Computer Concepts Illustrated

Introductory, Seventh Edition, Enhanced

UNIT E:
Networks and the Internet
 Objectives

Introduce networks
Classify networks
Explore network hardware
Explore data transport
Compare wireless and wired
technology
Install a LAN
Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,
Enhanced
 Objectives

Share network resources

Introduce Internet technology
Explore IP addresses and domain
names
Connect to the Internet with wires
Connect to the Internet without
wires
Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,
Enhanced
 Objectives

Talking points: Why pay for

Internet access if you can get it
for free?

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Introducing Networks

Communications network -
combination of hardware,
software, and connecting links
that transport data
Allow users to share resources
hardware, software, and data

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Introducing Networks

Ethernet
Significant network idea conceived
by Bob Metcalfe in 1976
Transfers data between computers
Key element in nearly every
computer network
Including Internet

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Introducing Networks

Computer is on network if:

computer can access other computers
or share hardware with other computers

Networks in home
Access surveillance and monitoring
devices
Control media devices
Share hardware and software

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Introducing Networks

Sharing networked hardware

Reduce costs
Expand access

Sharing networked software

Reduce costs
Facilitate data sharing
Enable collaboration

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Introducing Networks

Disadvantages of network
connection
Vulnerability to unauthorized access
Susceptibility to malicious code

Most computer owners believe

that advantages far outweigh
disadvantages

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Introducing Networks

Network is like spider web with many

interconnecting points
Node - each connection point
Network nodes typically contain computers,
networked peripherals, or network devices

Server
Computer connected to network that
distributes resources to network users

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Introducing Networks

Network connects computers and

peripherals

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Classifying Networks

Networks - classified according to

size and geographic structure
PAN (personal area network)
LAN (local area network)
NAN (neighborhood area network)
MAN (metropolitan area network)
WAN (wide area network)

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Classifying Networks

Networks Technologies

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Classifying Networks

Client / server network

Must have at least one server and one
or more clients
Network computers can serve as clients
or servers

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Classifying Networks

Server
Computer that provides services to other
computers the network (clients)

Application server
Runs application software for network
workstations

File server
Stores files and supplies them to workstations
on request

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Classifying Networks

Print server
Handles jobs sent to network printers

Workstation
Network client, usually personal
computer

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Classifying Networks

Peer-to-peer structure
Does not have a server
Workstations serve as both clients and
servers

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Network Hardware

Network device
Any electronic device that broadcasts
network data, boosts signals, or routes
data to destination
Modems, network interface cards, hubs,
switches, routers, gateways, bridges,
repeaters

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Network Hardware

Modem
Converts digital signals into signals that
can travel over network

Network interface card (NIC)

Network circuitry needed to connect to
network

Ethernet card (Ethernet adapter)

NIC designed to support Ethernet
protocols
Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,
Enhanced
 Exploring Network Hardware

If computer does not have

Ethernet adapter,can purchased
and installed

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Network Hardware

USB and PC Ethernet adapters plug into

ports on outside of system unit

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Network Hardware

Network hub
Links two or more nodes of wired network

Network switch
Sends data only to network devices specified
as destination

Network router
Transmits data from one network to another
Used to connect LANs and WANs

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Network Hardware

Network Router

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Network Hardware

Special hardware for wireless networks

Transceiver
Used to send and receive wireless data
MIMO (multiple-input multiple-output)
technology

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Network Hardware

Networked peripheral
Any device with built-in network
circuitry
Can connect directly to network
Network attached storage (NAS)
Storage device that directly
connects to network

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Data Transport

Communications channel (network

link) - physical path or frequency for
signal transmission
Used for transporting data

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Data Transport

Wired network
Data travels from one device to another
over cables
Wireless network
Data travels through air, no need for
cables

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Data Transport

Types of cables
Twisted pair
Shielded twisted pair (STP)
Coaxial (coax)
Fiber-optic

