Computer Networks/Introduction

This lesson introduces computer networks.

Objectives and Skills

Objectives and skills for the introduction portion of Network+ certification include:

• Differentiate between common network topologies
  • Bus
  • Star
  • Ring
  • Mesh
    • Partial
    • Full
  • Hybrid
  • Point-to-point
  • Point-to-multipoint
  • Client-server
  • Peer-to-peer
• Differentiate between network infrastructure implementations
  • LAN
  • WAN
  • MAN
  • WLAN
    • Hotspot
  • PAN
    • Bluetooth
    • IR
    • NFC
  • SCADA/ICS
    • ICS server
    • DCS/closed network
    • Remote terminal unit
    • Programmable logic controller
  • Medianets
    • VTC
      • ISDN
      • IP/SIP

Readings

1. Wikipedia: Computer network
2. Wikipedia: Network topology
3. Wikipedia: Client–server model
4. Wikipedia: Peer-to-peer
5. Wikipedia: Wide area network
6. Wikipedia: Metropolitan area network
7. Wikipedia: Local area network
8. Wikipedia: Wireless LAN
9. Wikipedia: Personal area network
10. Wikipedia: Industrial control system
11. Wikipedia: SCADA
12. Wikipedia: Videoconferencing

Multimedia

1. YouTube: Common Network Topologies - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.6
2. YouTube: Network Infrastructures - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.7

Activities

1. Review Wikipedia: Computer network#Geographic scale and Wikipedia: Network topology. Consider the different networks you use on a regular basis, including home, school, work, or mobile / cellular networks. Classify each of the networks according to geographic scale as a PAN, LAN, WLAN, MAN, or WAN. Which topologies are in use on these networks? How does the media selected for these networks influence the topology?
2. Review archive.org: Microsoft: What is the Difference Between a Domain, a Workgroup, and a Homegroup. Compare and contrast different methods of sharing and storage between a domain, workgroup, and homegroup.
   • Windows: Identify whether your system belongs to a domain, workgroup, or homegroup.
   • macOS: Review Apple: Login Options pane of Users & Groups preferences. Identify whether your system is configured to use a Network Account Server.
   • Linux: Review ArchLinux: OpenLDAP. Identify whether your system is configured to use an authentication server.
3. Establish a peer-to-peer network by sharing a folder and then connect to the shared folder:
   • Windows GUI:
     1. Review Microsoft: Changes to file sharing over a network in Windows 10. Share a folder on your system.
     2. From another computer, use a UNC path to connect to the shared folder.
   • Windows CLI:
     1. Review Microsoft: Net Share. Use the net share command to share a folder on your system.
     2. Review Microsoft: Net Use. From another computer, use the net use command to connect to the shared folder.
   • macOS:
     1. Review Apple: Mac Basics: File Sharing. Share a folder on your system.
     2. Review Apple: Connect to Shared Computers and File Servers on a Network. From another computer, connect to the shared folder.
   • Linux:
     1. Review TechGage: Using Samba to Share Your Linux Folders. Install Samba if necessary and share a folder on your system.
     2. Review HowToGeek: 3 Easy Ways to Connect to Windows Shared Folders from Linux. From another computer, connect to the shared folder.
4. Investigate whether your school or organization uses "media nets" for voice or video conferencing, and whether any industrial control systems are in place to manage or monitor utilities such as electricity, heat, air conditioning, water, equipment, facilities access, etc.

Key Terms

bus

client

LAN

MAN

mesh

PAN

peer

point-to-multipoint

point-to-point

ring

server

star

WAN

WLAN

See Also

• Wikipedia: IPv4
• Wikipedia: IPv6
• Wikipedia: Subnetwork