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What is networking?

What is a Network?
A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share
resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic
communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables,
telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

Two very common types of networks include:

 Local Area Network (LAN)

 Wide Area Network (WAN)

You may also see references to a Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), a Wireless
LAN (WLAN), or a Wireless WAN (WWAN).
Local Area Network
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to a relatively small area.
It is generally limited to a geographic area such as a writing lab, school, or building.

Computers connected to a network are broadly categorized as servers or workstations.

Servers are generally not used by humans directly, but rather run continuously to
provide "services" to the other computers (and their human users) on the network.
Services provided can include printing and faxing, software hosting, file storage and
sharing, messaging, data storage and retrieval, complete access control (security) for
the network's resources, and many others.

Workstations are called such because they typically do have a human user which
interacts with the network through them. Workstations were traditionally considered a
desktop, consisting of a computer, keyboard, display, and mouse, or a laptop, with
with integrated keyboard, display, and touchpad. With the advent of the tablet
computer, and the touch screen devices such as iPad and iPhone, our definition of
workstation is quickly evolving to include those devices, because of their ability to
interact with the network and utilize network services.

Servers tend to be more powerful than workstations, although configurations are

guided by needs. For example, a group of servers might be located in a secure area,
away from humans, and only accessed through the network. In such cases, it would be
common for the servers to operate without a dedicated display or keyboard. However,
the size and speed of the server's processor(s), hard drive, and main memory might
add dramatically to the cost of the system. On the other hand, a workstation might not
need as much storage or working memory, but might require an expensive display to
accommodate the needs of its user. Every computer on a network should be
appropriately configured for its use.

On a single LAN, computers and servers may be connected by cables or wirelessly.

Wireless access to a wired network is made possible by wireless access points
(WAPs). These WAP devices provide a bridge between computers and networks. A
typical WAP might have the theoretical capacity to connect hundreds or even
thousands of wireless users to a network, although practical capacity might be far less.

Nearly always servers will be connected by cables to the network, because the cable
connections remain the fastest. Workstations which are stationary (desktops) are also
usually connected by a cable to the network, although the cost of wireless adapters has
dropped to the point that, when installing workstations in an existing facility with
inadequate wiring, it can be easier and less expensive to use wireless for a desktop.
See the Topology, Cabling, and Hardware sections of this tutorial for more
information on the configuration of a LAN.

Wide Area Network

Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect networks in larger geographic areas, such as
Florida, the United States, or the world. Dedicated transoceanic cabling or satellite
uplinks may be used to connect this type of global network.

Using a WAN, schools in Florida can communicate with places like Tokyo in a matter
of seconds, without paying enormous phone bills. Two users a half-world apart with
workstations equipped with microphones and a webcam might teleconference in real
time. A WAN is complicated. It uses multiplexers, bridges, and routers to connect
local and metropolitan networks to global communications networks like the Internet.
To users, however, a WAN will not appear to be much different than a LAN.

What is a Protocol?
A protocol is a set of rules that governs the communications between computers on a
network. In order for two computers to talk to each other, they must be speaking the
same language. Many different types of network protocols and standards are required
to ensure that your computer (no matter which operating system, network card, or
application you are using) can communicate with another computer located on the
next desk or half-way around the world. The OSI (Open Systems Interconnection)
Reference Model defines seven layers of networking protocols. The complexity of
these layers is beyond the scope of this tutorial; however, they can be simplified into
four layers to help identify some of the protocols with which you should be familiar
(see fig 1).

OSI Layer Name Common Protocols

HTTP | FTP | SMTP | DNS |

7 Application
Telnet

6 Presentation

5 Session

4 Transport TCP | SPX

3 Network IP | IPX

2 Data Link
Ethernet
1 Physical

Fig 1. OSI model related to common network protocols

Figure 1 illustrates how some of the major protocols would correlate to the OSI model
in order to communicate via the Internet. In this model, there are four layers,
including:

 Ethernet (Physical/Data Link Layers)

 IP/IPX (Network Layer)
 TCP/SPX (Transport Layer)
 HTTP, FTP, Telnet, SMTP, and DNS(combined
Session/Presentation/Application Layers)

Assuming you want to send an e-mail message to someone in Italy, we will examine
the layers "from the bottom up" -- beginning with Ethernet (physical/data link layers).

Ethernet (Physical/Data Link Layers)

The physical layer of the network focuses on hardware elements, such as cables,
repeaters, and network interface cards. By far the most common protocol used at the
physical layer is Ethernet. For example, an Ethernet network (such as 10BaseT or
100BaseTX) specifies the type of cables that can be used, the optimal topology (star
vs. bus, etc.), the maximum length of cables, etc. (See the Cabling section for more
information on Ethernet standards related to the physical layer).

