Unit 11: Computer Networks

Features of Networks

Network Topologies, Types

Aims

Mind map the uses of computer networks

Different types of Networks

Understand computer Network Topologies

Create network drawings

Uses of Computer Networks

Communication:

Sharing hardware:

Exchanging information:

Multi-user:

Storage:

Applications:

Create a Mind map using Visio of the examples

Mind map 1 must include:Communication: email, instant messaging, social networking, blogs, forums, wikis, web conferencing

Sharing hardware: printers, scanner, processing

Exchanging information: files, data, photos/images, videos

Multi-user: gaming, collaborative working

Storage: files, data centres, back-up

Applications: online databases, spreadsheets, intranet, extranet

Mind map 2 - good Networks must have:

Workable speed, view videos, load documents

Share information securely

Backing up

Accurate record keeping, audit, tracking

Keeping individuals informed

Aid collaborative working

Play computer games in a multi-player gaming environment.

Types of NetworkLAN (Local area network)

The definition of a LAN has become increasingly vague over the last ten years.

It was understood that it was interconnected computers at one location i.e. college or a workplace.

Know due to faster technology LAN devices can be used over longer distances.

A LAN can be as small as two computers by using a simple Ethernet connection or can divided into sub networks using switches and routers.

Task

Using Visio try to recreate the LAN shown below. (Feel free to make it your own)

WAN

Types of NetworkWAN (Wide area network)

A WAN is a complex network system, comprising of interconnected LANs.

WANs are used to connect LANs and other types of networks together, so that users and computers in one location can communicate with users and computers in other locations.

Network protocols including TCP/IP deliver transport and addressing functions.

What is TCP/IPIP – Internet Protocol

moving of data packets between nodes

TCP – Transmission Control Protocolverifying delivery of the packets

Packetssmall amount of computer data sent over a network

TCP/IP software is built into all major operating systems, such as Unix, Windows, and the Mac OS.

Types of NetworkMAN (Metropolitan area networks)

Large computer network that spans a metropolitan area or campus. The network size falls intermediate between LANs and WANs.

MANs provide Internet connectivity for LANs in a metropolitan region, and connect them to wider area networks like the Internet.

They typically use wireless infrastructure or optical fibre connections to link their sites.

A MAN (like a WAN) is not generally owned by a single organisation.

The MAN, its communications links and equipment are generally owned by either a consortium of users or by a network service provider who sells the service to the users.

Task

Using the internet look into what a packet is

Provide description of TCP/IP

Create a network diagram in Visio to represent “SuperJanet”.

Types of NetworkPAN network

A personal area network

A computer network for an individual person.

PANs generally cover a range of less than 10 meters (about 30 feet).

PANs are a subset of local area network (LAN) that supports one person

instead of a group.

Conclusion

Considered the purpose of a computer network

Revised some of the different types of networks

Used Visio to create network diagrams

Gained an understanding of a Packet and TCP/IP