Networking Concepts Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Networking: Connecting Computing Devices

• This chapter covers networking concepts, including network types, transmission media, hardware, software, and Internet access methods.
• Learning objectives outline key topics to be studied.
• Computer networks connect two or more computers to communicate via software and hardware.
• Each device on a network ("node") can be a computer, peripheral (like a printer), or network device (such as a router).
• Network benefits include sharing high-speed Internet connections, printers, files, and enabling common communication.
• A major network disadvantage is setup time.
• Data transfer rate (bandwidth) is the maximum speed data can be transmitted.
• Throughput is the actual speed data is transferred, measured in megabits per second (Mbps) or gigabits per second (Gbps).
• Networks are categorized by distance (PAN, LAN, HAN, MAN, WAN).
• PANs are for personal communication, LANs for small areas (like a home), HANs are LANs in homes, MANs for cities, and WANs for larger areas.
• Networks are also classified by administration levels (client/server and peer-to-peer).
• Client/server networks use centralized servers for information and resource access.
• Peer-to-peer networks allow direct communication between all nodes.
• Network protocols, like Ethernet (wired and wireless—Wi-Fi, gigabit Ethernet), are developed by organizations like IEEE.
• Backward compatibility allows current devices to use standards from previous generations.
• Network components include connections (cables or wireless), hardware to enable communication, and software for network operations.
• Transmission media establish a network's communications channel (wired or wireless).
• Wired options include UTP, coaxial, and fiber-optic cables.
• Basic network hardware includes network adapters (NICs), modems (for converting signals), routers (controlling data flow between networks), and switches (traffic control within a network).
• Network software includes operating systems for different networking types (P2P, client/server). P2P networks require software that supports P2P. Client/server networks need software, often called "NOS" software, on servers that allow the server to function properly.
• Broadband Internet access is commonly used (cable, DSL, fiber), contrasted with dial-up or cellular.

Planning and Installing a Home Network

• Planning a home network includes listing devices, using the latest networking standards, and using new equipment.
• Home networks typically use routers for central connection and switches for managing traffic within the network.
• Specialized devices like NAS devices (network-attached storage) are common for centralized data storage and management.
• Home network servers centralize file storage and sharing.
• Troubleshooting wireless problems involves understanding signal range, sources of interference (walls, metal), placement of access points, and utilizing wireless range extenders.

Securing a Wireless Network

• Securing wireless networks is vital. Key steps include encryption, changing the network name (SSID), disabling SSID broadcast, changing default passwords, setting up complex passphrases, and implementing media access control (MAC).
• Consider limiting the signal range to help secure the network.
• Regularly updating router firmware is important to patch vulnerabilities.
• Disabling remote access helps limit unauthorized access.