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What’s a Network?

Anas Benjelloun & Deanne CarnighanEdit 435

+A Wired Router….

A network device that forwards packets from one network to another. Based on internal routing tables, routers read each incoming packet and decide how to forward it. The destination address in the packets determines which line (interface) outgoing packets are directed to. In large-scale enterprise routers, the current traffic load, congestion, line costs and other factors determine which line to forward to.

+A Wireless Network…

network device that combines a wireless access point (base station), a wired LAN switch and a router with connections to a cable or DSL service. Wireless routers provide a convenient way to connect a small number of wired and any number of wireless computers to the Internet. For details about how the wireless router fits into the network.

+Network Interface Controller

(NIC or "network interface card") An adapter circuit board installed in a computer to provide a physical connection to a network.

+A Cat-6 Cable…

Cat-6, is a cable standard for Gigabit Ethernet and other network protocols that is backward compatible with the Category 5/5e and Category 3 cable standards. Cat-6 features more stringent specifications for crosstalk and system noise. The cable standard provides performance of up to 250 MHz and is suitable for 10BASE-T / 100BASE-TX and 1000BASE-T / 1000BASE-TX (Gigabit Ethernet).

+A Patch Panel…

A patch panel or patch bay is a panel, typically rackmounted, that houses cable connections. One typically shorter patch cable will plug into the front side, whereas the back holds the connection of a much longer and more permanent cable. The assembly of hardware is arranged so that a number of circuits, usually of the same or similar type, appear on jacks for monitoring, interconnecting, and testing circuits in a convenient, flexible manner.

+A Raceway…

A partially-enclosed electrical conduit covering surface-mounted wiring.

+A Network Switch:

he term commonly refers to a Network bridge that processes and routes data at the Data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. Switches that additionally process data at the Network layer (layer 3 and above) are often referred to as Layer 3 switches or Multilayer switches.

+An LAN…

local area network (LAN) is a computer network covering a small physical area, like a home, office, or small group of buildings, such as a school, or an airport. The defining characteristics of LANs, in contrast to wide-area networks (WANs), include their usually higher data-transfer rates, smaller geographic place, and lack of a need for leased telecommunication lines.

+A Wired LAN VS. A Wireless LAN…

A wireless network:

web surfing and mobility wireless proves to be reliable enough.

for file sharing purposes things can get a little rough as unreliable radio signal can "dissipate".

no restrictions imposed by wires or a fixed connection.

the Wired Equivalent Privacy and Wi-Fi Protected Access standards proved to be almost as safe as the wired protection.

+A Wired LAN VS. A Wireless LAN…

A wired network:

Connection speed and reliable signal.

no interfering between the router/switch and your computer.

The cabling and connecting is time consuming and a bit more difficult to achieve than in the case of the wireless equivalent.

+Print Sharing…

network printers, have built-in network interfaces (typically wireless or Ethernet), and can serve as a hardcopy device for any user on the network. Individual printers are often designed to support both local and network connected users at the same time.