Understanding and Building Basic Networks

1
(No Transcript)
2
Understanding and Building Basic Networks

• Chapter 6
• Creating a Network

3
In this chapter, you will answer these questions

• How do I connect the computers?
• Can I create a network without wires?
• How do I install the hardware?
• How do I set up the software?
• How do I choose an ISP?
• What type of connection do I have to the
  Internet?
• What else do I need to know to get connected?
• What is the future of networking?

4
How do I connect the computers?

• The first thing you need to do when you begin to
  physically set up the network is to install
  cable. You have to select the correct type of
  cable then be aware of some basic guidelines for
  the proper installation of the cables, known as
  transmission media.

5
Cables and Connectors

• Coaxial cable has a solid copper wire at the
  core, which is surrounded by an insulating layer
  of plastic.

• A British Naval Connector (BNC) connects lengths
  of coax cable, and connects the cable to the NIC.

6
Twisted-Pair Wiring

• There are different categories of twisted- pair
  wiring, each designed to transfer data at
  different speeds.

• An RJ-45 plug connects twisted-pair cable to
  computers and other devices.

7
Twisted-Pair Cable

• Students can visit the Cables to Go Web site to
  get more information about cables and pricing of
  various types of cabling.
• The site is online at http//www.cablestogo.com.

8
Fiber Optic Cable

• Fiber optic cable differs from other forms of
  network cabling because it transmits pulses of
  light rather than electrical pulses.
• This expensive and fast cable medium is popular
  for long distance backbone segments that might
  link states or countries.

9
Installing the Cable

• Students can study the steps in the Wire My House
  for Networking section of the Home PC Network Web
  site at http//www.homepcnetwork.com.
• There is a more complete review of wiring, with
  pictures for each step at http//www.swhowto.com.
  
• Determine the needs and level of your students
  and you might want to refer some students to this
  Web site.

10
Can I create a network without wires?

• Many networks today use wireless technologies to
  connect devices to the network.
• A wireless network eliminates the cables that
  connect each device to the network, enabling you
  the freedom to move away from the network and
  still retain access to those resources, as long
  as you are within range of the transmitter.

11
Wireless Networking

• You can use wireless devices in a variety of
  ways.
• Wireless technology can be used on
• Laptops
• personal digital assistants (PDAs)
• mobile phones
• two-way pagers
• automobiles

12
Using Wireless Systems

• Students can visit some of the online sites that
  provide information about wireless systems,
  including
• Linksys (http//www.linksys.com)
• Proxim (http//www.proxim.com)
• 3com (http//www.3com.com)

13
How do I install the hardware?

• You can look at the specification sheets for the
  hardware to ensure it offers all the features you
  need, such as network interface cards, a large
  enough hard drive, a fast enough processor, and
  other capabilities you might want.
• Once you have the hardware, you need to be
  careful where you place the computers.
• Once the hardware is in place, you are ready to
  start setting up the software.

14
How do I set up the software?

• The first step in connecting the hardware over a
  network is to install the network operating
  system. In many systems, the network operating
  system is already on the computer when you
  purchase it.
• Before installing the software, make sure that
  all cables are plugged in, all connection devices
  and resources are powered on, and that everything
  is functioning. During the process, the software
  may need to access the various components.

15
How do I choose an ISP?

• Before you actually connect to the Internet, you
  must first select an Internet Service Provider
  (ISP). An ISP is a company that charges a fee to
  provide a doorway to the Internet.
• You need to consider several things when
  determining the best ISP for your needs
• Services
• Size
• Contracts
• Support and Equipment

16
What type of connection do I have to the Internet?

• There is more than one way to connect to the
  Internet. You can have what is known as a dial-up
  connection in which the modem uses the standard
  phone line to dial up the ISP and connect to the
  Internet. This is the slowest method and is not
  usually efficient in the business world.
• You can also create a high-speed Internet
  connection that provides faster access to the
  Internet. There are several different types of
  high-speed connections.

17
What else do I need to know to get connected?

• As you learned earlier in this course, a protocol
  is a rule or guideline that ensures accurate
  communication.
• Both the network computers and the ISP must be
  able to understand each other so you can use the
  Internet.
• Any computer that connects to the Internet uses
  the TCP/IP Protocol Suite to transfer
  information.

18
What is the future of networking?

• The future of networking is an open book. Even
  looking ahead fifteen years is difficult.
• Just fifteen years ago, the World Wide Web didn't
  exist. There was no such thing as a browser.
  There were no laptops, no PDAs.
• So what's next?
• What is the future of networking?
• Can you even imagine the future?

19
What You've Learned About Creating a Network

• In this lesson, you have created a network. From
  selecting and installing cable and hardware to
  installing software and configuring the system,
  you have examined the steps necessary to get a
  network up and running. You have also looked at
  the basics of setting up a home network.