The data link layer of the network addresses the way that data packets are sent from
one node to another. Ethernet uses an access method called CSMA/CD (Carrier Sense
Multiple Access/Collision Detection). This is a system where each computer listens to
the cable before sending anything through the network. If the network is clear, the
computer will transmit. If some other node is already transmitting on the cable, the
computer will wait and try again when the line is clear. Sometimes, two computers
attempt to transmit at the same instant. When this happens a collision occurs. Each
computer then backs off and waits a random amount of time before attempting to
retransmit. With this access method, it is normal to have collisions. However, the
delay caused by collisions and retransmitting is very small and does not normally
effect the speed of transmission on the network.

Ethernet

The original Ethernet standard was developed in 1983 and had a maximum speed of
10 Mbps (phenomenal at the time) over coaxial cable. The Ethernet protocol allows
for bus, star, or tree topologies, depending on the type of cables used and other factors.
This heavy coaxial cabling was expensive to purchase, install, and maintain, and very
difficult to retrofit into existing facilities.

The current standards are now built around the use of twisted pair wire. Common
twisted pair standards are 10BaseT, 100BaseT, and 1000BaseT. The number (10, 100,
1000) ands for the speed of transmission (10/100/1000 megabits per second); the
"Base" stands for "baseband" meaning it has full control of the wire on a single
frequency; and the "T" stands for "twisted pair" cable. Fiber cable can also be used at
this level in 10BaseFL.

Fast Ethernet

The Fast Ethernet protocol supports transmission up to 100 Mbps. Fast Ethernet
requires the use of different, more expensive network concentrators/hubs and network
interface cards. In addition, category 5 twisted pair or fiber optic cable is necessary.
Fast Ethernet standards include:

 100BaseT - 100 Mbps over 2-pair category 5 or better UTP cable.

 100BaseFX - 100 Mbps over fiber cable.
 100BaseSX -100 Mbps over multimode fiber cable.
 100BaseBX - 100 Mbps over single mode fiber cable.

Gigabit Ethernet

Gigabit Ethernet standard is a protocol that has a transmission speed of 1 Gbps (1000
Mbps). It can be used with both fiber optic cabling and copper. (see the Cabling
section for more information).

 1000BaseT - 1000 Mbps over 2-pair category 5 or better UTP cable.

 1000BaseTX - 1000 Mbps over 2-pair category 6 or better UTP cable.
 1000BaseFX - 1000 Mbps over fiber cable.
 1000BaseSX -1000 Mbps over multimode fiber cable.
 1000BaseBX - 1000 Mbps over single mode fiber cable.
The Ethernet standards continue to evolve. with 10 Gigabit Ethernet (10,000 Mbps)
and 100 Gigabit Ethernet (100,000 Mbps),

Ethernet Protocol Summary

Protocol Cable Speed

Ethernet Twisted Pair, Coaxial, Fiber 10 Mbps

Fast Ethernet Twisted Pair, Fiber 100 Mbps

Gigabit Ethernet Twisted Pair, Fiber 1000 Mbps

Older Network Protocols

Several very popular network protocols, commonly used in the 90's and early 21st
century have now largely fallen into disuse. While you may hear terms from time to
time, such as "Localtalk" (Apple) or "Token Ring" (IBM), you will rarely find these
systems still in operation. Although they played an important role in the evolution of
networking, their performance and capacity limitations have relegated them to the past,
in the wake of the standardization of Ethernet driven by the success of the Internet.

IP and IPX (Network Layer)

The network layer is in charge of routing network messages (data) from one computer
to another. The common protocols at this layer are IP (which is paired with TCP at the
transport layer for Internet network) and IPX (which is paired with SPX at the
transport layer for some older Macintosh, Linus, UNIX, Novell and Windows
networks). Because of the growth in Internet-based networks, IP/TCP are becoming
the leading protocols for most networks.

Every network device (such as network interface cards and printers) have a physical
address called a MAC (Media Access Control) address. When you purchase a network
card, the MAC address is fixed and cannot be changed. Networks using the IP and
IPX protocols assign logical addresses (which are made up of the MAC address and
the network address) to the devices on the network, This can all become quite
complex -- suffice it to say that the network layer takes care of assigning the correct
addresses (via IP or IPX) and then uses routers to send the data packets to other
networks.

TCP and SPX (Transport Layer)

The transport layer is concerned with efficient and reliable transportation of the data
packets from one network to another. In most cases, a document, e-mail message or
other piece of information is not sent as one unit. Instead, it is broken into small data
packets, each with header information that identifies its correct sequence and
document.

When the data packets are sent over a network, they may or may not take the same
route -- it doesn't matter. At the receiving end, the data packets are re-assembled into
the proper order. After all packets are received, a message goes back to the originating
network. If a packet does not arrive, a message to "re-send" is sent back to the
originating network.

TCP, paired with IP, is by far the most popular protocol at the transport level. If the
IPX protocol is used at the network layer (on networks such as Novell or Microsoft),
then it is paired with SPX at the transport layer.

