Networking Chapter 7: Connecting Devices

Chapter 7: Networking: Connecting Computing Devices

• Learning Objectives (1 of 2):
  • Describe computer networks and their pros and cons.
  • Explain the different ways networks are defined.
  • Describe the types of transmission media used in networks.
  • Describe the basic hardware devices necessary for networks.
  • Describe the type of software necessary for networks.
  • Summarize the broadband options available to access the Internet.

Learning Objectives (2 of 2):

• Summarize how to access the Internet wirelessly.
• Explain what should be considered before creating a home network.
• Describe how to set up a home network.
• Describe the potential problems with wireless networks and the means to avoid them.
• Describe how to secure wireless home networks.

Networking Fundamentals: Understanding Networks (1 of 3)

• A computer network connects two or more computers to communicate.
• Each device on the network is a node.
• Nodes can be computers, peripherals (printers, game consoles), or network devices (routers).

Networking Fundamentals: Understanding Networks (2 of 3)

• Benefits of Networks:
  • Sharing high-speed Internet.
  • Sharing printers and peripherals.
  • Sharing files.
  • Common communications (e.g., chatting).
• Disadvantages of Networks:
  • Setup and administration challenges (time-consuming).

Networking Fundamentals: Understanding Networks (3 of 3)

• Data Transfer Rate (Bandwidth): Maximum data transmission speed.
• Throughput: Actual data transfer speed.
• Measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).

Network Architectures: Network Designs (1 of 3)

• Networks categorized by distance:
  • Personal area network (PAN): Communication among devices near a person.
  • Local area network (LAN): Nodes within a small geographical area.
  • Home area network (HAN): A specific type of LAN for a home.
  • Metropolitan area network (MAN): Wide network for a city.
  • Wide area network (WAN): Covers large physical distances.

Network Architectures: Network Designs (2 of 3)

• Networks categorized by administration:
  • Client/server network: Clients request, servers provide information or resources.
  • Peer-to-peer (P2P) network: Nodes communicate directly with each other.

Network Architectures: Network Designs (3 of 3)

• Networks categorized by protocols:
  • Ethernet: Developed by IEEE, used for both wired and wireless networks (Wi-Fi).
  • Wired networks: Gigabit Ethernet (GbE).
  • Backward compatibility: Existing devices can use older standards in addition to new ones.

Network Components (Objective 7.3)

• Transmission media: Establish communication channels between nodes (cables or wireless).
• Wired examples: UTP cable, coaxial cable, fiber-optic cable.

Basic Network Hardware (Objective 7.4)

• Network adapter (NIC): Connects devices to the network.
• Modem: Translates signals for broadband connections.
• Router: Transfers data packets between networks.
• Switch: Controls data flow within a network.
  • Data is sent in packets.

Network Software (Objective 7.5)

• Operating system for P2P networking.
• Client/server network software: Communication through centralized servers.
• Specialized network operating systems (NOS) software for servers in client/server networks.

Connecting to the Internet: Broadband Internet Connections (1 of 2)

• Home network: Shares an Internet connection.
• Needs Internet access from ISP (Internet Service Provider).
• Specialized providers and general providers.
• Broadband is the common way, but cellular or dial-up may be used in some cases.

Connecting to the Internet: Broadband Internet Connections (2 of 2)

• Broadband types:
  • Cable Internet
  • DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)
  • Fiber-optic service
• Data transfer rates vary by type and distance from the source.
• Satellite Internet: Used mostly in rural or mountainous regions.

Connecting to the Internet: Wireless Internet Access (Objective 7.7)

• Mobile broadband
• Wireless Internet at home
• Mobile hotspots
• Wireless ISPs
• Data plans

Installing and Configuring Home Networks: Planning Your Home Network (Objective 7.8)

• List all devices.
• Use the latest network standard to provide the best experience.
• Use the newest networking equipment to improve performance.

Installing and Configuring Home Networks: Connecting Devices to a Network (1 of 2)

• Routers
• Use devices or equipment based on type of devices used.

Installing and Configuring Home Networks: Connecting Devices to a Network (2 of 2)

• Specialized home networking devices
  • Network-attached storage (NAS) devices
  • Home network servers
  • Network-ready devices for direct connection.

Installing and Configuring Home Networks: Troubleshooting Wireless Network Problems (Objective 7.10)

• Maximum range for wireless networks is about 350 feet.
• Walls, floors, and large metal objects reduce signal strength.
• Place the access point where the signal is weak.
• A wireless range extender can repeat or amplify a weak signal.

Managing and Securing Wireless Networks (1 of 3)

• Use encryption and security protocols.
• Change the Network name (SSID).
• Disable SSID broadcast.
• Change default password.
• Create a passphrase.

Managing and Securing Wireless Networks (2 of 3)

• Implement media access control
• Limit signal range
• Keep router firmware up to date
• Disable remote access

Managing and Securing Wireless Networks (3 of 3)

• Configure security protocols and change SSID in router.

Explore the essential concepts of computer networking in Chapter 7. This quiz covers the types of networks, hardware, and software required for communication, as well as ways to set up secure home networks. Understand the pros and cons of networking and the challenges of wireless connections.