IT Infrastructure and Computer Networks (CS112) Lecture 1 2024 PDF

IT INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMPUTER NETWORKS (CS112) Lecture 1 – 2024: Introduction to IT Infrastructure  Course Material  Introduction (9 lectures)  Introduction to IT Infrastructure  Computer Networks and Business Applications...

IT INFRASTRUCTURE AND COMPUTER NETWORKS (CS112) Lecture 1 – 2024: Introduction to IT Infrastructure  Course Material  Introduction (9 lectures)  Introduction to IT Infrastructure  Computer Networks and Business Applications  Introduction to Networking Concepts and Protocols  How the Internet Works  Cloud Computing  Security and Privacy  Practicals  Two Practicals Compiled by Dr Zelalem Shibeshi What is Infrastructure? Infrastructure refers to the fundamental physical and organizational structures and facilities needed for the operation of a society or enterprise. This includes facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, and power supply), systems, and services that are essential for economic activities, communication, transportation, and public services.  Examples of Infrastructure  Transport Networks – used to enable the movement of people and goods and include roads, highways, and public transportation systems. ◼ Transportation networks have vehicles, roads, traffic signals, and bridges What is Infrastructure?  Electric Grid – is needed to run appliances and devices. ◼ The electric grid consists of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution networks  Water Supply System - distributes clean water to homes and businesses ◼ The water supply system includes treatment plants, pipes, and pumps What is IT Infrastructure and why is it important?  IT infrastructure includes the essential components, systems, and resources that enable IT services within an organization or networked environment.  It refers to all resources required to develop, test, deliver, monitor, control, or support IT services.  Why is it important?  Technology drives all aspects of modern businesses, from individual tasks to overall operations and services. When effectively networked, IT enhances communication, boosts efficiency, and increases productivity. Introduction to IT Infrastructure: From Small to Large Scale  Small-Scale Computing:  Limited Hardware Resources: ◼ Few devices connected to a local network. ◼ Essential networking equipment like routers and switches.  Basic Software Applications: ◼ Reliance on standard productivity software like Microsoft Office.  Minimal IT Infrastructure Management: ◼ Manual handling of maintenance tasks like software updates and troubleshooting. Introduction to IT Infrastructure: From Small to Large Scale  Large Scale Computing:  Extensive Hardware Infrastructure: ◼ Data centers with thousands of servers and storage systems  Complex Network Architecture: ◼ Utilizationof advanced networking technologies like load balancers and Content Delivery Networks (CDNs).  Sophisticated Software Systems: ◼ Deployment of CRM systems, ERP systems, and big data analytics platforms.  Robust IT Infrastructure Management: ◼ Use of automation techniques to manage and monitor large- scale infrastructure. The Importance of IT Infrastructure and Networks  In Business:  How businesses rely on IT infrastructure for operations, communication, and data management.  Examples of industries heavily dependent on IT: finance, healthcare, education, etc.  In Everyday Life: ◼ ITinfrastructure supports daily activities such as online shopping, social media, and remote work.  Future Trends and their potential impact on IT infrastructure and networks : ◼ Emerging technologies include cloud computing, IoT, and 5G. Types of Computers Used in Large Computing  Supercomputers:  Supercomputers are the most powerful computing systems in terms of processing capacity.  Process large amounts of data quickly for complex tasks.  High-speed performance, parallel processing, specialized architecture, and massive storage. Types of Computers Used in Large Computing  Mainframes:  are large, powerful computers primarily used by large organizations for critical applications, bulk data processing, enterprise resource planning (ERP), and transaction processing.  Process and store massive amounts of data for enterprise needs.  Types of Computers Used in Large Computing  Server Computers:  are designed to provide services to other computers (clients) over a network (e.g. web hosting.)  high-performance CPUs and RAM.  Types of Servers: ◼ Blade Servers: Compact, modular servers that fit into a chassis, sharing power and cooling. ◼ Rack Servers: Servers mounted in racks, providing a balance between space and performance. ◼ Tower Servers: Standalone servers similar to desktop PCs but with more powerful components.  Other types: Cluster Computers; HPC. What is a Server, and Why do we need one?  A server is a powerful computer or software that provides services, data, or resources to other computers, called clients, over a network.  