Explore The Network
Computer Network
Definition : “A number of computers connected together for the
purposes of communication of processing.”
• A network is a group of computers and other devices (such as
printers) that are connected by some type of transmission media
•They might communicate through copper wires, fiber-optic cable,
or radio waves as transmission media.
Advantages Of Computer Network
Networks enable multiple users to share resources (devices and
data)
Saves money
Network allow you to manage, or administer, resources on
multiple computers from a central location.
Saves time
Disadvantages Of Computer Network
Network Hardware, Software and Setup Costs
Hardware and Software Management and Administration Costs
Undesirable Sharing
Illegal or Undesirable Behaviour
Data Security Concerns
Client / Server Network Elements
Network Interface card (Nic)
Server
Network Operating System (NOS)
Host
Client
• A computer on the network that requests resources or services
from another computer on a network.
• A computer on the network that manages shared resources.
Workstation
The device inside a computer that connects a computer to the
network media.
The software that runs on a server and enables the server to manage data,users,groups,security,applications,and other networking functions.
A computer that enables resource sharing by other computers
on the same network
A personal computer (such as desktop and laptop),which may or may not be connected to a network; most clients are workstation computers.
Fundemental of Network Models
Peer-To Peer Networks (P2P)
Advantages :
Less complexity.
Lower cost since network devices and dedicated servers may not be required.
Easy to set up.
Can be used for simple taks such as transferring files and sharing printers.
Client / Server network
Disadvantages:
Not as secure.
Not as scalable.
No centralized administration.
All device may act as both clients and servers which can slow their performance.
Another way of designing a network is to use a central computer, known as server; to facilitate communication and resource sharing between other computers on network;which are known as clients.
A network that uses a server to enable clients to share data, data
storage space, and devices is known as a client/server network.
A client / server architecture is sometimes used to refer to the design of a network in which clients reply on servers for resource sahring and processing.
two most common types of network infrastructures
Local Network Area (LAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
LANs separated by geographic distance are connected by a network known as
a WAN
LANs use WAN services to
interconnect.
Internet
Extranets
Intranets
shared content accessed by groups through cross-enterprise boundaries
shared content accessed by members within a single organization