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Data Transport

Buying cable - choose Category

5 (Cat 5) or Category 6 (Cat 6)
Rating indicates capacity
Higher number, higher capacity

Cables can be purchased in

variety of lengths

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Data Transport

Ethernet network cables

terminated at each end with RJ45
connector

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Data Transport

Bandwidth
Transmission capacity of communications
channel
High-bandwidth systems include cable and
DSL (broadband)
Systems with less capacity include dial-up,
referred (narrowband)

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring Data Transport

Other cables can be used to transport

data over wired network
USB, serial, parallel, SCSI, and FireWire

Wireless networks transport data via

RF (radio frequency) signals
Microwaves
Infrared lights

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Comparing Wireless and
Wired Technology

Wired networks
Fast, secure, reliable, simple to
configure

Wireless
Provide mobility
No unsightly wires or cables to tangle
No need to run wires through walls,
ceilings, floors

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Comparing Wireless and
Wired Technology

Wired network is best choice if

you need speed
Wired networks more secure than
wireless networks
Wireless signals pass through air and
can be intercepted more easily

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Comparing Wireless and
Wired Technology

Range limits
Wired network - defined by longest
cable in configuration
Wireless network - depends on type of
signal, transmitter strength, and physical
environment Signal strength
of wireless
network

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Comparing Wireless and
Wired Technology

Prices have equalized between

wired and wireless networks
May need some additional equipment
for wireless
Wi-Fi card
Wireless access point
or router

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Installing a LAN
Place router in central location,
plug into surge protected outlet
Run cables from router to
Ethernet adapter in each workstation
Run cable from Internet device
and routers WAN port
Turn on devices, computer
should recognize and
establish connection

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Installing a LAN

Before using network, adjust

router configuration settings

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Installing a LAN

Other ways to set up wired

network
HomePNA network uses telephone wiring in home
Power-line network uses existing electrical wiring

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Installing a LAN

Power-line networks form

infrastructure of LAN using existing
electrical wiring
Special NIC to connect computer to standard
electrical outlet

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Sharing Network Resources

Wireless and wired devices can

be connected to same network
Most wireless routers include ports for
Ethernet cables and WAN port for cable
to Internet device

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Sharing Network Resources

Access network by clicking

workgroup name
May also have to enter password and
user ID

SSID (service set identifier)

Helps log into correct network in places
where networks may overlap

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Sharing Network Resources

To add workstations
Turn on computer with wireless
capabilities
Choose correct network
Enter network key or passphrase

Workstation owners can specify

whether files and locally attached
printers can be accessed from
other workstations on network
Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,
Enhanced
 Sharing Network Resources

File Sharing

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Sharing Network Resources

Three ways to connect printer to

network using Windows Control Panel
Connect it to one workstation in network
Network print server
Connect printer directly to hub or router

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
Introducing Internet Technology

Internet backbone
Consists of high-speed fiber-optic cables
connecting high-capacity routers that
direct network traffic
Provide main high-speed routes for data
traffic
Network service providers (NSP) maintain
backbone links and routers
NSP equipment and links are tied together
by network access points (NAPs)
Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,
Enhanced
 Introducing Internet Technology

Connecting computer to Internet

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
Introducing Internet Technology

ISP equipment offers variety of services

e-mail, chat groups, IM capabilities, music file sharing,
FTP, and more

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
Introducing Internet Technology

Upstream speed
Rate of data transmitted from computer
to Internet

Downstream speed
Rate of data arriving at computer

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
Introducing Internet Technology

Internet uses variety of

communications protocols
Support basic data transport and
services
TCP
Breaks message or file into packets
IP
Addresses packets so they can be routed
to destinations

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Introducing Internet Technology

Main Protocols used on Internet

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
Introducing Internet Technology

PING (Packet Internet Groper)

Sends signal to specific Internet
address
Waits for reply
Reports elapsed time between
sending and receiving signal
Traceroute
Records packets path from your
computer to destination
Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,
Enhanced
Introducing Internet Technology

