Stand Alone Computer

1.  A computer that is not connected to other computers.

2.  Uses software applications and data stored on its local disks

Peer-to-Peer Networks

1. Every computer can communicate directly with every other computer.
2. No computer has more authority than another.
3. Each computer can be configured to share only some of its resources.
4. Each computer can prevent access to other resources.
5. Consists of two or more general purpose computers.

Benefits of Peer-to-Peer

1. Simple to configure
2. Less expensive to set up and maintain.

Disadvantage of Peer-to-Peer

1. Not flexible.  Large networks hard to change.
2. Not necessarily secure.
3. Not practical for large networks.  Do not always centralize resources.

Server

A central computer used to facilitate communication and resource sharing between other computers on the network.

Clients

1. Other computers on the network with a server. 
2. Usually take the form of personal computers/workstations

Network Operating System (NOS)

A special software designed to:

1.  Manage data and other resources for a number of clients.

2.  Ensure that only authorized users access the network.

3.  Controls who and what a user can open and read.

4.  Restrict when and from where users can access the network.

5.  Dictate which rules computes will use to communicate.

6.  Supply applications to clients.   

Advantages of Client/Server

Vs.

Peer-to-Peer

1.  User logon accounts and passwords can be assigned in one place.

2.  Access to multiple shared resources can be centrally granted to a single user or group of users. 

3.  Problems on the network can be monitored, diagnosed and oftern fixed from one location.

4.  Servers are optimized to handle heavy processing loads and dedicated to handling requests from clients, enabling faster response time.

5.  Servers can connect more computers on a network.

6.  More scalable. 

LAN

(Local Area Network)

1.  A network of computers and other devices that is confined to a relatively small space; one building or office.

2.  Can be interconnected. 

MAN

(Metropolitan Area Network)

1.  Extends through multiple buildings.

2.  May use different types of transmission methods and media and a greater variety of technologies. 

3.  May also be called a WAN (Wide Area Network).

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WAN

(Wide Area Network)

1.  Can connect networks across town or across the globe.

2.  Use to connect LANs that belong to different organizations.   

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NIC

(Network Interface Card)

Device inside a computer that connects a computer to the network media.  Allowing it to communicate with other computers.

Host

A computer that enables resource sharing by other computers on the same network.

Node

A client, server or other device that can communicate over a network and that is identified by a unique number, know as its network address.

Connectivity Device

A specialized device that allows multiple networks or multiple parts of one network to connect and exchange data. 

Not necessary for a client/server but needed for medium and larger LANs. 

Segment

A part of a network.  Usually, a segment is composed of a group of nodes that share the same communications channel for all their traffic. 

Backbone

1.  The part of a network to which segments and significant shared devices (such as routers, switches and servers) connect. 

2.  Connects smaller parts of a LAN or WAN.  

3.  Also called "a network of networks".

Topology

1.  The physical layout of a computer network.  They vary according to the needs of the organization and available hardware and expertise. 

2.  Can be ring, bus or star formations.

3.  Star formation is most common. 

4.  Hybrid formations also exist. 

Protocol

A standard method or format for communication between networked devices. 

They ensure that data are transferred whole, in sequence and without error from one node on the network to another.

Data Packets

A small unit of information sent from one node on a network to another.

Addressing

1.  The method for assigning a unique identifying number to every node on the network. 

2.  The type used depends on the network's protocols and network operating system (NOS). 

3.  Data is transmitted to each network device by using this.

Adress Management

The process of centrally administering a finite number of network addresses for an entire LAN.  Usually this task can be accomplished without touching the client workstations.

Asset Management

The process of collecting and storing data on the number and types of software and hardware assets in an organization's network.   The data collection is automated by electronically examining each network client from a  server.  

Backing up

The process of copying critical data files to a secure storage area.  Often, they are performed according to a forumulaic schedule.

CCIE

(Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert)

An elite certification that recognizes expert-level installation, configuration, management, and troubleshooting skills on networks that use a range of Cisco Systems' devices. 

CCNA

(Cisco Certified Network Associate)

A professional certification that attests to one's skills in installing, configuring, maintaining, and troubleshooting medium-sized networks that use Cisco System's switches and routers.

Certification

Convergence

The use of data networks to carry voice (or telephone), video and other communications services in addition to data. 

File Server

A specialized server that enables clients to share applications and data across the network.

File Services

The functions of a file server that allow users to share data files, applications and storage areas.

Internet

A complex WAN that connects LANs and clients around the globe.

Internet Services

The sevices that enable a network to communicate with the Internet, including the World Wide Web servers and browsers, file transfer capabilities, Internet addressing schemes, security filters and a means for directly logging on to other computers.

Load Balancing

The process of distributing data transfer activity evenly across a network so that no single device is overwhelmed.

Mail Server

A server that manages the storage and transfer of e-mail messages.

Mail Services

The network services that manage the storage and transfer of e-mail between users on a network.  In addition to sending, receiving, and storing mail, mail services can include filtering, routing, notification, scheduling and data exchange with other mail servers.

Managment Services

The network services that centrally administer and simplify complicated management tasks on the network.  Examples of management services include license tracking, security audting, asset management, address management, software distribution, traffic monitoring, load balancing and hardware diagnosis.

Protocol

A standard method or format for communication between network devices.  Protocols ensure that data are transferred whole, in sequence and without error from one node on the network to another.

Print Services

The network service that allows printer to be shared by several users on a network.

Remote Access Server

A server that runs communications services that enable remote users to log on to a network.  Also known as an access server.