Computer networking
- 1. Computer Networking By Jill Lunceford EdTech 541
- 2. What is a Computer Network A computer network is a complex system of interconnecting electronic devices that can be shared by one or more people and allows them to utilize resources that are connected through a wireless or hardwired connection. The larger the network, the more complex it becomes.
- 3. To infinity and beyond…. Networks can be as simple as two computers connected together to share files between each other. Most of us, if we have more than one computer, a printer and a connection to internet have a small network inside our home.
- 4. To infinity and beyond…. Businesses and schools can have networks within networks that could have 1000’s of devices interconnected across a city or even the country. This helps their employees and workers be more productive, work collaboratively and share resources like printers, scanners, hard drives, files and internet connections. Sharing of resources, especially hardware, can save a school or business a lot of money and eliminate having to purchase one of every thing for everyone.
- 5. To infinity and beyond…. • The internet, is a sense, is the largest network. A global network that we can all access. We can send email, share videos, photos, music, shop, browse a museum’s virtual collection, and do and interact with people and things literally around the world.
- 6. The Home Network First , we must have a computer. Once we have that we need to have something to connect it to. In a home, we would first connect it to the modem that carries the internet connection from our Internet Service Provider (ISP). If we would like to connect more than one device (computer , printer, etc.) we would need to also add a router. This expands the capacity of the network. If the computer has wireless capability, you may consider adding a wireless router. This would allow the option of being just about anywhere in your home and still access the internet and your other network resources. Although not required, a printer is a nice addition to any home network that can be connected to the router either wirelessly or by a cable. Cable Modem Wireless router Laptop
- 7. Larger Networks - LAN’s and WAN’s LAN’s (Local Area Networks) are networks where all the resources are located relatively close to each other. Usually within the same building. WAN’s (Wide Area Networks) are networks that are spread out over a large area. This could be spread over multiple buildings, across a city, or even spread out over several states.
- 8. Network Software Like your individual computer, some sort of software is needed to create a common language (so to speak) for all devices on the network to be able to communicate with each other. Without it, the network would be like two people screaming at each other in totally different languages. • Neither understanding the other, nothing getting accomplished and it only frustrates all those around them, continuing to complicate the situation.
- 9. Network Software • On a small simple network, your computer or laptop’s operating system may be enough to run and manage your network. For a larger more complex network and a more robust network software may need to be installed on the servers that manage the connections between all resources and help manage user accounts and rights to various aspects of the network. It can also add a layer or security to the network, filter websites and add a firewall to protect the network from external threats.
- 10. References HowStuffWorks “Computer.” (n.d.). Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://computer.howstuffworks.com/ NETC: A Guide to Networking for K-12. (n.d.). Retrieved February 7, 2012, from http://www.netc.org/network_guide/
- 11. Picture Credits Slide 2 : http://visual.merriam-webster.com/communications/office- automation/computer-network/wide-area-network.php#routers33358 Slide 3 : http://www.techstore.ie/our-services/computer-networking Slide 5 : http://www.123rf.com/photo_3078786_global-computer-network.html Slide 6 : Cable modem : http://www.olx.com.sg/pictures/linksys-broadband-router-wrt54g- usbnetwork-adapter-motorola-sbv5120-cable-modem-iid-79853928 Wirelss : http://www.olx.com.sg/linksys-broadband-router-wrt54g-usbnetwork- adapter-motorola-sbv5120-cable-modem-iid-79853928 Laptop -: http://www.f-paper.com/?i935976-Photo:-Smart-Core-business-for-sale- 8000-the-ThinkPad-T420 Slide 7 : LAN : http://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/publications/telecomm_handbook/chapter2_03.htm WAN : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc751420.aspx Slide 8 : http://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/couples-do-dont-speak-same-language/ Slide 9 : http://www.brown.edu/cis/information_security/news/06-021.html