Communication and

Networking Services

Objectives

List advantages of networked computing relative to standalone computingIdentify elements of a networkDescribe several specific uses of a network

Objectives

Distinguish between client/server and peer-to-peer networksIdentify some of the certifications available to networking professionalsIdentify kinds of non-technical, or “soft,” skills to help in succeeding as a networking professional

Networks and Standalone Computers

Network

Group of computers and other devices connected by some type of transmission media

Networks enable users to share devices and data, collectively called a network’s resources

Standalone computer

Uses programs and data only from its local disks and is not connected to a network

Sneakernet

Method of sharing data by copying it to a disk and carrying the disk from computer to computer

Figure 1-1: Data sharing before the advent of networks

Local and Remote Computers

Local computer

Computer on which user is working

Remote computer

Computer that user controls or works on via network connection

Peer-to-Peer Network

Computers communicate on single segment of cable and share each other’s data and devicesSimple example of a local area network (LAN)

Figure 1-2: Simple peer-to-peer network

Local Area Network (LAN)

Network of computers and other devices confined to relatively small spaceLANs involving many computers are usually server-based

On a server-based network, special computers (known as servers) process data for and facilitate communication between other computers on the network (known as clients)

Networking Basics

Workstation

Computer that typically runs a desktop operating system and connects to a network

Client/server architecture

Networking model in which clients use central server to share applications, devices, and data

Networking Basics

Client/server network

Network based on client/server architecture

Network operating system

Special software designed to manage data and other resources on a server for a number of clients

Networking Basics

Figure 1-3: LAN with a file server

Networking Basics

Figure 1-4: An example of a complex network

Advantages of Server-Based over Peer-to-Peer Networks

User login accounts and passwords can be assigned in one place

Access to multiple shared resources can be centrally granted

Servers are optimized to handle heavy processing loads and dedicated to handling requests from clients

Servers can connect more than a handful of computers

MANs and WANs

Metropolitan area network (MAN)

Network connecting clients and servers in multiple buildings within limited geographic area

Wide area network (WAN)

Network that spans large distance and connects two or more LANs

The Internet is an example of a very intricate and extensive WAN that spans the globe

WAN

Figure 1-5: A simple WAN

Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks

Client

In addition to referring to a computer on the network, may also refers to human user of client workstation

Server

Workstation

Network interface card (NIC)

Enables workstation to connect to the network and communicate with other computers

Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks

Figure 1-6: A network interface card (NIC)

Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks

Network operating system (NOS)Host

Server that manages shared resources

Node

Client, server, or other device that can communicate over a network and that is identified by a unique identifying number, known as its network address

Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks

Topology

Physical layout of computer network

Figure 1-7: Commonly used network topologies

Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks

Protocol

Rules network uses to transfer data

Data Packets

The distinct units of data transmitted from one computer to another on a network

Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks

Addressing

Scheme for assigning unique identifying number to every workstation on network

The number that uniquely identifies each workstation and device on a network is its address

Elements Common to All
Server-Based Networks

Transmission media

Means through which data are transmitted and received

Figure 1-8: Examples of network transmission media

How Networks Are Used

Services

Features provided by a network

File and print services

Communications services

Mail services

Internet services

Management services

Network Services

File services

Refers to capability of a server to share data files, applications, and disk storage space

Server that provides file services is called a file server

Print services

Allows printers to be shared by several users on a network

Network Services

Communications services

Allow remote users to connect to a network

Remote user

Person working on a computer in a different geographical location from the LAN’s server

Communications server

Server that runs communications services

Also referred to as access servers and remote access servers

Network Services

Mail services

Coordinate storage and transfer of e-mail between users on a network

Gateway

Combination of software and hardware enabling two different kinds of networks to exchange data

Internet services

Enable networks to communicate with the Internet

Network Services

Management services

Centrally administer and simplify complicated management tasks on the network

Numerous services fall under category of network management

Important Management Services

Traffic monitoring and control

Traffic

Data transmission and processing activity taking place on a computer network at any given time

Segment

Part of LAN that is logically separated from other parts of LAN and that shares fixed amount of traffic capacity

