Chapter 7 discusses how networks are actually constructed and the various elements involved in connecting computers. Knowing how it all works can provide insight into the changes that have taken place and an idea of what the future holds. Today’s corporate network infrastructure is a collection of many different networks from the public switched telephone network; to the internet; to corporate local area networks linking workgroups or departments.
It’s likely that as the company grows, so will its networking capabilities and needs. Through enterprise networking a company can build a new network and connect it to existing, separate networks.
You can take a simple desktop computer and by way of Network Interface Card (NIC), incorporate it into an existing network. To share resources, such as printers, and to route communications on a LAN, you require special software called a Network Operating System (NOS). Hubs and switches help route traffic on the network to the right computing device. When two or more networks are connected to each other, you would need a Router somewhere so that data transmissions are routed to the correct network device.
Three key technologies necessary for network computing are: Client/Server Computing, Packet Switching, and Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCIP/IP).
Client/Server Computing facilitates computing on all kinds of networks including the internet; best used by companies that continually expand their network.
Packet Switching is a method of breaking large blocks of text into smaller chunks of data then routing them economically through whichever communication channel is available. Ex. At the grocery store you pick items, load them into your cart then head to the checkout line. You pay for your items while they are being bagged. You take your four or five bags of different items home then unpack the bags and place items in designated spaces in the cabinets. This is packet switching……….
TCIP/IP is the most popular model for connecting networks as this protocol was created for what we now call the Internet.
The system of computers and associated transmission media form what’s known as a Network Backbone. Think of your own body. Without your backbone, you’d have a tough time standing, sitting and moving. Computers, physical wires, wireless media, processors and software come together in a network backbone to give us a whole new way of communicating.
The internet is a vast worldwide compilation of networked computers. IP addresses and the domain name system help ensure transmissions are routed to the correct recipient. Many applications such as e-mail, newsgroups, instant messaging and chatting are available.
It’s safe to say our computing habits will never be the same because of all the new computing devices and applications available through networks. Communications over the Internet and other networks are easier, faster, and cheaper than ever before. E-commerce and e-business involve more technologies than just computers: tele-, data-, and videoconferencing are vital elements of doing business electronically.
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