What is a network?

- A group of computers that are able to communicate with one another and share data, files, programs, and operations.

- A collection of hardware and software that enables a group of nodes (devices) to communicate and provides users with access to shared resources.

- Composed of two or more nodes that will share information, a communication medium through which they can communicate, and network operating system software

Common Networking Terms:

Network protocol -A specialized electronic language that enables network computers to communicate.

Different types of computers, using different operating systems, can communicate with each other, and share information - as long as they follow the network protocols.

A protocol suite is a set of related protocols that come from a single developer or source.

A protocol stack is a set of two or more protocols that work together, with each protocol covering a different aspect of data communications. Typically, TCP and Internet Protocol (IP) are used in combination and might be called a protocol stack.

Interconnectivity refers to the ease and ability of connecting networks together.

Interoperability refers to how communication capability takes place, and which nodes on internetworks can communicate and share resources, such as files and printers.

You might find it helpful to think of interoperability as a software compatibility issue and interconnectivity as a hardware issue.

A gateway is software or hardware (or a combination of the two) that interconnects different types of networks, translating as necessary between the two.

A local area network (LAN) is a collection of computers cabled together to form a network in a small geographic area (usually within one building).

Media - The physical means of communication between network computers. The network medium is often a specialized cable or other media such as infrared transmission or radio signals.

Resources - The data, applications, and hardware provided by network servers for use by network clients.

Network adapter - A network interface card that enables two computers to send and receive data over the network media.

Network topology - The physical layout of a network. This often includes specifications for the types of media, adapters, and protocols the network can use.

Network Models:

Peer-to-Peer Networks: One which lacks a dedicated server, every computer acts as both a client and a server. Any computer can share resources with another, and any computer can use the resources of another, given proper access rights.

- Does not rely on the use of a central file server to share file but each workstation relies on another workstation to have it's resources made available.

- Difficult to maintain security, must be limited number of peers to keep administration costs low, slow response time, but they are inexpensive, no central point of failure.

- Can be a security nightmare, because each workstation setting permissions for shared resources, right people will never have access to the right resources.

- Good solution when there are 10 or less users that are in close proximity to each other. Only recommended in situations where security is not an issue.

In a client-server network model, at least one centralized server manages shared resources and security for the other network users and computers.

- A network connection is only made when information needs to be accessed by a user. This lack of a continuous network connection provides network efficiency.

- The client: Requests services or information from another computer (the server computer).

- The Server: Responds to the client's request by sending the results of the request back to the client computer.

- Requires a separate central server and a networking operating system handles the job.

- Somewhat more difficult to install and maintain than a peer to peer network

- Data transfer speeds are greater, security is more robust, LAN expansion is simpler, and there are management tools available.

- Security and permissions can be managed by administrators which cuts down on security and rights issues.

- Allows for convenient backup services, reduces network traffic and provides a host of other services that come with the network operating system.

Centralized: Model that is most often seen in UNIX environments, but the clients are "dumb terminals".

- Client does not have a floppy drive, hard disk, CDROM,all applications and processing occur on the server.

- Requires fast and expensive servers.

- Security is very high on this type of network.

For more information on Networking Basics, the OSI Model and Server Administration:
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