network
-links 2 or more computer systems to enable them to share data and resources-categories of computer networks (by geography) - LAN, WAN
LAN
-Local Area Network-uses cables, radio waves, infrared signals-Links computers in a limited geographic area (i.e.

office, home, campus, building) -Typically managed by a single person or organization-Can be wired or wireless

WAN
-Wide Area Network-Uses long-distance transmission media, including satellites and leased lines-Links computer systems (thousands of) miles apart-Usually not owned by a single organization-Internet is the world's largest WAN
MAN
-Metropolitan Area Network -cover a city or town -usually owned by a government or other organization (Wi-Fi Downtown Pittsburgh)
PAN
-Personal Area Network -composed of an individual's own personal devices (bluetooth headset, smartphone, printer)
communication devices
-convert data into digital signals to transmit: modems, routers, Switches & Hubs, wireless access points, network interface cards (NICs)
modem
-formats digital data to go over phone, cable, satellite, or cellular connections-Modulates signal, demodulates at other end-Uses modulation protocol
modulation protocol
standard for how data is to be transmitted over that medium
protocols
Protocols define: data transfer rate, datacompression, error checking, and other details
Network Interface Card (NIC)
-An expansion board or adapter that provides a connection between the computer and network-Electronics required to connect to a network-Wired or wireless-Can be USB, card, or built-in
Wireless Access Point (WAP)
-Receives and transmits radio signals-Joins wireless devices within a network (shop for "wireless access point", "wireless adapter") -communications heart --> access point
routers
-Connect 2 or more networks-Complex; determine best route to transmit data to its destination-traffic cop -good for home network
Switches and Hubs
-Connects devices within a single network-Hub is inexpensive, simpler than a switch
server
-High-speed computer that provides /manages network resources, (e.g.: Shared file space, communications/Internet access, security, authentication of users) -Uses a network operating system (like our Fedora LINUX server)-Also: Web servers, mail servers, media servers on Internet
Client/Server
-network composed of 2 types of devices clients and servers -Server provides data and resources to low-end client devices (most networks) -Relatively complex: ex: file server, print server, etc.
clients
use network resources; relatively low speed
servers
provide network resources
Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
-All computers in the network are "equals"; NO central file server -Devices are "peers"-Each computer provides file services to others-P2P file-sharing sites on Internet (piratebay, frostwire, kazaa ..

.)-Easy to set up; not very efficient-No central "server"-Privacy and Security issues big concern: (viruses and malicious programs can easily be transferred)

advantages to networking
-Reduced hardware costs-Sharing of resources-Sharing of information-Centralized data management / security-Easy to connect with others
disadvantages to networking
-Loss of autonomy/control-Reduced privacy-Security threats-Loss of productivity
LAN protocols
-Protocols are standards used by networks to permit communications-Network protocols define the technology used in the network (communication rules)
Ethernet
-most popular LAN protocol-For wired LANs-Uses inexpensive common wiring and switches
Wi-Fi
=most popular wireless LAN protocol-Uses radio waves through a central access point / router-Connects devices to the access point; does NOT connect devices directly to Internet-Router needed to connect to Internet
Ethernet Protocol
-Ethernet = WIRED technology (used by 85% of all networks)-Used in our lab, in DUQ Living Learning Centers-Inexpensive to superfast networks (Protocol/speeds: 100base-T, gigabit Ethernet, etc.)
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity)
-wireless LAN for devices in a limited area-Needs a central Access Point-802.11 is the tech standard-Up to ~300 feet-Prone to interference - from buildings, cell phones, etc.*Security issue - anyone can pick up radio signals
LAN Technologies
-Many networks combine wireless and wired protocols (similar to DUQ net) *NOTE roles of router, modem, access point --> KNOW THE DIAGRAM ON POWERPOINT
faster Ethernet or Wi-Fi
*depends on standard of Wi-Fi and the standard of internet -depends on too many factors, not simple
802.11ac
-latest standard -3 times the speed of 802.

11n~1.35 Gbps

Wired Home Network
- using Ethernet and simple twisted pair wires- RJ-45 connectors -Fast, efficient-Good for gaming and transferring large files-Speed depends upon devices, protocol setup, wiring
Wireless Home Network
- using Wi-Fi and Wireless Access Point and wireless LAN cards
Advantages of Home Networks
-Shared Internet connection-Share data (photos, music, games, etc.)-Share devices (printers, scanners...

)-Can be basis of home entertainment system

How to Connect Wired Devices
-Use Hub, Switch or Router-Advantages / Disadvantages?-Hub or Switch - can connect within 1 LAN -Router - can join 2 LANs (WiFi, Internet)
Typical Home Ethernet Setup
-Note positions of devices-Must run cables throughout house -Fast for multimedia -Each device needs a NIC
Home Wireless Networking
-WiFi - uses 802.11-Requires:-Wireless Access Point-Wireless adapter in each workstation-Using same 802.11x standard; if not the same, lowest standard applies
WiFi standards
-WiFi - any wireless LAN that follows 802.11 standards-Last letter is important!-802.

11a, b, g, n, ac (Later letters offer faster speeds)

Newest WiFi standard
-802.11ac is latest standard (NOTE: 802.11ad just announced)-3X faster than 802.11n-For HD and multimedia
Typical Home WiFi Setup
*Note devices-No need for cables -Can be MAC or PC-All same 802.

11x-Need router to join WiFi to Internet-Router acts as access point-Must set up security

Wired Vs. Wireless
-Faster/Not as fast -More secure/less secure (needs security set-up) -Simple to set up/no wires to run -Requires cabling/wires throughout home//flexiblility, mobility (limited range and subject to interference) -Equipment is less expensive
Setting up a Home Network
1.Determine your needs; most home networks will be peer to peer2.Select network technology Wired/Wi-Fi/hybrid? Which protocols (speed?)3.

Research and purchase networking hardware Do existing devices support selected standard? Purchase router, switch, modem, adapters...4.

Configure the network (Arrange the devices)

Configuring the Network - Ethernet
1. run wiring2. plug shared devices (including modem) into router3. Use Operating System settings to set up network on each PC
Configuring the Network - WiFi
1. locate router/access point so devices can communicate (avoid interference)2. Setup router: password, SSID, security3.

Connect router to modem; connect wired devices like printers, scanners4. Use Op System settings to set up network on each PC/device

WiFi Security
-SSID - WiFi network's name; use obscure name-Use passwords on home WiFi networks-Use security protocols-Allow only authorized devices to access-At a "hotspot" & in public:-Don't transmit confidential data-Someone may be intercepting-Turn off WiFi access when not in use
If something goes wrong with configuring network...
Trouble-shooting hints from page 336:-Blow lint and dust off router, adapter, modem-Shut Down & Restart the router (wait 10 seconds)-Unplug router from power source-Unplug and plug back in peripheral devices (start with modem)
Future of Home Networks?
-Most likely will be WIRELESS-Will integrate OTHER devices (not just computers):-Home entertainment systems -Security systems / doors and access-Lighting / temperature controls-Household appliances-Personal health monitors-Will demand faster Internet connections!