The document discusses the key components of a computer network and how information flows through it. It identifies the hardware required, including computer workstations, Ethernet cables, switches or hubs, routers, servers, and the internet. It explains that computer workstations connect to the network via Ethernet cables, and information flows from there through switches or hubs and routers, which direct the information either to the internet or main server for storage. The local area network (LAN) refers to connected computers and devices within an organization, while a wide area network (WAN) connects devices across the world, such as the internet.

1. HOW DOES A NETWORK
WORK?
JILL BOWMAN
ETEC 5303
FEBRUARY 5, 2017

2. LEARNING OBJECTIVES
•At the conclusion of this presentation, students
will be able to…
• Identify all of the hardware needed to make a
network function.
• Explain how information travels throughout a
network.

3. ISTE STANDARDS
4. Professional Development and Program Evaluation
• Technology coaches conduct needs assessments, develop
technology-related professional learning programs, and
evaluate the impact on instructional practice and student
learning.
• b. Design, develop and implement technology-rich professional learning
programs that model principles of adult learning and promote digital
age best practices in teaching, learning and assessment.

4. FLOW OF
INFORMATI
ON
This graphic shows
how information
moves between the
different parts of a
network. You will
learn about these
parts in detail in this
presentation.

5. COMPUTER WORKSTATION
• Workstations are “hard-wired”
meaning they must be
connected to the network with a
physical cable.
• This is the piece of hardware
you use to access the network.

6. CAT 5/6 CABLE
• Better known as an Ethernet
cable.
• Used to connect all the
elements of the network.
• Information goes from a
computer to the next step via
the Cat 5 cable.

7. SWITCH/HUB
• Acts as an extender to the router providing additional ports.
• Information goes through the switch on the way to the next
step.
• A Switch is a special kind of hub that can send information to
specific locations.

8. ROUTER
• Directs information to either the internet or the
main server.
• Contains firewall to block unwanted devices.
• You can block websites using router software.
• Assigns devices IP addresses – unique location
assigned to each device that uses the internet.

9. INTERNET
• Used for instant communication
with devices all over the world
• Email, web browsing, streaming
• This is a WAN – Wide Area Network
• Multiple browsers available such as
Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and
Internet Explorer

10. MAIN SERVER
• Storage of all shared files and
programs.
• Huge amounts of data storage.
• Connection to the server allows you
to access printers in another location
entirely.
• Does not require internet.
• Sometimes referred to as Intranet.

11. LAN
• LAN – Local Area Network
• These are computer and devices just in your building or home.

12. SPEED OF INFORMATION
• More devices connected = more people sharing the same
pathways = slower response time
• This is especially true when using the internet.
• School and business network speed is often slow because the
bandwidth is shared among so many devices.

13. INFORMATION RESOURCE
• Educators Guide to School Networks Glossary. (2017, February
4). Retrieved from http://fcit.usf.edu/network/glossary.htm.

14. GRAPHIC RESOURCES
• Router - https://pixabay.com/en/router-switch-wireless-computer-154290/
• Server - https://pixabay.com/en/white-male-3d-model-isolated-3d-1834091/
• Computer/Workstation - https://pixabay.com/en/computer-desktop-workstation-office-158675/
• Ethernet Cable - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:EthernetCableGreen.jpg
• Switch/Hub - https://pixabay.com/en/it-switch-network-data-processing-1359518/
• Internet icons - https://pixabay.com/en/browser-web-www-computer-773215/
• Real router - https://pixabay.com/en/router-wireless-network-connection-157597/
• Printer - https://pixabay.com/en/printer-copier-modern-office-1293116/
• Network switch - https://pixabay.com/en/computer-lan-network-networking-158821/
• Computer workstation - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HP-HP9000-C8000-Workstation_33.jpg
• Server Room - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wikimedia_Foundation_Servers-8055_35.jpg