COMPUTER NETWORKINGBASICS

A GUIDE FOR TEACHERS

Deborah DotsonSeptember 12, 2010

Is this what you think of when you hear the word

“network”?

Or maybe this type

of “Network”

?

What do you know already know about

Computer Networks?

Glossary

NetworksInfrastructure

Devices

Backbone

Topology

Switches

Routers

ProtocolHardware

OSIInternet

A simple explanation is that a Network is two computers connected to share information, but of course we know it is often much more. All networks start from this basic concept. Any device connected to the network is called a “network device”. When several devices are connected, they need a “hub”. When many devices are connected they need routers and switches to handle the communication.

Each device is given an “address” usually called an “IP” address. This is a numerical label. The IP Address serves two functions -host or network interface identification and location addressingHere are four computers connected:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address

When considering a Network, you probably think about the Internet….

Definitions of internet on the Web:

•A computer network consisting of a worldwide network of computer networks that use the TCP/IP network protocols to facilitate data transmission and exchangewordnetweb.princeton.edu/perl/webwn •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. ...en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet •Any set of computer networks that communicate using the Internet Protocol. (An intranet.); The Internet, the largest global interneten.wiktionary.org/wiki/internet •Often confused with the World Wide Web, the term Internet actually refers to the combined collection of academic, commercial, and government networks connected over international telecommunication backbones and routed using IP addressing.nsit.uchicago.edu/docs/glossary/

A more in depth explanation of determining the scope of

aNetwork involves the

following:

Size

Protocol

Topography

Hardware

Cabling/Infrastucture

Size - there are several types of networks, but

the most common are LANS and WANS.

A Local Area Network (LAN) covers a small physical area, like a home, office, or small groups of buildings, such as a school.

Some of the characteristics of LANS are their higher data-transfer rates, smaller geographic area, and they don’t need to lease telecommunication lines.A Wide Area Network (WAN) is used to connect a LAN and other types of networks together. The purpose of this so that the computers in one place can communicate with computers in other locations.

For example in your school district they probably have a private WAN, but may have another to provide a connection to the Internet.

What is Protocol?

Protocols also apply to computers. Network engineers have written

rules for communication that must be strictly followed for successful

host-to-host communication.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protocol_(computing)

Rules about appearance, speaking, listening and understanding

are considered the protocols of conversation. They represent different layers of

communication and together they help people communicate successfully.

Protocols are often called the Open System Interconnection

or “OSI Model” and they help define the implementation

of a networking framework

Topography is the “backbone” of a network

and the “map” of how the communication

between devices will flowTypes of Topography

Clients: The user workstations and peripherals (such as printers)

Infrastructure/Cables -The wires, fiber optics, or transmission media that the data moves through

Networking electronics: Devices that move, route, and store data for users

Hardware - Computer networks

normally consists of three parts:

SwitchRouters

Hub

These devices act like an Air Traffic Control Tower and the Controllers themselves – they get the data and transmit the data and make sure that everything gets to it’s destination in a timely and safe manner.

Cables – these are used transmit data in the network

Examples of Networks and the “topography” of theirCommunication between devices – this may be how your network works…..

ConclusionComputer networks can be used for several purposes: Facilitating communications. Using a network,

people can communicate efficiently and easily via email, instant messaging, chat rooms, telephone, video telephone calls, and video conferencing.

Sharing hardware. In a networked environment, each computer on a network may access and use hardware resources on the network, such as printing a document on a shared network printer.

Sharing files, data, and information. In a network environment, authorized user may access data and information stored on other computers on the network. The capability of providing access to data and information on shared storage devices is an important feature of many networks.

Sharing software. Users connected to a network may run application programs on remote computers.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network

Questions?

Referenceshttp://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/generic/0,295582,sid7_gci1166812,00.html

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/prod/collateral/switches/ps9441/ps9402/ps9512/brochure_panduit_DC_infrastructur_topologies.pdf

http://www.netc.org/network_guide/

http://www.lpdatafiles.com/supplements/Networks.pdf

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_address

http://www.engineer.ucla.edu/stories/2004/Internet35.htm

www.webopedia.com. http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/s/switch.html

http://networkbits.net/lan-components/local-area-network-lan-basic-components/

http://madeit.co.cc/computer-network-part-23/

http://madeit.co.cc/computer-network-part-23/

http://fcit.usf.edu/network/

http://www.lpdatafiles.com/supplements/Networks.pdf

http://www.netc.org/network_guide/

http://www.tech-soup.com/learn...ge4774.cfm

http://www.tech-soup.com/learn...ge4772.cfm

http://www.tech-soup.com/learn...ge4773.cfm

http://whatis.techtarget.com/

Picture References

Page 2 - network1.jpgwww.trickledown.wordpress.comPage 6 Pictures of Computers http://jfcablinginc.com/ESW/Images/ComputerNetwork.jpg?xcache=9519Page 8http://madeit.co.cc/computer-network-part-23/ Page 13Switch Box http://www.garyolsonassoc.com/hp_procurve_2650.jpgCisco Routers - http://www.afsat.net/Products/Page%207%20=%20CiscoRouters.pngNetgear Hub http://www.ssos.com/hubs.jpgPage 14 pictures of blue cables http://www.intellisec.co.za/images/network%20cabling%202.jpg - Ethernet cables - http://www.jotechcommunications.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/cabling.jpgLittle Guy - http://www.icsnet.co.uk/images/network.jpgPage 15Basic Network pic http://www.netafull.com.ar/netservicios/images/router.jpgLarge Network http://support.novell.com/techcenter/articles/img/nc200205fFig1.gif