TS+Networking

= = Networking

Computer Networks
**Connecting Computer Systems** **Two Main Types of Networks** **1. Peer-to-Peer Networks** (or P2P) **P2P Advantages**
 * A network is a group of computers that are connected in order to share resources (files, printers, etc.)
 * The sharing of resources is called networking
 * A computer network needs at least two computers connected but, often consists of more than two.
 * The school is part of a network
 * Your U: is network space because you can access it from anywhere in the building
 * Reduces peripheral (anything that connects to a computer) costs like printers, scanners, etc.
 * Networks are not limited to a building or campus
 * The Internet is the ultimate network
 * 1) Peer-to-Peer Networks
 * 2) Client/Server Networks
 * A network is referred to as Peer-to-Peer if most computers are similar and run workstation operating systems:
 * In a peer-to-peer network, each computer holds its files and resources.
 * Other computers can access these resources but a computer that has a particular resource must be turned on for other computers to access the resource it has.
 * For example, if a printer is connected to computer A and computer B wants to printer to that printer, computer A must be turned On.
 * In this case, each connected computer would play the role of a client (access information) and a server (stores information).
 * Limewire is an example of Peer-to-Peer software used for “sharing” files.
 * When you search something within the Limewire program, you are actually searching the hard drives of other people who have the program installed and when they search, Limewire checks your computer as well.
 * No need for a network administrator.
 * Network is fast and inexpensive to setup and maintain.
 * Each computer can make backup copies of its data to other computers for security.
 * Peer-to-peer is, by far the easiest type of network to build for either home or office use.
 * <  || [[image:mrsturgeon/p2p.gif caption="P2P"]] ||
 * P2P ||  ||
 * < P2P ||


 * <  || [[image:mrsturgeon/p2p2.png caption="Peer-to-Peer"]] ||
 * Peer-to-Peer ||  ||
 * < Peer-to-Peer ||

**Client/Server Networks** **Client/Server Advantages**
 * <  || [[image:mrsturgeon/peer3.gif caption="You can also use a hub or router"]] ||
 * You can also use a hub or router ||  ||
 * < You can also use a hub or router ||
 * A computer network is referred to as client/server if (at least) one of the computers is used to “serve” other computers referred to as “clients”.
 * This would mean that the server’s sole function is to store file or helps clients reach other resources such as printers
 * One of the particularities of a client/server network is that the files and resources are centralized.
 * This means that a computer, the server, can hold them and other computers can access them.
 * Since the server is always On, the client machines can access the files and resources without caring whether a certain computer is On (like accessing file on your U: in the library even though you created them in the tech lab).
 * Another big advantage of a client/server network is that security is created, managed, and can highly get enforced.
 * To access the network, a person, called a user must provide some credentials, including a username and a password.
 * If the credentials are not valid, the user can be prevented from accessing the network.
 * The client/server type of network also provides many other advantages such as centralized backup, Intranet capability, Internet monitoring
 * Faster for sharing large amounts of data.
 * More reliable (dedicated server).
 * Higher level of security.
 * [[image:mrsturgeon/server.jpg caption="server.jpg"]] ||
 * server.jpg ||

[[file:Computer Networks Intro.ppt]]
=Network Components= Modems
 * Modem comes from the combination of the terms MOdulate and DEModulate
 * MOdulate
 * Converts digital computer data to analog signals that can be transmitted over a phone line.


 * DEModulate
 * In order to receive data, modems must also convert the analog signal from the phone line back into digital so the computer can use it

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Network Interface Cards (NIC)
 * Also known as a network card or a network adapter
 * Connects a local computer to a group of other computers
 * Allows computers to share data and resources

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Home Networking Test.
[|Tech Support Network Assignment.doc]