Basic Networking Knowledge

Computer Networking:

What is a computer Network?

A network is any collection of independent computers that communicate with one another over a shared network

medium. A computer network is a collection of two or more connected computers. When these computers are joined

in a network, people can share files and peripherals such as modems, printers, tape backup drives, or CD-ROM

drives. When networks at multiple locations are connected using services available from phone companies, people

can send e-mail, share links to the global Internet, or conduct video conferences in real time with other remote users.

When a network becomes open sourced it can be managed properly with online collaboration software. As

companies rely on applications like electronic mail and database management for core business operations,

computer networking becomes increasingly more important.

Every network includes:

 At least two computers Server or Client workstation.

 Networking Interface Card's (NIC)

 A connection medium, usually a wire or cable, although wireless communication between

networked computers and peripherals is also possible.

 Network Operating system software, such as Microsoft Windows NT or 2000, Novell NetWare, Unix

and Linux.                          

Types of Networks:

LANs (Local Area Networks)

A network is any collection of independent computers that communicate with one another over a shared network

medium. LANs are networks usually confined to a geographic area, such as a single building or a college campus.

LANs can be small, linking as few as three computers, but often link hundreds of computers used by thousands of

people. The development of standard networking protocols and media has resulted in worldwide proliferation of LANs

throughout business and educational organizations.

WANs (Wide Area Networks)

Wide area networking combines multiple LANs that are geographically separate. This is accomplished by connecting

the different LANs using services such as dedicated leased phone lines, dial-up phone lines (both synchronous and

asynchronous), satellite links, and data packet carrier services. Wide area networking can be as simple as a modem

and remote access server for employees to dial into, or it can be as complex as hundreds of branch offices globally

linked using special routing protocols and filters to minimize the expense of sending data sent over vast distances.

Internet

The Internet is a system of linked networks that are worldwide in scope and facilitate data communication services

such as remote login, file transfer, electronic mail, the World Wide Web and newsgroups.

Basic Networking Tutorial

With the meteoric rise in demand for connectivity, the Internet has become a communications highway for millions of

users. The Internet was initially restricted to military and academic institutions, but now it is a full-fledged conduit for

any and all forms of information and commerce. Internet websites now provide personal, educational, political and

economic resources to every corner of the planet.

Intranet

With the advancements made in browser-based software for the Internet, many private organizations are

implementing intranets. An intranet is a private network utilizing Internet-type tools, but available only within that

organization. For large organizations, an intranet provides an easy access mode to corporate information for

employees.

MANs (Metropolitan area Networks)

The refers to a network of computers with in a City.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

VPN uses a technique known as tunneling to transfer data securely on the Internet to a remote access server on your

workplace network. Using a VPN helps you save money by using the public

Internet instead of making long–distance phone calls to connect securely

with your private network. There are two ways to create a VPN connection,

by dialing an Internet service provider (ISP), or connecting directly to

Internet.

Categories of Network:

Network can be divided in to two main

categories:

 Peer-to-peer.

 Server – based.

In peer-to-peer networking there are no dedicated servers or hierarchy

among the computers. All of the computers are equal and therefore known

as peers. Normally each computer serves as Client/Server and there is no

one assigned to be an administrator responsible for the entire network.

Peer-to-peer networks are good choices for needs of small organizations

where the users are allocated in the same general area, security is not an

issue and the organization and the network will have limited growth within

the foreseeable future