NETWORKINGFUNDAMENTALS-Teachers.HenricoWebserver.ppt

NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS WHAT IS A NETWORK? A network is simply two or more computers that are linked together. The most common types of networks are: Local Area Networks (LANS) and Wide Area Networks (WANS). The primary difference between the two is that a LAN is generally confined to a limited geographical area, whereas a WAN covers a large geographical area. Most WANs are made up of several connected LANs. TYPES OF NETWORKS Local Area Network (LAN) – a network that spans a small area such as a building or an office. Software applications and other resources are stored on a file server. Print servers enable multiple users to share the same printer. Wide Area Network (WAN) – a network that spans a wide geographical area; there are several types of WANS Metropolitan area network (MAN) Public access network (PAN) Value added network (VAN) Virtual private network (VPN) TYPES OF NETWORKS Intranet – An intranet is a private LAN designed for use by everyone within an organization. An intranet might consist of an internal e-mail system, a message board and one or more Web site portals that contain company news, forms, and personnel information. Access to an intranet’s web site is restricted by a firewall. Extranet – a network that connects people within your company with people who are outside your company--all within a secure, password-protected network that can be accessed from anywhere. /dictionary people who are outside your company--all within a secure, password-protected network that can be accessed from anywhere. BENEFITS OF A NETWORK Information sharing: Authorized users can use other computers on the network to access and share information and data. This could include special group projects, databases, etc. Hardware sharing: One device connected to a network, such as a printer or scanner, can be shared by many users. Software sharing: Instead of purchasing and installing a software program on each computer, it can be insta