HTTP, FTP, SMTP and DNS

(Session/Presentation/Application Layers)
Several protocols overlap the session, presentation, and application layers of networks.
There protocols listed below are a few of the more well-known:

 DNS - Domain Name System - translates network address (such as IP

addresses) into terms understood by humans (such as Domain Names) and
vice-versa
 DHCP - Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol - can automatically assign
Internet addresses to computers and users
 FTP - File Transfer Protocol - a protocol that is used to transfer and manipulate
files on the Internet
 HTTP - HyperText Transfer Protocol - An Internet-based protocol for sending
and receiving webpages
 IMAP - Internet Message Access Protocol - A protocol for e-mail messages on
the Internet
 IRC - Internet Relay Chat - a protocol used for Internet chat and other
communications
 POP3 - Post Office protocol Version 3 - a protocol used by e-mail clients to
retrieve messages from remote servers
 SMTP - Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - A protocol for e-mail messages on the
Internet
What is Networking Hardware?
Networking hardware includes all computers, peripherals, interface cards and other
equipment needed to perform data-processing and communications within the
network. CLICK on the terms below to learn more about those pieces of networking
hardware.

Workstations
Hubs
Bridges
Firewalls
Routers
FileServers
Repeaters

This section provides information on the following components:

 Network Servers
 Workstations
 Network Interface Cards
 Switches
 Repeaters
 Bridges
 Routers
 Firewalls
File/Network Servers
One or more network servers is a part of nearly every local area network.These are
very fast computers with a large amount of RAM and storage space, along with a one
or more fast network interface card(s). The network operating system provides tools
to share server resources and information with network users. A sophisticated
permissions-handling system is included, so that access to sensitive information can
be carefully tailored to the needs of the users. For small networks, a singe network
server may provide access control, file sharing, printer sharing, email, database, and
other services.

The network server may be responding to requests from many network users
simultaneously. For example, it may be asked to load a word processor program to
one workstation, receive a database file from another workstation, and store an e-mail
message during the same time period. This requires a computer that can store and
quickly share large amounts of information. When configuring such a server, budget
is usually the controlling factor. The following guidelines should be followed:

 Fastest processor(s)
 Large amount of RAM
 multiple large, fast hard drives
 Extra expansion slots
 Fast network interface card(s)

Optionally (if no other such devices are available on the network):

 A RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks) to preserve large amounts of

data(even after a disk failure)
 A back-up unit (i.e. DAT tape drive, removable hard drives, or CD/DVD/BluRay
burner)

Workstations
Computers that humans use are broadly categorized as workstations. A typical
workstation is a computer that is configured with a network interface card, networking
software, and the appropriate cables. Workstations do not necessarily need large
storage hard drives, because files can be saved on the file server. Almost any
computer can serve as a network workstation.

Laptops/Mobile Devices
Laptops and other mobile devices are becoming more and more common. These
devices typically have modest internal storage, but enough power to serve as a
workstation for users on the go. These machines nearly always have a wireless adapter
to allow quick network connections without cumbersome cabling. In a school
environment with good wireless coverage, a mobile device user can move about the
campus freely, and remain continuously connected to the network.

Network Interface Cards

The network interface card (NIC) provides the physical connection between the
network and the computer workstation. Most NICs are internal, and they are included
in the purchase of most computers. Network interface cards are a major factor in
determining the speed and performance of a network. It is a good idea to use the
fastest network card available for the type of workstation you are using.

The most common network interface connections are Ethernet cards and wireless
adapters.

Ethernet Cards

Ethernet cards are usually included with a computer, although additional ethernet
cards can be purchased and installed on most computers,. Ethernet cards can contain
connections for either coaxial or twisted pair cables (or both) (See fig. 1). If it is
designed for coaxial cable, the connection will be BNC. If it is designed for twisted
pair, it will have a RJ-45 connection. Some Ethernet cards also contain an AUI
connector. This can be used to attach coaxial, twisted pair, or fiber optics cable to an
Ethernet card. When this method is used there is always an external transceiver
attached to the workstation. Only the RJ-45 connector is found on most modern
ethernet cards (See the Cabling section for more information on connectors.)
 Fig. 1. Ethernet card.

From top to bottom:

RJ-45, AUI, and BNC connectors

Wireless Adapters

Wireless adapters are found in most portable devices, such as laptops, smart phones,
and tablet devices. External wireless adapters can be purchased and installed on most
computers having an open USB (Universal Serial Bus) port, or unused expansion slot.
(See the Cabling section for more information on connectors.)

