Copy Right : Ra i Unive rsit y

11.676.5 1
N
E
T
W
O
R
K

M
A
N
A
G
E
M
E
N
T
LESSON 1:
INTRODUCTION TO EVENTS
Lesson objectives
Communication
Overview of networking
Advantages of networking
Disadvantages of network Network types
Accesing the network
Overview
To understand the full potential of computers we need to
examine the computer network. A computer network consists
of two or more computers and/ or other peripheral devices,
called resources, linked together to form a communication
system that allows users to share information and resources. In
contrast, a stand-alone computer stores all data on its own disk
drives and is physically connected to each of its peripheral
devices. A network is a number of computers connected
together to share information and hardware. It facilitates
communication among devices
Communication
is the systemic process of exchanging information between
parties, usually via a common system of symbols.
Communications is the academic discipline which studies
communication.
The Latin root word of communication is comunicare,
which has three possible meanings
1. to make common, which is probably derived from either2or3
2. cum+ munus, i.e. having gifts to share in a mutual donation.
3. cum+ munire, i.e. building together a defense, like the walls of a
city
To be more accurate, a network is actually a system which can
consist of many things, including:
1.thecomputers and peripherals
2special networking cards inside each computer and peripheral
3. the cables and communications lines which link all the computers
and peripherals together
4. central hardware devices which connect computers and route
data to the right places on the network (hubs, patch
panels,routers).
5. network opreting system software
6. networking software in each computer and peripheral that lets
them talk to each other
7. an address system to identify each part of the network to all
the other parts
8. often, a main computer or computers usually called servers or
hosts
It is a system that transmits any combination of voice, video
and/ or data between users. The network includes the network
operating system in the client and server machines, the cables
connecting them and all supporting hardware in between such as
bridges, routers and switches
The primary advantage of using a network is that
resources, applications, and data can be shared.
The following three examples illustrate these advantages. The
first example relates to sharing resources. In a school computer
lab with thirty stand-alone computers you would need to
purchase thirty printers if you wanted each student to print
from his/ her computer. In contrast, if you had thirty networked
computers (called workstations) each of them could print over
the network to a single printer.
The second example concerns the storage of applications. As
stand-alone machines, each computer would need every program
installed on the local hard drive (the C: drive). If you wanted to
change the settings or add another application you would need to
carefully repeat the process for each computer and hopefully the
local hard disks would be large enough. On a network, settings
need to be changed only once to impact all workstations, and
programs need to be installed only once on a network drive for
everyones access.
A final example involves the storage of data. In a stand-alone
environment students must sit at the samecomputer to access
files stored on their hard drive. If a student comes in during
lunch to work on a report, for example, and someone is already
working at that specific computer, the student cannot access the
report file. In a networked lab students can sit at anyworkstation
and retrieve files from a network drive.
Networked computers have many other advantages. Electronic
messages (called e-mail) can be instantly sent over a network.
Communication can be improved with information broadcast to
all appropriate people with less effort than a phone call or
typewritten memo. Electronic purchases can be made without
stepping into a mall or using a car. And finally, students can access
encyclopedias and library resources across the globe without ever
leaving their bedroom. As networks have become a common
thread opening communication between millions of people
throughout the world, it is important to understand more about
how networks function.
Network Basics
We know the purpose of a network is to connect to another
computer to communicate and share resources. Every computer
2 11.676.5
Copy Right : Ra i Unive rsit y
N
E
T
W
O
R
K

