Information Sheet 1.1: Introduction To Networking: What Is A Network?

Information Sheet 1.
1 : Introduction to Networking
If you’re not familiar with networking, read this chapter to learn the basics of a small network. It outlines what you
can use the network to do, introduce you to the hardware and software needed for a network, and explains how a
small network is different from larger networks and the Internet. If you’re already familiar with this basic
networking information,
you can go directly to the end of the chapter to see how to use this book to
help you set up your network.
What is a Network?
A computer network is simply two or more computers connected together so they can exchange information. A
small network can be as simple as two Computers linked together by a single cable Technologies.
Networks consist of the computers, wiring, and other devices, such as hubs, switches and routers that make up the
network infrastructure. Some devices, such as network interface cards, serve as the computer’s connection to the
network. Devices such as switches and routers provide traffic- control strategies for the network. All sorts of
different technologies can actually be employed to move data from one place to another, including wires, radio
waves, and even microwave technology.
Thechnology Then and Now
Imagine a world without the Internet. No more Google, YouTube, instant messaging, Facebook, Wikipedia, online
gaming, Netflix, iTunes, and easy access to current information. No more price comparison websites, avoiding lines
by shopping online, or quickly looking up phone numbers and map directions to various locations at the click of a
finger. How different would our lives be without all of this? That was the world we lived in just 15 to 20 years ago.
But over the years, data networks have slowly expanded and been repurposed to improve the quality of life for
people everywhere.
The Global Community
Advancements in networking technologies are perhaps the most significant change agents in the world today. They
are helping to create a world in which national borders, geographic distances, and physical limitations become less
relevant, and present ever-diminishing obstacles.
Networks Support the Way We Learn
Networks and the Internet have changed everything we do, from the way we learn, to the way we communicate, to
how we work, and even how we play.
Changing the way we learn
Networks have changed the way we learn. Robust and reliable networks support and enrich student learning
experiences.
 Support the creation of virtual classrooms

 Provide on-demand video
 Enable collaborative learning spaces
 Enable mobile learning
Networks Supports the Way We Communicate
Changing the way we communicate
The globalization of the Internet has ushered in new forms of communication that empower individuals to create
information that can be accessed by a global audience.
 Instant Messaging (IM) / Texting – IM and texting both enable instant real-time communication between
two or more people.
 Social Media – Social media consists of interactive websites where people and communities create and
share user-generated content with friends, family, peers, and the world.
 Collaboration Tools - Collaboration tools give people the opportunity to work together on shared
documents.
 Weblogs (blogs) - Weblogs are web pages that are easy to update and edit. Unlike commercial websites,
which are created by professional communications experts, blogs give anyone a means to communicate
their thoughts to a global audience without technical knowledge of web design.
 Wikis - Wikis are web pages that groups of people can edit and view together. Whereas a blog is more of an
individual, personal journal, a wiki is a group creation.
 Podcasting - Podcasting is an audio-based medium that originally enabled people to record audio and
convert it for use.
 Peer-to-Peer (P2P) File Sharing – Peer-to-Peer file sharing allows people to share files with each other
without having to store and download them from a central server.
Networks Support the Way We Work
Changing the way we work
In the business world, data networks were initially used by businesses to internally record and manage financial
information, customer information, and employee payroll systems.
Networs Supports the Way We Play
Changing the way we play
The widespread adoption of the Internet by the entertainment and travel industries enhances the ability to enjoy
and share many forms of recreation, regardless of location.
Peer-to-Peer
Client and server software usually runs on separate computers, but it is also possible for one computer to carry out
both roles at the same time. In small businesses and homes, many computers function as the servers and clients on
the network. This type of network is called a peer-to-peer network.
Components of the Network
The network infrastructure contains three categories of network components:
 Devices
 Media
 Services
End Devices
The network devices that people are most familiar with are called end devices, or hosts. These devices form the
interface between users and the underlying communication network.
 Computers (work stations, laptops, file servers, web servers)
 Network printers
 VoIP phones
 TelePresence endpoint
 Security cameras
 Mobile handheld devices (such as smartphones, tablets, PDAs, and wireless debit/credit card readers and
barcode scanners)
Intermediary Network Devices

Intermediary devices interconnect end devices.
Examples of intermediary network devices are:
 Network Access (switches and wireless access points)
 Internetworking (routers)
 Security (firewalls)
Types of Network
 Local Area Network (LAN) - A network infrastructure that provides access to users and end devices in a small
geographical area.
 Wide Area Network (WAN) - A network infrastructure that provides access to other networks over a wide
geographical area.
 Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) - A network infrastructure that spans a physical area larger than a LAN but
smaller than a WAN (e.g., a city). MANs are typically operated by a single entity such as a large organization.
 Wireless LAN (WLAN) - Similar to a LAN but wirelessly interconnects users and end points in a small
geographical area.
 Storage Area Network (SAN) - A network infrastructure designed to support file servers and provide data
storage, retrieval, and replication. It involves high-end servers, multiple disk arrays (called blocks), and Fibre
Channel interconnection technology.
The Internet
Although there are benefits to using a LAN or WAN, most individuals need to communicate with a resource on
another network, outside of the local network within the home, campus, or organization. This is done using the
Internet.
Intranet and Extranet
There are two other terms which are similar to the term Internet:
 Intranet-Company only
 Extranet-Suppliers, Customers, Collaborators
Connecting to the Internet
Internet Access Technologies
There are many different ways to connect users and organizations to the Internet.
 Cable - Typically offered by cable television service providers, the Internet data signal is carried on the same
coaxial cable that delivers cable television.
 DSL - Provides a high bandwidth, always on, connection to the Internet.
 Cellular - Cellular Internet access uses a cell phone network to connect.
 Satellite - Satellite service is a good option for homes or offices that do not have access to DSL or cable.
 Dial-up Telephone - An inexpensive option that uses any phone line and a modem.
Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)
The concept of any device, to any content, in anyway is a major global trend that requires significant changes to the
way devices are used. This trend is known as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).
BYOD is about end users having the freedom to use personal tools to access information and communicate across a
business or campus network.

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Information Sheet 1.

help you set up your network.

Thechnology Then and Now

The Global Community

Networks Support the Way We Learn

Changing the way we learn

 Support the creation of virtual classrooms

Changing the way we communicate

Networks Support the Way We Work

Changing the way we work

Networs Supports the Way We Play

Changing the way we play

Components of the Network

The network infrastructure contains three categories of network components:

Intermediary Network Devices

Intranet and Extranet

Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)

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