Tech Blast: Networks

Tech Blast: Networks Michael Sauers Tech Rodeo Doane College, 26-28 July 2012

RouterA router is a device that forwards datapackets between computer networks,creating an overlay internetwork. Arouter is connected to two or more datalines from different networks. When adata packet comes in on one of the lines,the router reads the address informationin the packet to determine its ultimatedestination. Then, using information inits routing table or routing policy, itdirects the packet to the next network onits journey. Routers perform the "trafficdirecting" functions on the Internet. Adata packet is typically forwarded fromone router to another through thenetworks that constitute theinternetwork until it gets to itsdestination node.

SwitchA switch is a telecommunication devicewhich receives a message from any deviceconnected to it and then transmits themessage only to that device for which themessage was meant. This makes the switcha more intelligent device than a hub (whichreceives a message and then transmits it toall the other devices on its network.) Thenetwork switch plays an integral part inmost modern Ethernet local area networks(LANs). Mid-to-large sized LANs contain anumber of linked managed switches. Smalloffice/home office (SOHO) applicationstypically use a single switch, or an all-purpose converged device such as aresidential gateway to access smalloffice/home broadband services such asDSL or cable internet.

Ethernet Cables• Cat-5 – 10 or 100 Mbps• Cat-5e – Up to 1 Gbps• Cat-6 – Up to 10 Gbps

Networking Protocols• TCP/IP • SAMBA – IP address – Used for communicating – Internal vs. External between Linux & – Dynamic (DHCP) vs. Windows computers on Static a LAN• DNS – Domain Name Server• HTTP/HTTPS

WiFi• Versions – b (up to 11 Mbps) – g (up to 54 Mbps) – n (up to 150 Mbps) – ac (up to 866.7 Mbps)• SSID – Service Set Identifier• Security – WEP – WPA

WiFi Continued• Distance matters• Channels• Access Points / Repeaters / Extenders

Power Line NetworkingPower line communication(PLC) is a system forcarrying data on aconductor that is alsoused for electric powertransmission.200 or 500 Mbps

FirewallA firewall can either be software-based or hardware-based and is usedto help keep a network secure. Itsprimary objective is to control theincoming and outgoing networktraffic by analyzing the data packetsand determining whether it shouldbe allowed through or not, based ona predetermined rule set. Anetworks firewall builds a bridgebetween an internal network that isassumed to be secure andtrusted, and anothernetwork, usually an external(inter)network, such as theInternet, that is not assumed to besecure and trusted.

NASNetwork-attached storage (NAS) isfile-level computer data storageconnected to a computer networkproviding data access toheterogeneous clients. NAS not onlyoperates as a file server, but isspecialized for this task either by itshardware, software, or configurationof those elements. NAS is oftenmade as a computer appliance – aspecialized computer built from theground up for storing and servingfiles – rather than simply a generalpurpose computer being used for therole.

Thanks! Michael Sauersmichael.sauers@nebraska.gov diane.r.wells@nebraska.gov

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Tech Blast: Networks

by Michael Sauers on Jul 30, 2012

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