M
A
N
A
G
E
M
E
N
T
on a network needs to have a communication interface that
provides that connection. Examples of these interfaces are the
network cardthat is plugged inside the computer, or a serial
port. Workstations can be physicallyconnected through a
system of cables, phone lines, or data lines. A wireless
connection of infrared light, microwave, or satellite can also be
used.
A workstation on a network may also be referred to as a host.
These hosts are connected to various specialized computers that
perform specific functions or resource sharing. These specialized
computers are called servers. A file server refers to the special
computer on a network that is used to servethe workstations with
their applications and data. A print server is used to manage the
printing jobs over the network and send them to the appropriate
printer. A CD-ROM server has many CD-ROMs that it makes
available to the hosts. Organizations might employ application
serversthat only store and manage specific programs of the
organization such as a large database of information. Other servers
include remote communication servers, mail servers, web servers,
and domain name servers (more on these terms later).
Sharing of resources such as printers is an important use of a
network. Other resources that can be shared over a network include
modems, CD-ROMs, and tape back-ups.
Network Types
Operating System
Just as a stand-alone computer needs an operating system to
control its processing, a network needs an operating system
too. There are two types of network operating systems: peer to
peer and client-server.
A peer is a person of equal standing. For example, a students peer
would be another student, while a teachers peer would be another
teacher. In a peer to peer network all workstations have equal
functionality and all their resources can be shared by any other
workstation on the network. For example, each workstations
hard disk or CD-ROM drive may be considered a resource that all
the other workstations could access. No single computer manages
or controls the peer to peer network; all workstations are equal.
Examples of peer to peer network operating systems are Windows
for Workgroups, Windows95, and Artisoft Lantastic.
On a client-server network that relationship between computers
is not of equality, but of customer and owner. The client
(customer) is the workstation that connects to a server (owner),
which in turn provides services. In a client-server network the
servers are not usually used as a workstation because they are
dedicated to the task they perform (serving CD-ROMs, files,
applications, etc.). Examples of client-server network operating
systems are Novell Netware, Banyan Vines, WindowsNT Server, and
OS/ 2 Warp Server.
Location
Another way to define a network deals with location. Beginning
with the most concise network is the local area network
known as a LAN. A LAN connects computers and other
resources in a workgroup, department, or building. A
networked computer lab is an example ofa LAN. Next is an
internetwork. An internetwork is a collection of LANs within
a building, group of buildings, or campus area. A computer lab
that is also connected to a library network would be an example
of an internetwork. Finally, a wide area network, or WAN, is
an internetwork that spans geographically remote areas. Because
of its distance a WAN requires public or private
communication links such as phone lines or dedicated lines
(such as ISDN) to interconnect each area. An example of a
WAN is a connection between two campuses that are miles
away from each other.
Accessing the Network
Logging In
People using networked computers are called users. When
many users have access to data and applications over a network
there needs to be a system to protect sensitive information and
ensure that users are given access to resources they need. It is
the Network Managers responsibility to handle these tasks.
For example, a Network Manager would add a new user to the
system and determine to which resources, applications, and
data the user can access (called assigning rights).
Networks employ several methods and levels of security in order
to protect the integrity and privacy of all stored information.
Assigning rights is one method that restricts users to specific
predetermined data and resources of the network. A second
method of securing the network is achieved through the process
of gaining access to the network that is called logging in. Although
the process of logging in may vary slightly, in general there are
three steps. The information below refers to Novel Netware. The
three steps of logging in can be compared to what you do when
you go to a friends house.
STEP ONE: Knock on your friends door.
The file server needs to know that you would like access to it.
In order to knock on the file servers door you need to use
the command LOGIN. When you type the word LOGIN and
press ENTER you are telling the computer to begin the
process of giving you access to its resources. In some operating
systems such as Windows95 a dialog box appears to help you
through this log in process.
STEP TWO: Answer the question Who is it?
Once you have the file servers attention with the command
LOGIN, it asks you the question Who are you? Since it
cannot orally ask you this, it displays the phrase Enter your login
nameon the bottom of the monitor. Every network user has a
unique user namethat is also called the login name. The
login name is assigned by the Network Manager.
STEP THREE: Verify that you are who you say you
are
If you were knocking at your friends door he/ she might
recognize your voice or peer through the peep hole to confirm
that you are in fact who you say you are. Since the file server
cannot do this, it uses a secret passwordto confirm who you
are. Your unique password is assigned by the Network
Manager and it should be changed frequently. When you type
in this password you will notice that as you type nothing
appears on the monitor. This is the way the file server keeps
your password secret-it does not display anything on the
monitor as you type. If you make a mistake, press the
BACKSPACE key until you hear the beeping sound.
Copy Right : Ra i Unive rsit y
11.676.5 3
N
E
T
W
O
R
K

M
A
N
A
G
E
M
E
N
T
Otherwise, just press ENTER once finished typing. If you have
logged in correctly, the system will present you with your main
menu or application as defined by your login name.
Rights
Using the example of visiting a friend described above,
depending on how good of a friend you are, you may not be
allowed to enter all rooms in the house. The same is true with
the file server. Your rights to files, programs, and resources on
the file server are determined by your login name. For example,
students who log in to a networked computer lab should not
have access to teachers tests and grades. Students might have
the right to create files in certain folders, but they may be
restricted from deleting files or modifying certain ones. A user
might not be able to print on certain networked printers, access
a certain network drive, or start a particular application program.
These rights associated with the login name and password
make it critical that younot share your password with anyone if
you want your data to be secure. But remember, just as it is
wrong to knock on a door and say you are a person other than
yourself, using someone elses login name and password are
also wrong and can result in severe consequences.
Logging Out
When you are ready to leave your friends home you would
always say good-bye and close the door after yourself. You
would never think of just walking away and leaving the door
open, would you? The same is true with the network. Until you
officially say good-bye, a procedure called logging out, you are
leaving the door wide for an intruder to steal or modify your
files.
To logout, close all programs and enter the command LOGOUT.
I n Windows95 the Shut Down dialog box gives you the option to
Close all programs and log on as a different user. Once you log
out the workstation is no longer linked to the file server using
your login name and password. Again, remember that if you
realize someone forgot to logout, that does not give you license
to access that users files. Just as we do not walk into a home if
someone accidentally left the door open, we do not use someone
elses rights because he or she forgot to logout.
Advantages of Networks :
peripherals (eg printers) can be shared
software can be shared
datacan be shared
computers may communicate
security - user access may be restricted if needed
Disadvantages of Networks :
one server breaking down may affect a number of computers
vulnerable to hackers and viruses
cabling and installation may be expensive
a network manager may need to be employed to run the network
Points to Ponder
A computer network consists of two or more computers
and/ or other peripheral devices, called resources, linked
together to form a communication system that allows users to
share information and resources
Communication is the systemic process of exchanging
information between parties, usually via a common system of
symbols
We know the purpose of a network is to connect to another
computer to communicate and share resources
The person who takes care of the network is called a Network
Administrator
A LAN connects computers and other resources in a workgroup,
department, or building.
WAN, is an internetwork that spans geographically remote
areas. Because of its distance a WAN requires public or private
communication links such as phone lines or dedicated lines
When many users have access to data and applications over a
network there needs to be a system to protect sensitive
information and ensure that users are given access to resources
they need. It is the Network Managers responsibility to handle
these tasks.
An internetwork is a collection of LANs within a building,
group of buildings, or campus area
Students Activity
1. define computer networks?Why is it necessary?
2. How communication is facilitated with networks?
3. Define the role of network manager?
4. Define various advantages & disadvantages of networks?
5. How you can distinguish various types of networks?
Students Activity
1. define computer networks?Why is it necessary?
2. How communication is facilitated with networks?
3. Define the role of network manager?
4 11.676.5
Copy Right : Ra i Unive rsit y
N
E
T
W
O
R
K

M
A
N
A
G
E
M
E
N
T
4. Define various advantages & disadvantages of networks?
5. How you can distinguish various types of networks?
STUDENTS ACTIVITY