Networking Fundamentals
Description
Did you know that nearly 85% of IT support roles require a good understanding of networking concepts? If you are looking to advance your IT career, you will need a foundational understanding of Windows networking. Network Fundamentals covers everything you need to know about network infrastructures, hardware, protocols, and services. You will learn everything you need to gain the highly in-demand Networking Fundamentals MTA Certification. This entry-level credential could be your first step into a rewarding, stable and lucrative IT career.
This new Sybex guide covers the basics of networking starting from the "ground level," so no previous IT knowledge is required. Each chapter features approachable discussion of the latest networking technologies and concepts, closing with a quiz so you can test your knowledge before moving to the next section. Even if you are brand new to computers, Network Fundamentals will guide you to confidence and mastery.
* Understand wired and wireless networks in every detail
* Learn everything you need to attain the Networking Fundamentals MTA Certification
* Test your knowledge with end-of-chapter quiz questions
* Understand internet protocol (IP) and categorize IPv4 addresses
* Work with networking services and area networks
* Define network infrastructures and network security, including intranets, extranets, and VPNs
Beginning and established IT professionals looking to understand more about networking will gain the knowledge to create a network diagram and confidently explain basic networking concepts. Thanks to the features in this book, you will be able to apply your new networking skills in real world situations and feel confident when taking the certification test.
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Content
Lesson 1
Understanding Local Area Networking
Objective Domain Matrix
Skills/Concepts Objective Domain Description Objective Domain Number Examining Local Area Networks, Devices, and Data TransferUnderstand local area networks (LANs)
Understand switches
1.2
2.1
Identifying Network Topologies and Standards Understand network topologies and access methods 1.5Key Terms
- broadcast
- centralized computing
- client/server
- Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Avoidance (CSMA/CA)
- Carrier Sense Multiple Access with Collision Detected (CSMA/CD)
- Computer Telephony Integration
- CTI-based server
- data transfer rate
- database server
- demilitarized zone (DMZ)
- distributive computing
- Ethernet
- file server
- frames
- full-duplex
- half-duplex
- host
- hub
- IEEE 802.3
- IP address
- local area network (LAN)
- mesh topology
- messaging server
- multiport repeater
- network adapter
- network controller
- network documentation
- network operating systems (NOSs)
- network topology
- P2P
- peer-to-peer
- perimeter network
- print server
- ring topology
- RJ-45
- serial data transfer
- star topology
- switch
- transceive
- unicast
- virtual LAN (VLAN)
- web server
- Windows 10
- wireless access point (WAP)
- wireless local area network (WLAN)
Lesson 1 Case
Local area networks are used by just about every organization, and today many homes have them as well. This lesson refers to a fictitious company named Proseware, Inc., that wants to implement a new LAN in a brand-new office, which will serve approximately 20 users. The company requires an extremely quick network that can transfer many different types of data. They want the most cost-effective layout without losing speed or efficiency! The network engineer's job responsibilities include selecting the right equipment, making sure it is all compatible, and getting it installed on time. The network engineer should have a thorough understanding of technologies, such as Ethernet and switching, because she will be critical in designing and implementing the network. This lesson covers all of the concepts necessary so you can be confident installing the network that this company desires. As we progress through this book, we will build on this scenario and add lots more networking technologies to the infrastructure.
Examining Local Area Networks, Devices, and Data Transfer
Simply stated, a network is two or more computers that exchange data. A is a group of these computers that are confined to a small geographic area, usually one building. Setting up a LAN requires computers with network adapters, central connecting devices to connect those computers together, and a numbering scheme (such as IP addresses) to differentiate one computer from the next. It can also include servers, some type of protective device such as a firewall, and connections to perimeter networks that are adjacent to the LAN.
Defining the LAN
As mentioned, a LAN requires computers with network adapters, central connecting devices, and some type of medium to tie it altogether, be it cabled or wireless connections. These must be connected together in some way to facilitate the transfer of data. It is important to define how they are connected together, as well as how they actually transmit data.