Switches

An ethernet switch is a device that provides a central connection point for cables from
workstations, servers, and peripherals. In a star topology, twisted-pair wire is run from
each workstation to a central switch/hub. Most switches are active, that is they
electrically amplify the signal as it moves from one device to another. The
predecessor of the switch was the hub, which broadcasted all inbound packets out all
ports of the device, creating huge amounts of unnecessary network traffic. Modern
switches build a port map of all IP address which respond on each port, and only
broadcasts on all ports when it doesn't have a packet's target IP address already in its
port map. Switches are:

 Usually configured with 8, 12, or 24 RJ-45 ports

 Often used in a star or tree topology
 Available as "managed" or "unmanaged", with the later less expensive, but
adequate for smaller networks
  direct replacements for hubs, immediately reducing network traffic in most
networks
 Usually installed in a standardized metal rack that also may store network
servers, bridges, or routers

Repeaters
Since a signal loses strength as it passes along a cable, it is often necessary to boost
the signal with a device called a repeater. The repeater electrically amplifies the signal
it receives and rebroadcasts it. Repeaters can be separate devices or they can be
incorporated into a concentrator. They are used when the total length of your network
cable exceeds the standards set for the type of cable being used.

A good example of the use of repeaters would be in a local area network using a star
topology with unshielded twisted-pair cabling. The length limit for unshielded
twisted-pair cable is 100 meters. The most common configuration is for each
workstation to be connected by twisted-pair cable to a multi-port active concentrator.
The concentrator amplifies all the signals that pass through it allowing for the total
length of cable on the network to exceed the 100 meter limit.

Bridges
A bridge is a device that allows you to segment a large network into two smaller,
more efficient networks. If you are adding to an older wiring scheme and want the
new network to be up-to-date, a bridge can connect the two.

A bridge monitors the information traffic on both sides of the network so that it can
pass packets of information to the correct location. Most bridges can "listen" to the
network and automatically figure out the address of each computer on both sides of
the bridge. The bridge can inspect each message and, if necessary, broadcast it on the
other side of the network.

The bridge manages the traffic to maintain optimum performance on both sides of the
network. You might say that the bridge is like a traffic cop at a busy intersection
during rush hour. It keeps information flowing on both sides of the network, but it
does not allow unnecessary traffic through. Bridges can be used to connect different
types of cabling, or physical topologies. They must, however, be used between
networks with the same protocol.

Routers
Routers are the traffic directors of the global internet. All routers maintain complex
routing tables which allow them to determine appropriate paths for packets destined
for any address. Routers communicate with each other, and forward network packets
out of or into a network. Here's an example:

You want to search for something on the internet using a search engine. You open a
browser on your workstation. The browser opens to a blank page (not usually the
default, but appropriate for this example). You type "http://www.google.com" into the
URL (Universal Resource Locator) address line of the browser. The browser software
packages up the URL you typed, and sends it with a request for an IP address to the
DNS (Domain Name Server) that has been set in your network adapter's configuration.
The domain server returns an IP, such as 74.125.67.103 (actual address returned by
DNS for google.com on June 7th, 2011). The browser ships the request for that IP
address off to the network card, which bundles the request into an ethernet packet,
destined for 74.125.67.103. The network card sends the packet to the gateway of your
network, which opens the header of the packet, and makes a determination that the
packet is traveling out of your network, in search of 74.125.67.103. Your network's
router has routing tables which it has been building from communicating with other
routers, and potentially augmented with "static routes", which are specific paths added
by your network's administrators to make the task of accessing certain networks easier,
or faster, or in some cases, not possible. In this case, I find that my router knows about
another router at my ISP(Internet Service Provider), which in turn has several more
routers that are all on networks of which I am just a small node, much like finding an
atom of a molecule of a piece of dust on a rock on a moon of a planet of a sun of a
galaxy of the universe. In any case, the packet gets passed from router to router, each
time moving out of the subnets of the packet sender, towards a router that will know
where the desired server is. The packet finally reaches the router of the network at
74.125.67.103, which dutifully delivers the packet to the server at that IP address. The
server carefully crafts a response, and sends a reply back, which follows the same
process to get the response "Yes. Go ahead" back to the requester. Whew. And that's
just the initial request.

While bridges know the addresses of all computers on each side of the network,
routers know the addresses other routers which in turn know about their own networks.
Routers can even "listen" to entire networks to determine which sections are busiest --
they can then redirect data around those sections until traffic congestion clears.

So, routers are network gateways. They move network packets from one network to
another, and many can convert from one network protocol to another as necessary.
Routers select the best path to route a message, based on the destination address of the
packet. The router can direct traffic to prevent head-on collisions, and is smart enough
to know when to direct traffic along back roads and shortcuts.
If you have a school LAN that you want to connect to the Internet, you will need to
purchase a router. In this case, the router serves as the forwarder between the
information on your LAN and the Internet. It also determines the best route to send
the data over the Internet.

Firewalls

A firewall is a networking device that is installed at the entrance to a LAN when

connecting a networks together, particularly when connecting a private network to a
public network, such as the internet. The firewall uses rules to filter traffic into and
out of the private network, to protect the private network users and data from
malevolent hackers.

Firewalls are either hardware or software, depending on their intended use. A firewall
used to protect a network is a hardware device that should be installed in the network
between the router and the network. Almost all hardware firewalls will have at least
two ports, labeled "Trusted" and "Untrusted". These terms imply the true nature of the
firewall's responsibility to the private network. The public network is connected to the
untrusted network port, and the private network is connected to the trusted port.

