Introduction to Networking
Network Technology
Note 1
Note 1.1
Introduction to Networking
Welcome to the world of computer networking. As you begin your study, it is important that you understand some of the fundamental concepts upon which computer networks are built. This chapter introduces you to these concepts.
What Is a Network?
This lesson introduces some basic principles of computer-based networking, discusses advantages of networking, and presents the idea of connecting computers together to form a local area network (such as a corporate intranet) and a wide area network (such as the Internet).
After this lesson, you will be able to: * Define a computer network. * Discuss advantages of using a network. * Describe a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). * Identify the primary difference between a LAN and a WAN.
The Concept of Networking
The idea of networking has been around for a long time and has taken on many meanings. If you were to look up "network" in your dictionary, you might find any of the following definitions: * An openwork fabric; netting * A system of interlacing lines, tracks, or channels * Any interconnected system; for example, a television-broadcasting network * A system in which a number of independent computers are linked together to share data and peripherals, such as hard disks and printers
Obviously, the last definition is the one we are concerned with in this course. The key word in the definition is "share." Sharing is the purpose of computer networking. The ability to share information efficiently is what gives computer networking its power and its appeal. And when it comes to sharing information, human beings are in many ways similar to computers. Just as computers are little more than collections of the information they have been given, so we are, in large part, collections of our experiences and the information given to us. When we want to expand our knowledge, we broaden our experience and
Note 1
Note 1.1
Introduction to Networking
Welcome to the world of computer networking. As you begin your study, it is important that you understand some of the fundamental concepts upon which computer networks are built. This chapter introduces you to these concepts.
What Is a Network?
This lesson introduces some basic principles of computer-based networking, discusses advantages of networking, and presents the idea of connecting computers together to form a local area network (such as a corporate intranet) and a wide area network (such as the Internet).
After this lesson, you will be able to: * Define a computer network. * Discuss advantages of using a network. * Describe a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). * Identify the primary difference between a LAN and a WAN.
The Concept of Networking
The idea of networking has been around for a long time and has taken on many meanings. If you were to look up "network" in your dictionary, you might find any of the following definitions: * An openwork fabric; netting * A system of interlacing lines, tracks, or channels * Any interconnected system; for example, a television-broadcasting network * A system in which a number of independent computers are linked together to share data and peripherals, such as hard disks and printers
Obviously, the last definition is the one we are concerned with in this course. The key word in the definition is "share." Sharing is the purpose of computer networking. The ability to share information efficiently is what gives computer networking its power and its appeal. And when it comes to sharing information, human beings are in many ways similar to computers. Just as computers are little more than collections of the information they have been given, so we are, in large part, collections of our experiences and the information given to us. When we want to expand our knowledge, we broaden our experience and