Connection options
Fixed Internet access - links to ISP
from stationary point
Portable Internet access - allows
easy movement of access device
Mobile Internet access allows
Internet use on the go

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring IP Addresses and
Domain Names
IP address - Series of numbers
204.127.129.001
Each section called octet
Each address requires 32 bits
Four sections create classes of IP addresses
Based on size, type of network, other functions
ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned
Names and Numbers)
Coordinates allocation of IP addresses, and
more

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring IP Addresses and
Domain Names

IP addresses - assigned by ISPs

or network or system managers
IP addresses can also be
obtained through DHCP
(Dynamic Host Configuration
Protocol)

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Exploring IP Addresses and
Domain Names

Dynamic IP addresses
Temporary address
Generally assigned to computers running
client software for accessing Web, email,
listening to Internet radio, chat groups

Static IP address
Permanent address
Assigned to ISPs, Web sites, Web hosting
services, email servers
Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,
Enhanced
 Exploring IP Addresses and
Domain Names

Domain name
Corresponds to unique IP address
entered into database called Domain
Name System
Domain name server
any computer that
hosts this database

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
with Wires

Dial-up
connection
POTS (plain
old telephone
service) is
used to
transfer data

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
with Wires

Voiceband modem
Converts digital signals from computer
into analog signals for telephone lines

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
with Wires

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital

Network)
Fixed Internet connection moves data
over ordinary telephone lines
Use telephone wall jack as fixed point
of connection
Connect computer to ISDN terminal
adapter which sends digital signals

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
with Wires

DSL (digital subscriber line)

High-speed, digital, always-on Internet access
Uses standard phone lines to transport data
Requires modem and filters

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
with Wires

Dedicated line
T1, T3, and T4 services - high-capacity
dedicated lines can be leased from
telephone company
Not used by other customers

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
with Wires

Cable connection
Provides always-on broadband Internet
access over same infrastructure that
offers cable television services
Bandwidth is divided to offer both
television and Internet access

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
with Wires

Connecting to Internet via cable TV

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
without Wires

Satellite Internet service

Means of distributing always-on, high-
speed, asymmetric Internet access
Broadcasting signals to and from
personal satellite dish

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
without Wires
Fixed wireless Internet service
(wireless broadband)
Internet access to homes and
businesses by broadcasting data signals
over areas large enough to cover most
cities and outlying areas
WiMAX (Worldwide
Interoperability for
Microwave Access)
well-known fixed wireless
standard
Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,
Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
without Wires

Public Wi-Fi network

Wireless LAN that provides open access
to public
In many public places such as
bookstores, coffee shops, airports,
hotels, and restaurants

Wi-Fi hotspot
Range of Wi-Fi networks coverage

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
without Wires

Mobile WiMAX
Designed to offer Internet access with
seamless handoff from coverage area of
one tower to another

Portable satellite Internet service

- available for those who need
access when traveling in remote
locations

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
without Wires

WAP (Wireless Access Protocol)

Communications protocol providing
wireless Internet access from handheld
devices

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Connecting to the Internet
without Wires

Mobile broadband
Allows access to full
spectrum of Internet
via handheld device
Requires fast
connection, data
service subscription,
and mobile broadband
equipment

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced
 Talking Points:
Why pay for Internet access if you can get it for free?

Free wireless LANs (WLAN)

Found in airports, hotels, coffee shops
Sometimes offered by rogue WLAN
operators who buy service, then
distribute connections over wireless
LANs to friends, neighbors, and anyone
who passes by

But is this free access always

legal?
Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,
Enhanced
 Talking Points:
Why pay for Internet access if you can get it for free?

Problems include
Piggyback use
Data security
Providers feel every person using free
Wi-Fi is one fewer customer
Wisdom of unregulated network
availability is questioned by resulting
ethical, security, and privacy issues

Computer Concepts Illustrated Introductory, Seventh Edition,

Enhanced