Important Management Services

Load balancing

Distributing process activity evenly across a network so that no single device is overwhelmed

Hardware diagnosis and failure alert

Determining when a network component fails and automatically notifying network administrators through e-mail or pager

Important Management Services

Asset management

Collecting and storing data on number and types of software and hardware assets in an organization’s network

License tracking

Determining how many copies of a single application are currently in use on a network

Important Management Services

Security auditing

Evaluating what security measures are currently in force and notifying network administrator if a security breach occurs

Software distribution

Automatically transferring data file or program from the server to a client on the network

Important Management Services

Address management

Centrally administering a finite number of network addresses for an entire LAN

Backup and restoration of data

Backing up

Copying critical files to a secure storage area

Restoring

Retrieving data if original files are lost or deleted

Becoming a Network Professional

Mastering the technical challengesDeveloping your “soft skills”Pursuing certificationFinding a job in networkingJoining professional associations

Mastering the Technical Challenges

Installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network server softwareInstalling, configuring, and troubleshooting network server hardwareInstalling, configuring, and troubleshooting network client softwareInstalling, configuring, and troubleshooting network client hardware

Mastering the Technical Challenges

Understanding the characteristics of different transmission mediaUnderstanding network designUnderstanding network protocolsUnderstanding how users interact with the network

Mastering the Technical Challenges

Specialty areas in high demand for networking professionals:

Network security

Internet and intranet design

Network management

Voice/data integration

Remote and mobile computing

Mastering the Technical Challenges

Specialty areas in high demand for networking professionals (cont.):

Data integrity and fault tolerance

In-depth knowledge of Microsoft networking products

In-depth knowledge of NetWare networking products

In-depth knowledge of router configuration and management

Developing Your “Soft Skills”

Skills not easily measured but important to a networking career:

Customer relations

Oral and written communications

Dependability

Teamwork

Leadership abilities

Pursuing Certification

Certification

Process of mastering material pertaining to a particular hardware system, operating system, programming language, or other software program, then proving your mastery by passing a series of exams

Computer Technology Association (CompTIA)

An association that sets industry-wide standards for computer professionals

Pursuing Certification

A+

Certification established by CompTIA

Verifies knowledge about PC operation, repair, and management

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE)

Certification established by Microsoft

Demonstrates in-depth knowledge about Microsoft’s products

Pursuing Certification

Certified NetWare Engineer (CNE)

Certification established by Novell

Demonstrates in-depth understanding of Novell’s networking software

Network+ (Net+)

Certification established by CompTIA

Verifies broad, vendor-independent networking technology skills

Pursuing Certification

Benefits of becoming certified include:

Better salary

Greater opportunities

Professional respect

Access to better support

Finding a Job in Networking

Search the WebRead the paperVisit a career centerNetworkAttend career fairs

Finding a Job in Networking

Table 1-1: Web sites with job databases

Joining Professional Associations

Benefits can include:

Connecting with people who have similar interests

Providing new opportunities for learning

Allowing access to specialized information

Giving you tangible assets such as free goods

Joining Professional Associations

Table 1-2: Web sites of networking organizations

Chapter Summary

A Network is a group of computers or other devices connected by some type of transmission media

Networks may be small or large, connecting computers in one office or across the world

All networks offer advantages relative to the use of standalone computers

Simplest form of a network still used today connects a handful of computers through one cable and uses peer-to-peer communication

Chapter Summary

A LAN is a network of computers and other devices confined to a relatively small space

A WAN is a network connecting two or more geographically distinct LANs

All server-based networks share some common elements

The physical layout of a computer network is called a topology

Network protocols are rules the network uses to transfer data

Chapter Summary

File and print services provide foundation for networking

Communications services allow remote users to connect to the network

Mail services allow networks users to exchange and store e-mail

Internet services enable organizations to connect to the Internet

Network management services centrally administer and simplify complicated management tasks on network

Chapter Summary

Networking professionals are in demandPursuing certification can benefit you in many waysHone your soft skillsNumerous resources are available in searching for networking positionsJoining associations can benefit your professional growth