We need them for:  Centralized Resource Management: ◼ Simplifies administration and improves efficiency.  Data Storage and Sharing: ◼ Facilitates secure storage, retrieval, and sharing of information. What is a Server, and Why do we need one?  Application Hosting: ◼ Ensures consistent access, performance, and reliability for users.  Security and Access Control: ◼ Protects against cyber threats and unauthorized access.  Scalability and Flexibility: ◼ Accommodates growing business needs and workloads.  Reliability and Redundancy: ◼ Minimizes downtime and service disruptions.  Remote Access and Management: ◼ Enables proactive maintenance and troubleshooting. What is a Client?  A client is a device or software that requests and uses services, resources, or data provided by a server.  A client is used for:  Requesting Services: ◼ Initiates communication with servers by sending requests.  Consuming Resources: ◼ Utilizes the services, resources, or data provided by the server.  User Interaction: ◼ Provides interfaces for users to interact with the services.  Network Communication: ◼ Communicates with servers over a network using protocols. Components of IT Infrastructure  Hardware: Computers, servers, storage devices, and networking equipment.  Software: Operating systems and applications that enable hardware to perform tasks.  Facilities: Physical plants, network cabling  Networking: Connectivity elements that allow communication between devices - switches, routers, hubs, servers.  Data Centres: Facilities that house servers, storage, and networking equipment, often providing cloud services and redundancy for disaster recovery. Datacenters Datacenters host several servers. In some places hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of servers.  Several considerations are considered when they are designed, including:  Power Supply: ensuring a continuous and stable power supply is critical. Also, it has to be energy efficient.  Cooling System: Servers generate much heat, and effective cooling is essential to prevent overheating and ensure optimal performance.  Redundancy: Ensuring redundancy in network connections to prevent downtime in case of a failure. Network Applications  Communication Applications  Email: Exchange of digital messages (e.g., Gmail, Outlook).  Instant Messaging: Real-time text communication (e.g., WhatsApp, Slack).  Video Conferencing: Virtual meetings with video and audio (e.g., Zoom, Microsoft Teams).  File Sharing and Collaboration  Cloud Storage: Centralized storage accessible over the internet (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox). Network Applications  Collaboration Tools: Shared workspaces for document editing (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft 365).  File Transfer Protocol (FTP): Transferring files between computers over a network.  Web Services  Web Browsing: Accessing and navigating websites (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).  E-commerce: Online shopping and transactions (e.g., Amazon, eBay).  Streaming Services: Delivering video, music, and media over the internet (e.g., Netflix, Spotify). Network Applications  Social Networking  Social Media Platforms: Connecting and sharing content (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).  Online Communities: Forums and discussion boards (e.g., Reddit, Quora).  Remote Access  VirtualPrivate Network (VPN): Secure access to a private network over the internet.  Remote Desktop: Accessing and controlling a computer remotely (e.g., TeamViewer, Remote Desktop Protocol). Network Applications  Internet of Things (IoT)  Smart Home Devices: Networked devices for home automation (e.g., smart thermostats, lights).  Wearables: Internet-connected wearable technology (e.g., smartwatches, fitness trackers).Industrial IoT: Connected devices and sensors in industrial settings. Transition from Small to Large  Shows the evolution of IT infrastructure to meet growing demands.  Increased Data Volume  Complexity of Tasks  Scalability  Performance Requirements  Integration and Centralization  Enables businesses to innovate, collaborate, and compete in the digital economy. Integration and Interaction  Interconnectivity:  Enables seamless communication and data exchange.  Interdependence:  Components rely on each other for effective function.  Monitoring and Management:  Ensures optimal functionality and security. Types of IT Infrastructure  Traditional Infrastructure:  Conventional hardware and software components.  Cloud Infrastructure:  Accessible via the internet with virtualization. An Example of IT Infrastructure Cloud Infrastructure Questions  Can you identify devices that you use to access an IT service daily and discuss how those devices connect to networks?  What networks do their devices connect to?  How do they use these devices and networks for communication and information access?