. As the size of a

network increases, the network becomes more

technical, but the networking concepts and
terminology basically remain the same.
There are several types of networks. Networks
can be categorized by the scope of the network
and the design of the communication method.
Communication networks require hardware
components. Multiple devices can connect to a
network via wired or wireless connections.
Software components provide remote access to
networks and the tools needed to transmit data
in the required formats.
Society has benefitted in many ways because of
developments in the Internet and network
capabilities in the last several years.
Network connections also present challenges,
and we should evaluate the risks when we
access networks.
Although some connection problems are
complex and require technical support, Windows
provides troubleshooter wizards to help
diagnose and repair network problems.