Network overview

Network overview

What is a network?

A network is a system that transmits any combination of voice, video and or data between users.

A group of connected computers that allow the sharing of information and equipment, such as printers.

Networks can interconnect by other networks and sub networks.A computer network interface card installed.

Computer with network interface card installed.

The network operating system (Ex. windows NT/2000/2003) on the user’s PC client and servers.

The cables connecting all network devices (UTP cables with RJ-45 jacks).

All supporting network components (h..bs, routers and switches, etc)(UTP-Unshielded twisted pair, RJ-Registered jack)

Types of computer networks

Local aria network (LAN).

Metropolitan area network (MAN).

Wide area network (WAN).

Element of a Small LAN

Computers with network interface card installed.

Hub/switch.

Cabling (UTP cables with RJ-45 jacks).

Network operation system.

Local Area Network (LAN)

LAN is the most common type of network found in businesses. LAN’s connect computer and devices located close to each other, usually within the same building. Typically, LAN’s connect no more than 100 computers.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A collection of local area networks located in the same geographical area, such as city or town.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Wide area networks generally cover a large geographical area. Connects local and metropolitan area networks that may be located throughout the country or around the world.


The Hardware used on Computer Network

• Hubs

• Switches

•Bridges

• Routers

• Gateways

• Repeaters

• File severs

Hubs
Hubs are the central connectivity point in a star network, work group or subnet. It’s primary function is to receive and send signals along the network between the device connected to it. All communication across the hubs “broadcast” to all connected nodes.

Switches

Switches connect all computer LAN connections, same as the hubs. The difference is that switches can run are able to direct and filter information to and from specific designation.

Bridge
Bridge are used to connect (separate work groups together) two or more network segment together, so that equipment on the network can communicate.

Routers
Routers are able to route and filter information to different network.

Gateways
A gateway is a network point the act as an entrance to another network. The computers that control traffic within the network or at the local internet service provider (ISP) are gateways.
RepeatersA network device that regenerates signals so they can extend the cable length. They do not change any information being transmitted and they can not filter any information.

File severs

A high capacity disk storage computer connected to the network that contains files/applications and shares them as requested the other computers on the network.