Ch 7.3 Helpdesk: Understanding Networks

Networks

A computer network is simply two or more computers that are connected together via software and hardware so they can communicate. Devices connected to a network are referred to as nodes. A node can be a computer, a peripheral (such as a printer), a game console (such as a PlayStation), a digital video recorder (such as a TiVo), or a communications device (such as a modem).

Benefits of Networks

A computer network provides many benefits to users: 1. Networks allow users to share peripherals. For example,on this network, both computers can use the printer, even though it's connected to just one computer. 2. Networks allow users to transfer files from one computer to another without using external storage media such as flash drives. 3. Networks also allow users to share broadband Internet connections.

Wireless Network Basics

As its name implies, a wireless network uses radio waves instead of wires or cables as its transmission media. A transmission medium establishes a communications channel between the nodes on a network. Current wireless networks in the United States are based on the 802.11 standard, also known as Wi-Fi (short for Wireless Fidelity).

Network Navigation Devices

Data is sent over transmission media in bundles called packets. For computers to communicate, these packets of data must be able to flow between network nodes. Network navigation devices help to make this data flow possible. These devices, which are attached to the network, enable the transmission of data.

Data Transfer Rate and Throughput

Different types of transmission media transmit data at different speeds. Data transfer rate (or bandwidth) is the maximum speed at which data can be transmitted between two nodes on a network. Throughput is the actual speed of data transfer that is achieved. Throughput is always less than or equal to the data transfer rate. Data transfer rate and throughput are usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Twisted pair, coaxial cable, and wireless media usually provide enough bandwidth for most home networks whereas fiber-optic cable is sometimes used in client/server networks.

Ethernet Networks

Ethernet networks use the Ethernet protocol as the means (or standard) by which the nodes on the network communicate. Ethernet networks are fast and reliable. In fact, they are the most popular choice for home networks. The most commonly used wired Ethernet standard for home networks is the gigabit Ethernet standard. A data transfer rate of up to 1 gigabit per second (Gbps) is possible using this standard. Computers generally ship with gigabit Ethernet cards installed in them.

Is there a good reason to set up a network for two computers?

Is there a good reason to set up a network for two computers?

Ethernet Network Adapters

Like a wireless network, to set up a wired Ethernet network, you need to install or attach network adapters to each computer or peripheral you want to connect to the network. Since Ethernet networks are so common, most computers come with Ethernet adapters preinstalled.

Types of Networks: Client/Server Networks

Many larger networks are client/server networks. A client/server network contains two different types of computers: clients and servers. A client is a computer on which users accomplish specific tasks (such as construct spreadsheets). The client requests services (such as printing) from the server computer. A server is a computer that provides information or resources to client computers on the network. The server also provides central administration for network functions (such as printing). Although client/server networks can be set up in homes, P2P networks are more often used because they cost less and are easier to configure and maintain.

Wireless Routers

Many users want a network in which some computers connect to the network with wires while other computers (such as laptops) connect to the network wirelessly. Wireless routers allow you to connect wireless and wired nodes to the same network.

Some of my devices don't need wireless and would work better with a wired connection. Are there different types of wired networks I need to choose from?

Most wired networks for the home are Ethernet networks.

Wireless Network Adapters

Network adapters are devices that enable the nodes on a network to access the network and communicate with each other. Most computing devices sold today come with network adapters built-in. These adapters are referred to as network interface cards (NICs). Different NICs are designed to use different types of transmission media. Most NICs included in computing devices today are built to use wireless media, but many can use wired media as well.

Transmission Media: Twisted-Pair Cable

Networks can use different kinds of cable to connect nodes. Twisted pair cable is made up of copper wires that are twisted around each other and surrounded by a plastic jacket. Unshielded twisted pair (UTP) is a type of twisted pair cable. The most popular transmission media option for Ethernet networks is UTP cable. UTP cable is composed of four pairs of wires twisted around each other to reduce electrical interference.

Is a home network the same kind as the one at the corporation where I work?

No. Most companies use client/server networks. You'll be setting up a P2P network.

Routers

Routers are devices that route packets of data between two or more networks. If a home network is connected to the Internet, you need a router to send data between the network and the Internet. Because so many people share Internet access in home networks, there are devices specifically designed to connect to broadband modems. These are often referred to as broadband routers. Although you could share an Internet connection without one, a broadband router provides increased throughput and is easier to set up than other methods.

Transmission Media: Coaxial and Fiber-Optic Cable

Some networks use coaxial cable, which consists of a single copper wire surrounded by layers of plastic. Fiber-optic cable is made up of plastic or glass fibers that transmit data at extremely fast speeds.

What kind of wire do I use to set up an Ethernet network?

The most popular transmission media option for wired home Ethernet networks is unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable.

Types of Networks: Peer-to-Peer Networks

There are two main types of network: peer-to-peer and client/server. In peer-to-peer (P2P) networks, each node on the network can communicate directly with every other node. This means that P2P networks do not need a separate device (such as a server) to control the network. When printing, for example, a computer on a P2P network doesn't have to go through the computer that's connected to the printer. Instead, it can communicate directly with the printer. P2P networks are the most common type of home network because they are simple to set up.

How do I share an Internet connection on an Ethernet network?

To share an Internet connection on an Ethernet network, you need a router.​

Can I set up a wireless network at home?

You can have a wireless network only if each node connected to the network has a wireless network adapter attached to it or installed in it.

How can I share an Internet connection on a wireless network?

You'll need a special router to share an Internet connection on a wireless network.