1. Explanation of Networks
- What is a
network?
- Why do schools
build networks?
- Types of networks
- Common Terms
Photo Credits: flickr.com

2. What is a Network?
 Connects users to
devices
 Consists of:
 Clients
 Infrastructure
 Networking
Electronics
Photo Credits: flickr.com

3. Clients, Infrastructure, Networking Electronics
 Clients
 These are the users
 Infrastructure
 The makeup
 Wires, fiber optics,…
 Networking Electronics
 Devices that move
 Stores data
Photo Credits: flickr.com

4. Why do Schools build Networks?
 Efficient access to information
 Opportunities for student collaborative learning
 Interdisciplinary curriculum
 Professional growth through online courses
 A more active and connected community
 Shared access
 Easier scheduling
 Shared devices
Photo Credits: flickr.com

5. Types of Networks
 LAN
 Local Area Network
 WAN
 Wide Area Network
 WLAN
 Wireless Local Area Network
 MAN
 Metropolitan Area Network
 CAN
 Campus Area Network…..
 SAN
 Storage Area Network….
Photo Credits: flickr.com

6. Most Common Networks
 LAN
 All clients share a common infrastructure
 Typically in the same building
 WAN
 Links two or more LANs
 Separated by distance
Photo Credits: flickr.com

7. Network Common Terms
 Protocol
 Platform
 Media type
 Topologies
Photo Credits: flickr.com

8. Protocol
 Standard for how devices communicate
 Physical Protocols
 Voltage levels on wires
 Network Protocols
 Retransmit of data
 Protocol Suite
 Group of protocols working together

9. Platform
 Combination of a hardware & an operating family
 Examples
 Macintosh OS
 Windows
 UNIX
 Many school networks are mutiplatform
Photo Credits: flickr.com

10. Media Type
 Pathway for the data
 Examples
 Fiber optics
 Copper wire
 Radio waves
Photo Credits: flickr.com

11. Topology
 Shape of a network
 The most common shape is a star with all the clients
stations connected to a central point
Photo Credits: Flickr.com, Flickr.com, Flickr.com
Star Ring Bus

12. References
 Mitchell, B. (n.d.). Introduction to Network Types.
About.com. Retrieved from
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetwork
ingconcepts/a/network_types.htm
 Northwest Educational Technology Consortium
(2005). A Guide to Networking for K-12 Schools.
Retrieved from
http://www.netc.org/network_guide/
 Wise Geek (2003-2013). Network Devices.
Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-
network-devices.htm