LRG Networks.com
LWC Training Corp.

Network Online Course

Lesson 1 - Network Basics

Introduction

Synopsis

The study of computer networking is very complicated, but you have to start somewhere. This lesson is that start. This lesson is mostly theory but it covers topics that you will use throughout your networking career. New terms will be introduced and concepts illustrated that will form the basis of your network knowledge.

Lesson Index

A. Defining a computer network
B. LAN vs. WAN
C. Processing strategies
D. Node relationships
Review and Final Exercise

Lesson Objectives

Upon completion of this section, students will:

• Understand LAN basics including what a LAN is, its components and its distinguishing characteristics.
• Be able to explain the concept of distributed processing and how it sets a LAN apart from host based systems.
• Be familiar with Client/server architecture and the difference between office automation and transactional processing applications.

In addition, students will be able to

• Define common networking terms for LANs and WANs.
• Compare a file-and-print server with an application server.
• Compare a client/server network with a peer-to-peer network.

Discussion

Networks provide communication services in many varied situations and therefore, it should come as no surprise that different kinds of networks have evolved. The study of networks begins with differentiating between them. They can be characterized along several different dimensions and the purpose of this lesson is to familiarize you with their variety.

The following dimensions are covered in this lesson.

Geographical reach: LAN or WAN.
Processing strategy: Multi-user host, distributed processing or client/server.
Node relationships: Hierarchical, centralized server or peer-to-peer.

These dimensions are independent of each other. They are not mutually exclusive. For example, distributed processing could be deployed on either a LAN or a WAN. A peer-to-peer network could have a mix of distributed processing or client/server.
A network administrator may describe his network this way. We have two LANs connected across a WAN. We have a minicomputer and database servers. Corporate data is held on our central file server but users also have the ability to share files and printers on their local machine.
It is important to be able to dig beneath the surface of a network and examine the functions available and the relationships between the machines. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to decipher the network administrator’s description of this network and see that it is both a LAN and a WAN, uses all three processing models, makes resources available both from a central file server and from peers and uses both file and application servers.

Network test objectives covered in this lesson

3.9 Identify the main characteristics and purpose of extranets and intranets.

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Network Online Course

Lesson 1 - Network Basics

Introduction

Synopsis

The study of computer networking is very complicated, but you have to start somewhere. This lesson is that start. This lesson is mostly theory but it covers topics that you will use throughout your networking career. New terms will be introduced and concepts illustrated that will form the basis of your network knowledge.

Lesson Index

A. Defining a computer network
B. LAN vs. WAN
C. Processing strategies
D. Node relationships
Review and Final Exercise

Lesson Objectives

Upon completion of this section, students will:

• Understand LAN basics including what a LAN is, its components and its distinguishing characteristics.
• Be able to explain the concept of distributed processing and how it sets a LAN apart from host based systems.
• Be familiar with Client/server architecture and the difference between office automation and transactional processing applications.

In addition, students will be able to

• Define common networking terms for LANs and WANs.
• Compare a file-and-print server with an application server.
• Compare a client/server network with a peer-to-peer network.

Discussion

Networks provide communication services in many varied situations and therefore, it should come as no surprise that different kinds of networks have evolved. The study of networks begins with differentiating between them. They can be characterized along several different dimensions and the purpose of this lesson is to familiarize you with their variety.

The following dimensions are covered in this lesson.

Geographical reach: LAN or WAN.
Processing strategy: Multi-user host, distributed processing or client/server.
Node relationships: Hierarchical, centralized server or peer-to-peer.

These dimensions are independent of each other. They are not mutually exclusive. For example, distributed processing could be deployed on either a LAN or a WAN. A peer-to-peer network could have a mix of distributed processing or client/server.
A network administrator may describe his network this way. We have two LANs connected across a WAN. We have a minicomputer and database servers. Corporate data is held on our central file server but users also have the ability to share files and printers on their local machine.
It is important to be able to dig beneath the surface of a network and examine the functions available and the relationships between the machines. By the end of this lesson, you should be able to decipher the network administrator’s description of this network and see that it is both a LAN and a WAN, uses all three processing models, makes resources available both from a central file server and from peers and uses both file and application servers.

Network test objectives covered in this lesson

3.9 Identify the main characteristics and purpose of extranets and intranets.

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