This document provides an introduction to networking. It defines a network as connecting computers together to share resources like printers, files, and communication. Networks use various transmission methods like cables, telephone lines, fiber optic, radio waves, and satellites. Key networking components include cables, modems, network interface cards, switches, hubs, routers, and servers. Networks can be a local area network (LAN) confined to one building, a metropolitan area network (MAN) spanning a small geographic area, or a wide area network (WAN) connecting larger geographic areas. The document then provides examples of a school's local area network and how it connects to the wider district network.

1. Unit 5 Introduction
to Networking

2. • Group of computers connected together in
such a way as to allow resources to be
shared.
• What do you know about networks?
• Describe a network – what are
components?
• Compare a stand-alone PC to a network
PC.

3. • Two or more computers that are linked
together in order to:
• share resources (such as printers and CD-ROMs)
• exchange files
• allow electronic communication.

4. • Cables
• Telephone lines
• Fiber Optic (visible light)
• Radio waves (WiFi -
Wireless local area network
that uses radio signals to
transmit data)
• Satellites (GPS)

5. Cables
Modem
A device that allows
computers to communicate
over telephone lines
Network Interface cards
A card installed in a
computer that allows you to
connect to a network (can
be Ethernet, telephone, or
wireless)

6. Switches
like a tiny telephone
company that lets pairs
of devices make direct
connections.
Hubs
simply connects all of
the devices on its ports
together

7. Router
a device that transfers
data from one network
to another in an
intelligent way
Server
computer or device on a
network that manages
network resource

8. • LAN
• MAN
• WAN

9. • Local Area Network
•Confined to a relatively small area
•Generally limited to the same building
•Computers can be no more than a mile
apart

10. • A file server – stores all of the software
that controls the network, as well as the
software that can be shared by the
computers attached to the network
• A workstation – computer connected to the
file server
• Cables – used to connect the network
interface cards in each computer

12. • Metropolitan (Metro) Area Network
•Covers small geographical areas, such
as cities
•Often used by libraries and government
agencies to connect to citizens and
private business industries

14. • Wide Area Network
•Connects larger geographical areas
•Examples include: RCSD and Internet

16. • All computer labs
• All of the individual computers in other classrooms
• Each ICT labs is a LAN segments
• Each lab is connected together in a smaller network.
• Connected by Ethernet cables.
• Plugged into the network card in each computer

17. • Each lab has a switch that control the data that
flows in and out
• The cable from each switch plugs in to a port on
another switch. That switch is connected to the ICT
server which is located in Lab 19.
• The ICT server is connected to a router that gives
us access to the Internet as well as other
applications.

18. • The main server at BMS is connected to
the main server in the ITD building in
Brandon.
• All of the schools in the Rankin County
School District are connected to the main
server in the ITD building in Brandon which
makes the RCSD a WAN.