Networking CH 1 Summary Flashcards
A network is a group of computers and other devices (such as printers) that are connected by some type of transmission media, such as copper or fiber-optic cable or radio waves, in the case of wireless transmission.
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All networks offer advantages relative to using a stand-alone computer. Networks enable multiple users to share devices and data. Sharing resources saves time and money. Networks also allow you to manage, or administer, resources on multiple computers from a central location.
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In a peer-to-peer network, every computer can communicate directly with every other computer. By default, no computer on a peer-to-peer network has more authority than another. However, each computer can be configured to share only some of its resources and keep other resources inaccessible.
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Traditional peer-peer networks are usually simple and inexpensive to set up. However, they are not necessarily flexible or secure.
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Client/server networks rely on a centrally administered server (or servers) to manage shared resources for multiple clients. In this scheme, the server has greater authority than the clients, which may be desktop or laptop workstations or mobile devices, such as cell phones.
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Client/server networks are more complex and expensive to install than peer-to-peer networks. However, they are more easily managed, more scalable, and typically more secure. They are by far the most popular type of network in use today.
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Servers typically possess more processing power, hard disk space, and memory than client computers. To manage access to and use of shared resources, among other centralized functions, a server requires a network operating system.
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A LAN (local area network) is a network of computers and other devices that is confined to a relatively small space, such as one building or even one office.
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LANs can be interconnected to form WANs (wide area networks), which traverse longer distances and may use different transmission methods and media than LANs. The Internet is the largest example of a WAN.
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Client/server networks share some common elements, including clients, servers, workstations, transmission media, connectivity devices, protocols, addressing, topology, NICs, packets, network operating systems, hosts, backbones, segments, and nodes.
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Networks provide a wide range of services, including printing, file sharing, Internet access, remote access, communicating in multiple forms, and network management.
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File and print services provide the foundation for netowrking. They enable multiple users to share data, applications, storage areas, and printers.
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Networks use access services to allow remote users to connect to the network or network users to connect to machines outside the network.
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Communications services provided by networks include e-mail, telephone, video, fax, messaging, and voice mail.
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Mail services (running on mail servers) allow users on a network to exchange and store e-mail. Most mail packages also provide filtering, routing, scheduling, notification, and connectivity with other mail systems.
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Internet services such as Web servers and browsers, file transfer capabilities, addressing schemes, and security filters enable organizations to connect to and use the global Internet.
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Nework managment services centrally adminsiter and simplify complicated management tasks on the network, such as asset management, security auditing, hardware problem diagnosis, backup and restore services, license tracking, load balancing, and data traffic control.
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To prepare youself for a networking career, master a number of broad networking skills, such as installing and configuring client and server hardware and software. Then pick a few areas that interest you, such as network security or voice/data intergration, and study those specialties.
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Certification is the process of mastering material pertaining to a particular hardware system, operating system, programming language, or other software program, then proving your master by passing a series of exams. The benefits of certification can include a better salary, more job opportunities, greater professional respect, and better access to technical support.
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To excel in the field of networking, hone your soft skills, such as customer relations, oral and written communications, dependability, teamwork, and leadership abilities.
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Joining an association for networking professionals can connect you with like-minded people, give you access to workshops and techincal publications, allow you to receive discounted or free software, and perhaps even help you find a job in the field.
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