Firewall rules are usually simple, consisting of a verb, either allow or deny, the
direction of the traffic, either inbound or outbound, and an address or other network
traffic identifier. Firewall rules are cumulative, so general rules may be specified, and
exceptions added as necessary. Some examples are:

 Allow outbound all (all private network users can do anything on the public
network)
 Deny inbound all (default setting to prevent all traffic from the public or
untrusted port, to the private port)
 Allow inbound port 80 (allow internet web traffic to come into network to find
web servers)
 Allow inbound port 80 destined to 170.200.201.25 (allow inbound web traffic
to a specific web server on your private network)
 Deny inbound from 201.202.1.1/24 (deny all inbound traffic from a specific IP
address or range of addresses)

Software firewalls are commonly included in modern workstation and server

operating systems. They operate in a similar way as hardware firewalls, except that
they filter traffic in and out of the machine itself. These software firewalls are
typically unnoticed by machine users, and only need attention occasionslly when an
internet-connected application don't work as expected. The software firewall should
always be considered a "suspect" in such cases. The problem is easily resolved, by
setting an exception rule in the firewall for the software that is attempting to
communicate.

What is Network Cabling?

Cable is the medium through which information usually moves from one network
device to another. There are several types of cable which are commonly used with
LANs. In some cases, a network will utilize only one type of cable, other networks
will use a variety of cable types. The type of cable chosen for a network is related to
the network's topology, protocol, and size. Understanding the characteristics of
different types of cable and how they relate to other aspects of a network is necessary
for the development of a successful network.

The following sections discuss the types of cables used in networks and other related
topics.

 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable

 Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable
 Coaxial Cable
 Fiber Optic Cable
 Cable Installation Guides
 Wireless LANs
 Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Cable

Twisted pair cabling comes in two varieties: shielded and unshielded. Unshielded
twisted pair (UTP) is the most popular and is generally the best option for school
networks (See fig. 1).

Fig.1. Unshielded twisted pair

The quality of UTP may vary from telephone-grade wire to extremely high-speed
cable. The cable has four pairs of wires inside the jacket. Each pair is twisted with a
different number of twists per inch to help eliminate interference from adjacent pairs
and other electrical devices. The tighter the twisting, the higher the supported
transmission rate and the greater the cost per foot. The EIA/TIA (Electronic Industry
Association/Telecommunication Industry Association) has established standards of
UTP and rated six categories of wire (additional categories are emerging).

Categories of Unshielded Twisted Pair

Category Speed Use

1 1 Mbps Voice Only (Telephone Wire)

2 4 Mbps LocalTalk & Telephone (Rarely used)

3 16 Mbps 10BaseT Ethernet

4 20 Mbps Token Ring (Rarely used)

100 Mbps (2 pair) 100BaseT Ethernet

5
1000 Mbps (4 pair) Gigabit Ethernet

5e 1,000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet

6 10,000 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet

Unshielded Twisted Pair Connector

The standard connector for unshielded twisted pair cabling is an RJ-45 connector.
This is a plastic connector that looks like a large telephone-style connector (See fig. 2).
A slot allows the RJ-45 to be inserted only one way. RJ stands for Registered Jack,
implying that the connector follows a standard borrowed from the telephone industry.
This standard designates which wire goes with each pin inside the connector.
 Fig. 2. RJ-45 connector

Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) Cable

Although UTP cable is the least expensive cable, it may be susceptible to radio and
electrical frequency interference (it should not be too close to electric motors,
fluorescent lights, etc.). If you must place cable in environments with lots of potential
interference, or if you must place cable in extremely sensitive environments that may
be susceptible to the electrical current in the UTP, shielded twisted pair may be the
solution. Shielded cables can also help to extend the maximum distance of the cables.

Shielded twisted pair cable is available in three different configurations:

1. Each pair of wires is individually shielded with foil.

2. There is a foil or braid shield inside the jacket covering all wires (as a group).
3. There is a shield around each individual pair, as well as around the entire
group of wires (referred to as double shield twisted pair).

Coaxial Cable
Coaxial cabling has a single copper conductor at its center. A plastic layer provides
insulation between the center conductor and a braided metal shield (See fig. 3). The
metal shield helps to block any outside interference from fluorescent lights, motors,
and other computers.

Fig. 3. Coaxial cable

Although coaxial cabling is difficult to install, it is highly resistant to signal

interference. In addition, it can support greater cable lengths between network devices
than twisted pair cable. The two types of coaxial cabling are thick coaxial and thin
coaxial.

Thin coaxial cable is also referred to as thinnet. 10Base2 refers to the specifications
for thin coaxial cable carrying Ethernet signals. The 2 refers to the approximate
maximum segment length being 200 meters. In actual fact the maximum segment
length is 185 meters. Thin coaxial cable has been popular in school networks,
especially linear bus networks.