Certification Ready
What is a local area network (LAN)? Objective 1.2
We mentioned that a network is used to exchange data. But what are the real reasons that an organization will desire (or need) a network? They can be organized into four categories:
Sharing The sharing of files, databases, and media
Communication The methods of communication, such as email, instant messaging, and faxing
Organization The ability to centralize data and make it more accessible and efficient
$$$ The ability for the network to provide cost savings and/or increase productivity
Some would place security in this list of categories, but, unfortunately, as you will find, many networks, devices, and operating systems are insecure when they are fresh out of the box. Just having a network doesn't ensure security. In fact, many steps must be taken to implement a secure network.
To understand local area networks (LANs) better, it helps to write out the structure of the LAN-to document it. is any information that helps describe, define, and otherwise explain how computers are connected in a physical and logical way. For example, the physical connection could be cables, and the logical connection could be the various IP addresses used by the devices on the network.
In the following exercises, you will:
- Examine typical LAN network documentation.
- View the type of network adapter in a computer, inspect the type of connection that the network adapter makes to the network, and view its Properties page.
- Define how information is sent across the LAN.
- Configure IP addresses on hosts.
The ability to document networks is an important skill for network administrators. The documentation phase occurs before networks are built and whenever changes or additions are made to the network. Microsoft Visio is a common tool used for network documentation; Figures 1.1 to 1.3 were developed using Visio.
Examine LAN Network Documentation
To examine LAN network documentation, perform the following steps.
Download
You can download a free trial of Visio from the Microsoft website. A link is provided on the companion website.
Certification Ready
What are the capabilities of hubs as compared to switches? Objective 2.1
- Examine Figure 1.1, which shows a basic example of a LAN.
FIGURE 1.1 Basic LAN documentation
Today, a hub is considered a legacy hardware device that is largely obsolete. Hubs have been replaced by network switches, which are discussed later in this section and can be found in very old installations or specialized applications.
- You will notice that in the center of the diagram is a , also known as a . This is the most basic of central connecting devices (CCDs); it connects each of the computers, known as hosts, to each other by way of copper-based cables. When a host needs to send data, it first sends that data to the hub, where it is amplified and to the rest of the network. Broadcasting means that the data is sent out to every host on the network. Of course, only the intended recipient keeps the data; the rest of the hosts discard it. Although this is a bit wasteful, it was the standard for a long time. Today, however, switching technology, which is more efficient, is the standard. You'll learn more about switching technology later in this lesson.
- In the figure, several hosts connect to the hub, including:
- A server, used to centralize data and share it with (or serve it to) other computers on the network.
- A PC (personal computer) usually acts as a client on the network, most likely getting its information from the server. The PC can also store information locally.
- A Mac (Macintosh) computer, which is another type of client computer; once again, this computer can store information locally, or get it from the server.
- A laptop, which could be a PC or a Mac, is meant for portability. However, it can also store and access data the same way the other computers do.
- Examine your own network and record your results. Use Visio, if possible; otherwise, draw out your own network documentation on paper. Whether you are at home or at a school or business, chances are that you are connected to a LAN. Try to identify any hosts on the network (PCs, laptops, servers, etc.). Then, identify the central connecting device that ties everything together. This could be a basic hub, a switch, or a router or multifunction network device.
If you are using Microsoft Visio, utilize the Basic Network Diagram template. This can be accessed in the Network section when starting a new document.
- Examine Figure 1.2. This is an intermediate example of a LAN.
FIGURE 1.2 Intermediate LAN documentation
- In Figure 1.2, the hub is replaced with a basic four-port router; these are also referred to as SOHO (Small Office/Home Office) routers. The router acts as a central connecting device, connecting the hosts together, but also has a special communications link to the Internet, allowing the hosts to send and receive data to and from computers on the Internet. That communications link between the router and the Internet is where the LAN ends. So, the PC, laptop, server, and router are part of the LAN. Anything else beyond the router is considered to be outside of...
