Network+ Guide to Networks, Third Edition

Instructors Manual Chapter 1

Lecture Notes
Why Use Networks?
All networks offer advantages relative to using a standalone computerthat is, a computer that is not connected to
other computers and that uses programs and data stored on its local disks. Most importantly, networks enable
multiple users to share devices (for example, printers) and data (for example, spreadsheet programs and files), which
are collectively known as the networks resources. Sharing devices saves money. Another advantage to networks is
that they allow you to manage, or administer, resources on multiple computers from a central location.

Types of Networks
Computers can be positioned on a network in different ways relative to each other. They can have different levels of
control over shared resources.

Peer-to-Peer Networks
The simplest form of a network is a peer-to-peer network. 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. Figure 1-1 is an example of a simple peer-to-peer network as shown on page 3 of the text.

The primary advantage to peer-to-peer networks is that they can be simple to configure. However, peer-to-peer
networks are not very flexible. As a peer-to-peer network grows larger, adding or changing significant elements of
the network may be difficult. Peer-to-peer networks are also not necessarily secure. A common way to share
resources on a peer-to-peer network is by modifying the file-sharing controls via the computers operating system.

Client/Server Networks
Another way of designing a network is to use a central computer, known as a server, to facilitate communication and
resource sharing between other computers on the network, which are known as clients. Clients usually take the form
of desktop computers, also known as workstations. A network that uses a server to enable clients to share data, data
storage space, and devices is known as a client/server network.
To function as a server, a computer must be running a network operating system (NOS), a special type of software
designed to manage data and other resources for a number of clients. Figure 1-2 on page 5 of the text depicts a simple
client/server network.

Network+ Guide to Networks, Third Edition

Quick Reference

Instructors Manual Chapter 1

Discuss the advantages a client/server network offers over peer-to-peer

networks as listed on page 6 of the text.

LANs, MANs, and WANs

A local area network (LAN) is a network of computers and other devices that is confined to a relatively small space,
such as one building or even one office. Small LANs first became popular in the early 1980s. Networks may extend
beyond the boundaries of a building. A network that is larger than a LAN and connects clients and servers from
multiple buildingsfor example, a handful of government offices surrounding a state capitolis known as a
metropolitan area network (MAN).
A network that connects two or more geographically distinct LANs or MANs is called a wide area network (WAN).
WANs commonly connect separate offices in the same organization, whether they are across town or across the world
from each other. The largest and most varied WAN in the world is the Internet. Figure 1-4 on page 8 of the text
depicts a simple WAN.

Network+ Guide to Networks, Third Edition

Instructors Manual Chapter 1

Elements Common To All Client/Server Networks

The following list provides a more complete rundown of basic elements common to all client/server networks.

Client
Workstation
Network operating system (NOS)
Node
Connectivity device
Data packet
Transmission media

Server
Network interface card (NIC)
Host
Topology
Protocol
Addressing

Figure 1-6 on page 10 of the text illustrates the most common network topologies, which you must understand to
design and troubleshoot networks.

Network+ Guide to Networks, Third Edition

Instructors Manual Chapter 1

Figure 1-7 on page 11 of the text shows several examples of transmission media.

Network+ Guide to Networks, Third Edition

Instructors Manual Chapter 1

Quick Quiz
1.

A(n) ____________ is a group of computers and other devices that are connected by some type of transmission
media, such as copper or fiber-optic cable or the atmosphere.

2.

The term __________ is sometimes used to refer to the design of a network in which clients rely on servers for
resource sharing and processing.

3.

Client/server networks are also more __________ than peer-to-peer networks.

4.

Most __________ can also be described as WANs.

5.

Each computer on a network must have a unique __________ so that data can be transmitted reliably to and from
that computer.

How Networks Are Used

The functions provided by a network are usually referred to as network services. Printer sharing, file sharing,
Internet access, remote access capabilities, and management services are all critical business functions provided
through networks.

File and Print Services

File services refer to the capability of a server to share data files, applications and disk storage space. A server that
provides file services is called a file server. Using print services to share printers across a network also saves time
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Network+ Guide to Networks, Third Edition

Instructors Manual Chapter 1
and money. A high-capacity printer can cost thousands of dollars, but can handle the printing tasks of an entire
department, thereby eliminating the need to buy a desktop printer for each worker.

Communications Services
A networks communications services allow remote users to connect to the network. (The term remote user refers to
a person working on a computer in a different geographical location from the LANs server.) Network operating
systems such as Windows Server 2003 and NetWare include built-in communications services. These services enable
users to dial into an access server, or the server running these communications services, log on to the network and
take advantage of any network features, just as if they were logged via a workstation on the office LAN. An access
server may also be known as a communications server or a remote access server.

Mail Services
Mail services coordinate the storage and transfer of e-mail between users on a network. The computer responsible
for mail services is called a mail server.

Quick Reference

Discuss the other functions of mail servers as listed on pages 13 and 14 of the
text.

Internet Services
A web server is a computer installed with the appropriate software to supply Web pages to many different clients
upon demand. Supplying Web pages is only one type of Internet service. Other Internet services include file transfer
capabilities, Internet addressing schemes, security filters, and a means for directly logging on to other computers on
the Internet.

Management Services
Network management services centrally administer management tasks on the network, such as making sure that no
more than 20 workstations are using Adobe Photoshop at one time in an organization that purchased a 20-user license
for the software. Numerous services fall under the category of network management. Some of the most important
ones are listed on page 15 of the text.

Discussion Questions
1.

Discuss the different types of network topologies and explore situations for when it would be appropriate to use
each topology.

Solutions to Exercises can be found at the following link:

http://www.course.com