Thick coaxial cable is also referred to as thicknet. 10Base5 refers to the specifications
for thick coaxial cable carrying Ethernet signals. The 5 refers to the maximum
segment length being 500 meters. Thick coaxial cable has an extra protective plastic
cover that helps keep moisture away from the center conductor. This makes thick
coaxial a great choice when running longer lengths in a linear bus network. One
disadvantage of thick coaxial is that it does not bend easily and is difficult to install.

Coaxial Cable Connectors

The most common type of connector used with coaxial cables is the Bayone-Neill-
Concelman (BNC) connector (See fig. 4). Different types of adapters are available for
BNC connectors, including a T-connector, barrel connector, and terminator.
Connectors on the cable are the weakest points in any network. To help avoid
problems with your network, always use the BNC connectors that crimp, rather screw,
onto the cable.

Fig. 4. BNC connector

Fiber Optic Cable

Fiber optic cabling consists of a center glass core surrounded by several layers of
protective materials (See fig. 5). It transmits light rather than electronic signals
eliminating the problem of electrical interference. This makes it ideal for certain
environments that contain a large amount of electrical interference. It has also made it
the standard for connecting networks between buildings, due to its immunity to the
effects of moisture and lighting.
Fiber optic cable has the ability to transmit signals over much longer distances than
coaxial and twisted pair. It also has the capability to carry information at vastly
greater speeds. This capacity broadens communication possibilities to include services
such as video conferencing and interactive services. The cost of fiber optic cabling is
comparable to copper cabling; however, it is more difficult to install and modify.
10BaseF refers to the specifications for fiber optic cable carrying Ethernet signals.

The center core of fiber cables is made from glass or plastic fibers (see fig 5). A
plastic coating then cushions the fiber center, and kevlar fibers help to strengthen the
cables and prevent breakage. The outer insulating jacket made of teflon or PVC.

Fig. 5. Fiber optic cable

There are two common types of fiber cables -- single mode and multimode.
Multimode cable has a larger diameter; however, both cables provide high bandwidth
at high speeds. Single mode can provide more distance, but it is more expensive.

Specification Cable Type

10BaseT Unshielded Twisted Pair

10Base2 Thin Coaxial

10Base5 Thick Coaxial

100BaseT Unshielded Twisted Pair

100BaseFX Fiber Optic

100BaseBX Single mode Fiber

100BaseSX Multimode Fiber

1000BaseT Unshielded Twisted Pair

1000BaseFX Fiber Optic

1000BaseBX Single mode Fiber

1000BaseSX Multimode Fiber

Installing Cable - Some Guidelines

When running cable, it is best to follow a few simple rules:

 Always use more cable than you need. Leave plenty of slack.
 Test every part of a network as you install it. Even if it is brand new, it may
have problems that will be difficult to isolate later.
 Stay at least 3 feet away from fluorescent light boxes and other sources of
electrical interference.
 If it is necessary to run cable across the floor, cover the cable with cable
protectors.
 Label both ends of each cable.
 Use cable ties (not tape) to keep cables in the same location together.

Wireless LANs

More and more networks are operating without cables, in the wireless mode. Wireless
LANs use high frequency radio signals, infrared light beams, or lasers to
communicate between the workstations, servers, or hubs. Each workstation and file
server on a wireless network has some sort of transceiver/antenna to send and receive
the data. Information is relayed between transceivers as if they were physically
connected. For longer distance, wireless communications can also take place through
cellular telephone technology, microwave transmission, or by satellite.

Wireless networks are great for allowing laptop computers, portable devices, or
remote computers to connect to the LAN. Wireless networks are also beneficial in
older buildings where it may be difficult or impossible to install cables.
The two most common types of infrared communications used in schools are line-of-
sight and scattered broadcast. Line-of-sight communication means that there must be
an unblocked direct line between the workstation and the transceiver. If a person
walks within the line-of-sight while there is a transmission, the information would
need to be sent again. This kind of obstruction can slow down the wireless network.
Scattered infrared communication is a broadcast of infrared transmissions sent out in
multiple directions that bounces off walls and ceilings until it eventually hits the
receiver. Networking communications with laser are virtually the same as line-of-
sight infrared networks.

Wireless standards and speeds

The Wi-Fi Alliance is a global, non-profit organization that helps to ensure standards
and interoperability for wireless networks, and wireless networks are often referred to
as WiFi (Wireless Fidelity). The original Wi-Fi standard (IEEE 802.11) was adopted
in 1997. Since then many variations have emerged (and will continue to emerge). Wi-
Fi networks use the Ethernet protocol.

Standard Max Speed Typical Range

802.11a 54 Mbps 150 feet

802.11b 11 Mbps 300 feet

802.11g 54 Mbps 300 feet

802.11n 100 Mbps 300+ feet

Wireless Security

Wireless networks are much more susceptible to unauthorized use than cabled
networks. Wireless network devices use radio waves to communicate with each other.
The greatest vulnerability to the network is that rogue machines can "eves-drop" on
the radio wave communications. Unencrypted information transmitted can be
monitored by a third-party, which, with the right tools (free to download), could
quickly gain access to your entire network, steal valuable passwords to local servers
and online services, alter or destroy data, and/or access personal and confidential
information stored in your network servers. To minimize the possibility of this, all
modern access points and devices have configuration options to encrypt transmissions.
These encryption methodologies are still evolving, as are the tools used by malicious
hackers, so always use the strongest encryption available in your access point and
connecting devices.

