Internet Networking Basics

Internet Networking Basics

Internet Networking Basics

Internet Network Basic. This blog covers the very basics of internetworking. We’ll start with a little history that describes how the networking industry evolved. We’ll then move on to a section that describes how a LAN is built: essentially the necessary components (like NIC cards and cables). We then cover LAN topologies. And finally we’ll discuss the key networking devices: hubs, bridges, switches, and routers.

This post is an overview only. It will familiarize you with much of the vocabulary you hear with regards to networking. Some of these concepts are covered in more detail in later post.

The term local-area network, or LAN, describes of all the devices that communicate together—printers, file server, computers, and perhaps even a host computer. However, the LAN is constrained by distance. The transmission technologies used in LAN applications do not operate at speed over long distances. LAN distances are in the range of 100 meters (m) to 3 kilometers (km). This range can change as new technologies emerge.

For systems from different manufacturers to interoperate—be it a printer, PC, and file server—they must be developed and manufactured according to industry-wide protocols and standards.

More details about protocols and standards will be given later, but for now, just keep in mind they represent rules that govern how devices on a network exchange information. These rules are developed by industry-wide special interest groups (SIGs) and standards committees such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Local Area Network (LAN)

Most of the network administrator’s tasks deal with LANs. Major characteristics of LANs are:

•         The network operates within a building or floor of a building. The geographic scope for ever more powerful LAN desktop devices running more powerful applications is for less area per LAN.

•         LANs provide multiple connected desktop devices (usually PCs) with access to high-bandwidth media.

•         An enterprise purchases the media and connections used in the LAN; the enterprise can privately control the LAN as it chooses.

•         LANs rarely shut down or restrict access to connected workstations; local services are usually always available.

•         By definition, the LAN connects physically adjacent devices on the media.