Learning Resources

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Lesson

A network is an effective way to share information, data, and equipment. A simple way to look at a network, and one that most people would immediately think about, is that a network is at least two computers connected by network cards and cables, using operating systems that can talk to each other, and sharing resources such as files and printers.

There are three basic types of networks

  • A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that is confined to a small area such as a building, or a floor in a building
  • A MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) is a network that covers a city, a business spread across several locations, or a school district. It may contain multiple LANs and individual computers
  • A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a network that covers a very large geographic area. It can include LANs, MANs and individual computers. The internet is the largest WAN, with tens of thousands of interconnected computers and LANs

Networks can have two basic types of interconnection — client-server, and peer-to-peer. In a client-server arrangement, one computer is a server and one is a client. In a peer-to-peer arrangement, both computers have equal status.

Networks perform a variety of functions

  • Sharing of resources such as
    • information and multimedia

      Content can be on a local machine or on a remote machine. A remote computer can collect data automatically and make it available to individuals using the network, or to a program for input into an automated process. Internet-based highway cameras provide travellers with timely information on weather and highway conditions. Remote energy management systems allow internet-based access to a remote site to collect data such as temperature, CO2 levels, the position of valves, switches, and thermostats and manipulate the controls to adjust conditions at the site.
    • peripherals such as printers and hard drive space
    • collaborative processes such email, messaging, group projects
    • real-time collaborative processes such as chat, voice, video and shared applications
  • Security features such as
    • restricted access
    • secure work space
    • virus and spam blocking
    • ability for users to specify who can and who can't see their files
  • Ability of a group, organization, or company to incorporate a vision, a set of principles, and a purpose into a technological system

Activity

Please complete all activities

  • Conduct a web search for 'basic networking concepts'.
  • Select three items and do a 50-100 word summary of each.
  • Create an entry in your course portfolio
  • Publish the entry to you course portfolio web

Test Yourself

There is no self test for this lesson.