Networks allow devices like hosts, servers, PCs, and MACs to connect and communicate via networking components like switches and routers. They enable applications for email, databases, unified communications, file/web services, and network storage on devices like NAS and SAN systems. Applications are categorized as batch, interactive, or real-time depending on factors like bandwidth needs, response times, and latency tolerances. Key considerations for networks include availability, scalability, reliability, security, speed and cost.

1. CCNA Data Center
Functions of Networking

2. » Networks are comprised of devices and end
systems, such as Hosts and Servers that are
connected enabling them to communicate
with each other.

4. » PCs/MACs
» Network Interface Cards (NICs)
» Switches
» Routers

6. » Applications – Email, DB, UC, File/Web
Services
» Printing resources
» Network Storage – NAS (CIFS/NFS) or SAN
» Backup Devices – Tape or Network

7. » Batch applications
• FTP, TFTP, inventory updates (no direct
interaction)
• Bandwidth is required, but not critical
» Interactive Applications
• DB updates or Inventory queries (Human to
machine
interaction)
• Response time is important, but not critical
» Real-time Applications
• Voice and Video (Human to machine
interaction)
• Latency is critical

8. » Availability – Measure of uptime
» Scalability – Growth potential
» Reliability – MTTR or MTBF
» Security – Built-in protections
» Speed – Data rates
» Cost – CapEx and OpEx