A NOTE ON ENCRYPTION: As of this writing WEP (Wired Equivalent Privacy)

encryption can be easily hacked with readily-available free tools which circulate the
internet. WPA and WPA2 (WiFi Protected Access versions 1 and 2) are much better
at protecting information, but using weak passwords or passphrases when enabling
these encryptions may allow them to be easily hacked. If your network is running
WEP, you must be very careful about your use of sensitive passwords or other data.

Three basic techniques are used to protect networks from unauthorized wireless use.
Use any and all of these techniques when setting up your wireless access points:

Encryption.
Enable the strongest encryption supported by the devices you will be
connecting to the network. Use strong passwords (strong passwords are
generally defined as passwords containing symbols, numbers, and mixed case
letters, at least 14 characters long).
Isolation.
Use a wireless router that places all wireless connections on a subnet
independent of the primary private network. This protects your private
network data from pass-through internet traffic.
Hidden SSID.
Every access point has a Service Set IDentifier (SSID) that by default is
broadcast to client devices so that the access point can be found. By disabling
this feature, standard client connection software won't be able to "see" the
access point. However, the eves-dropping programs discussed previously can
easily find these access points, so this alone does little more than keep the
access point name out of sight for casual wireless users.
Advantages of wireless networks:

 Mobility - With a laptop computer or mobile device, access can be available

throughout a school, at the mall, on an airplane, etc. More and more
businesses are also offering free WiFi access ("Hot spots").
  Fast setup - If your computer has a wireless adapter, locating a wireless
network can be as simple as clicking "Connect to a Network" -- in some cases,
you will connect automatically to networks within range.
 Cost - Setting up a wireless network can be much more cost effective than
buying and installing cables.
 Expandability - Adding new computers to a wireless network is as easy as
turning the computer on (as long as you do not exceed the maximum number
of devices).

Disadvantages of wireless networks:

 Security - Be careful. Be vigilant. Protect your sensitive data with backups,

isolated private networks, strong encryption and passwords, and monitor
network access traffic to and from your wireless network.
 Interference - Because wireless networks use radio signals and similar
techniques for transmission, they are susceptible to interference from lights
and electronic devices.
 Inconsistent connections - How many times have you hears "Wait a minute, I
just lost my connection?" Because of the interference caused by electrical
devices and/or items blocking the path of transmission, wireless connections
are not nearly as stable as those through a dedicated cable.
 Speed - The transmission speed of wireless networks is improving; however,
faster options (such as gigabit Ethernet) are available via cables. If you are only
using wireless for internet access, the actual internet connection for your
home or school is generally slower than the wireless network devices, so that
connection is the bottleneck. If you are also moving large amounts of data
around a private network, a cabled connection will enable that work to
proceed much faster.

What is a Topology?
The physical topology of a network refers to the configuration of cables, computers,
and other peripherals. Physical topology should not be confused with logical topology
which is the method used to pass information between workstations. Logical topology
was discussed in the Protocol chapter.

Main Types of Physical Topologies

The following sections discuss the physical topologies used in networks and other
related topics.
  Linear Bus
 Star
 Tree (Expanded Star)
 Considerations When Choosing a Topology
 Summary Chart

Linear Bus
A linear bus topology consists of a main run of cable with a terminator at each end
(See fig. 1). All nodes (file server, workstations, and peripherals) are connected to the
linear cable.

Fig. 1. Linear Bus topology

Advantages of a Linear Bus Topology

 Easy to connect a computer or peripheral to a linear bus.

 Requires less cable length than a star topology.

Disadvantages of a Linear Bus Topology

 Entire network shuts down if there is a break in the main cable.

 Terminators are required at both ends of the backbone cable.
 Difficult to identify the problem if the entire network shuts down.
 Not meant to be used as a stand-alone solution in a large building.

Star
A star topology is designed with each node (file server, workstations, and peripherals)
connected directly to a central network hub, switch, or concentrator (See fig. 2).
Data on a star network passes through the hub, switch, or concentrator before
continuing to its destination. The hub, switch, or concentrator manages and controls
all functions of the network. It also acts as a repeater for the data flow. This
configuration is common with twisted pair cable; however, it can also be used with
coaxial cable or fiber optic cable.

Fig. 2. Star topology

Advantages of a Star Topology

 Easy to install and wire.

 No disruptions to the network when connecting or removing devices.
 Easy to detect faults and to remove parts.

Disadvantages of a Star Topology

 Requires more cable length than a linear topology.

