Explanation of Networks- What is a

network?

- Why do schools build networks?

- Types of networks

- Common Terms

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What is a Network?

Connects users to devices

Consists of: Clients Infrastructure Networking

Electronics

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Clients, Infrastructure, Networking Electronics

Clients These are the users

Infrastructure The makeup Wires, fiber optics,…

Networking Electronics Devices that move Stores data

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Why do Schools build Networks?

Efficient access to informationOpportunities for student collaborative

learningInterdisciplinary curriculumProfessional growth through online coursesA more active and connected communityShared accessEasier schedulingShared devices

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Types of Networks

LAN Local Area Network

WAN Wide Area Network

WLAN Wireless Local Area Network

MAN Metropolitan Area Network

CAN Campus Area Network…..

SAN Storage Area Network….

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Most Common Networks

LAN All clients share a common infrastructure Typically in the same building

WAN Links two or more LANs Separated by distance

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Network Common Terms

Protocol

Platform

Media type

Topologies

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Protocol

Standard for how devices communicate

Physical Protocols Voltage levels on wires

Network Protocols Retransmit of data

Protocol Suite Group of protocols working together

Platform

Combination of a hardware & an operating family

Examples Macintosh OS Windows UNIX

Many school networks are mutiplatform

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Media Type

Pathway for the data

Examples Fiber optics Copper wire Radio waves

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Topology

Shape of a network

The most common shape is a star with all the clients stations connected to a central point

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Star Ring Bus

References

Mitchell, B. (n.d.). Introduction to Network Types. About.com. Retrieved from http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetworkingconcepts/a/network_types.htm

Northwest Educational Technology Consortium (2005). A Guide to Networking for K-12 Schools. Retrieved from http://www.netc.org/network_guide/

Wise Geek (2003-2013). Network Devices. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-network-devices.htm