Introduction
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Introduction to Networks
If you want to be a part of a global online community, your
computer, tablet, or smart phone must first be connected to a
network
Networking Devices
Equipment that connects directly to a network segment is
referred to as a device.
These devices are broken up into two classifications.
• end-user devices
• network devices
End-user devices include computers, printers, scanners,
and other devices that provide services directly to the
user.
Network devices include all the devices that connect the
end-user devices together to allow them to communicate.
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End Devices
An end device is either the source or destination of a message
transmitted over the network.
Intermediary Devices
Intermediary devices connect the individual end devices to
the network
They can connect multiple individual networks to form an
internetwork
These intermediary devices provide connectivity and ensure
that data flows across the network
Network Media
Communication transmits across a network on media
The media provides the channel over which the message
travels from source to destination
Modern networks primarily use three types of media to
interconnect devices:
Metal wires within cables - Data is encoded into electrical
impulses.
Glass or plastic fibers within cables (fiber-optic cable) -
Data is encoded into pulses of light.
Wireless transmission - Data is encoded via modulation of
specific frequencies of electromagnetic waves.
Network Media
Topology Diagrams
Topology diagrams are mandatory documentation
for anyone working with a network
They provide a visual map of how the network is
connected
There are two types of topology diagrams
Physical topology
Logical topology
Physical Topology Diagrams
Physical topology diagrams illustrate the physical location of
intermediary devices and cable installation
You can see that the rooms in which these devices are located are
labeled in this physical topology
Logical Topology Diagrams
Logicaltopology diagrams illustrate devices, ports, and the
addressing scheme of the network
You can see which end devices are connected to which
intermediary devices and what media is being used
Intranets and Extranet
Internet Access Technologies
Home and Small Office Internet Connections
Internet Access Technologies
Businesses Internet Connections
Network Interface Card
A network interface card (NIC) is a printed circuit board
that provides network communication capabilities to and
from a personal computer. Also called a LAN adapter.
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Networking Device Icons
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Repeater
A repeater is a network device used to regenerate a
signal.
Repeaters regenerate analog or digital signals
distorted by transmission loss due to attenuation.
A repeater does not perform intelligent routing.
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Hub
Hubs concentrate connections.
In other words, they take a
group of hosts and allow the
network to see them as a single
unit.
This is done passively, without
any other effect on the data
transmission.
Active hubs not only
concentrate hosts, but they also
regenerate signals.
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Bridge
Bridges convert network transmission data formats as
well as perform basic data transmission management.
Bridges, as the name implies, provide connections
between LANs. Not only do bridges connect LANs, but
they also perform a check on the data to determine
whether it should cross the bridge or not. This makes
each part of the network more efficient.
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Workgroup Switch
Workgroup switches add
more intelligence to data
transfer management.
Switches can determine
whether data should
remain on a LAN or not,
and they can transfer the
data to the connection that
needs that data.
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Router
Routers have all capabilities of the previous devices.
Routers can regenerate signals, concentrate multiple
connections, convert data transmission formats, and
manage data transfers. They can also connect to a WAN,
which allows them to connect LANs that are separated by
great distances.
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The Cloud
The cloud is used in diagrams to represent where the
connection to the internet is.
It also represents all of the devices on the internet.
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Network Topologies
Network topology defines the structure of the network.
One part of the topology definition is the physical
topology, which is the actual layout of the wire or media.
The other part is the logical topology, which defines how
the media is accessed by the hosts for sending data.
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Physical Topologies
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Bus Topology
A bus topology uses a single backbone cable that is
terminated at both ends.
All the hosts connect directly to this backbone.
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Ring Topology
A ring topology connects one host to the next and the last
host to the first.
This creates a physical ring of cable.
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Star Topology
A star topology connects all cables to a central point of
concentration.
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Extended Star Topology
An extended star topology links individual stars together
by connecting the hubs and/or switches. This topology
can extend the scope and coverage of the network.
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Hierarchical Topology
A hierarchical topology is similar to an extended star.
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Mesh Topology
A mesh topology is implemented to provide as much
protection as possible from interruption of service.
Each host has its own connections to all other hosts.
Although the Internet has multiple paths to any one
location, it does not adopt the full mesh topology.
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LANs, MANs & WANs
One early solution was the creation of local-area network
(LAN) standards which provided an open set of
guidelines for creating network hardware and software,
making equipment from different companies compatible.
What was needed was a way for information to move
efficiently and quickly, not only within a company, but also
from one business to another.
The solution was the creation of metropolitan-area
networks (MANs) and wide-area networks (WANs).
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Examples of Data Networks
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LANs
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Wireless LAN Organizations
and Standards
In cabled networks, IEEE is the prime issuer of standards
for wireless networks. The standards have been created
within the framework of the regulations created by the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
A key technology contained within the 802.11 standard is
Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum (DSSS).
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Cellular Topology for Wireless
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WANs
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Bandwidth
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Measuring Bandwidth
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