Introduction to Networking

Dov Rosenberg

What is a Network?

A network is a collection of computers that can talk with one another.

Networks can be made up of just two computers, or millions of computers. The Internet is the largest network.

Types of Networks

We use many different types of networks. For example, schools and businesses usually have their own private networks that can only be accessed while in the building. This type of network, known as a LAN (Local Area Network) is sometimes referred to as an Intranet, but most people just call them The Network.

Other Types of Networks

LAN- Local Area Network

used

by schools and businesses used to connect around 10-500 computers in a building only accessible from within the building

WAN- Wide Area Network

networks

consisting of thousands of computers or more, e.g. the Internet

Network Concepts

Network Hardware

Servers- powerful computers dedicated to controlling all of the systems on the network. All networked computers are connected to the server in some way Printers- One of the reasons networks were developed was to make a single printer accessible by many different computers Computers- individual machines that are connected to the server Network Interface Card (NIC)- a device that is installed into a computer to give it a terminal that can run a cable to access the network
This is a NIC

Network Software

Network Operating System

the system software run on the server An operating system (OS) is software that computers use to run the environment that allows you to access applications and create files. Without an OS, a computer is useless.
OS Logos

Networked Applications

computer programs located on the network that are accessed by individual computers This makes loading software on individual computers unnecessary. A Program Launcher is a networked program that allows you to open applications on the network without searching for them.

Network Design

Most networks today run on Ethernet cables. Ethernet cables are similar to phone cables but are thicker with a larger connecter. The Ethernet cable is connected to the back of the NIC. An Ethernet structure is built into a building allowing computers to connect to the network from various rooms in the building.
Computers can also be connected to a network via a radio transmission to and from a wireless hub that is connected to the server. TCP/IP stands for Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol

TCP/IP is a collection of protocols used to allow communication between networks with different types of computer systems. This allow Mac users and Windows users to operate on the same network.

Troubleshooting

Network Problems

I cant get anything on the network to run.

Check to make sure that the cable in the NIC is fully connected. Delete all unnecessary files on your home drive. Make sure that your user ID and password are correct. Make sure that caps lock is not on. Check that the computer is plugged in and all cables are connected properly.

I am out of disk space.

I cannot login to the network.

My computer wont turn on.