 If the hub, switch, or concentrator fails, nodes attached are disabled.
 More expensive than linear bus topologies because of the cost of the hubs, etc.

Tree or Expanded Star

A tree topology combines characteristics of linear bus and star topologies. It consists
of groups of star-configured workstations connected to a linear bus backbone cable
(See fig. 3). Tree topologies allow for the expansion of an existing network, and
enable schools to configure a network to meet their needs.
 Fig. 3. Tree topology

Advantages of a Tree Topology

 Point-to-point wiring for individual segments.

 Supported by several hardware and software venders.

Disadvantages of a Tree Topology

 Overall length of each segment is limited by the type of cabling used.

 If the backbone line breaks, the entire segment goes down.
 More difficult to configure and wire than other topologies.

5-4-3 Rule

A consideration in setting up a tree topology using Ethernet protocol is the 5-4-3 rule.
One aspect of the Ethernet protocol requires that a signal sent out on the network
cable reach every part of the network within a specified length of time. Each
concentrator or repeater that a signal goes through adds a small amount of time. This
leads to the rule that between any two nodes on the network there can only be a
maximum of 5 segments, connected through 4 repeaters/concentrators. In addition,
only 3 of the segments may be populated (trunk) segments if they are made of coaxial
cable. A populated segment is one that has one or more nodes attached to it . In Figure
4, the 5-4-3 rule is adhered to. The furthest two nodes on the network have 4 segments
and 3 repeaters/concentrators between them.

NOTE: This rule does not apply to other network protocols or Ethernet networks
where all fiber optic cabling or a combination of a fiber backbone with UTP cabling is
used. If there is a combination of fiber optic backbone and UTP cabling, the rule
would translate to a 7-6-5 rule.The speed of networking switches is vastly improved
over older technologies, and while every effort should be made to limit network
segment traversal, efficient switching can allow much larger numbers of segments to
be traversed with little or no impact to the network.

Considerations When Choosing a Topology

 Money. A linear bus network may be the least expensive way to install a
network; you do not have to purchase concentrators.
 Length of cable needed. The linear bus network uses shorter lengths of cable.
 Future growth. With a star topology, expanding a network is easily done by
adding another concentrator.
 Cable type. The most common cable in schools is unshielded twisted pair,
which is most often used with star topologies.

Summary Chart
Physical Topology Common Cable Common Protocol

Twisted Pair
Linear Bus Coaxial Ethernet
Fiber

Twisted Pair
Star Ethernet
Fiber

Twisted Pair
Tree Coaxial Ethernet
Fiber

What is a Network Operating System?

Unlike operating systems, such as Windows, that are designed for single users to
control one computer, network operating systems (NOS) coordinate the activities of
multiple computers across a network. The network operating system acts as a director
to keep the network running smoothly.

The two major types of network operating systems are:

 Peer-to-Peer
 Client/Server

Nearly all modern networks are a combination of both. The networking design can be
considered independent of the servers and workstations that will share it.

Peer-to-Peer
Peer-to-peer network operating systems allow users to share resources and files
located on their computers and to access shared resources found on other computers.
However, they do not have a file server or a centralized management source (See fig.
1). In a peer-to-peer network, all computers are considered equal; they all have the
same abilities to use the resources available on the network. Peer-to-peer networks are
designed primarily for small to medium local area networks. Nearly all modern
desktop operating systems, such as Macintosh OSX, Linux, and Windows, can
function as peer-to-peer network operating systems.

Fig. 1. Peer-to-peer network

Advantages of a peer-to-peer network:

 Less initial expense - No need for a dedicated server.

  Setup - An operating system (such as Windows XP) already in place may only
need to be reconfigured for peer-to-peer operations.

Disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network:

 Decentralized - No central repository for files and applications.

 Security - Does not provide the security available on a client/server network.

Client/Server
Client/server network operating systems allow the network to centralize functions and
applications in one or more dedicated file servers (See fig. 2). The file servers become
the heart of the system, providing access to resources and providing security.
Individual workstations (clients) have access to the resources available on the file
servers. The network operating system provides the mechanism to integrate all the
components of the network and allow multiple users to simultaneously share the same
resources irrespective of physical location. UNIX/Linux and the Microsoft family of
Windows Servers are examples of client/server network operating systems.

Fig. 2. Client/server network

Advantages of a client/server network:

 Centralized - Resources and data security are controlled through the server.
 Scalability - Any or all elements can be replaced individually as needs increase.
 Flexibility - New technology can be easily integrated into system.
 Interoperability - All components (client/network/server) work together.
  Accessibility - Server can be accessed remotely and across multiple platforms.

Disadvantages of a client/server network:

 Expense - Requires initial investment in dedicated server.

 Maintenance - Large networks will require a staff to ensure efficient operation.
 Dependence - When server goes down, operations will cease across the
network.

Network Operating System Software

The following links include some of the more popular peer-to-peer and client/server
network operating systems.

 Macintosh OS X
 Microsoft Windows Server
 UNIX/Linux