Networks: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 10:22, 19 September 2022

Networks^[1]

A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network which allows computers to exchange data.

In computer networks, networked computing devices exchange data with each other using a data link. The connections between nodes are established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.

Network computer devices that originate, route and terminate the data are called network nodes. Nodes can include hosts such as personal computers, phones, servers as well as networking hardware. Two such devices can be said to be networked together when one device is able to exchange information with the other device, whether or not they have a direct connection to each other.

Computer networks differ in the transmission medium used to carry their signals, the communications protocols to organize network traffic, the network's size, topology and organizational intent.

Computer networks support an enormous number of applications such as access to the World Wide Web, video, digital audio, shared use of application and storage servers, printers, and fax machines, and use of email and instant messaging applications as well as many others. In most cases, application-specific communications protocols are layered (i.e. carried as payload) over other more general communications protocols.^[2]

Advantages of networks include:

File sharing – users can easily share data between different users or access data remotely.
Resource sharing – users can share network-connected peripheral devices like printers, scanners and copiers
Communication - users can communicate by email, instant messenger, and group-collaboration tools
File servers - data can be stored and accessed on a central server, enabling file-sharing, efficiency-of-management, and potentially better security
Software-as-service - software can be hosted on a remote server, enabling users to access and use software without having to install or configure software on their local machines. Also, different types of computers can connect and use software without needing specific versions of the software.

Big ideas in networking[edit]

Deepen your understanding[edit]

The topics below are not linked directly to IB standards. If you want to improve and deepen your understanding of networks you should understand the topics presented below.

Ports (we also discuss sockets here)
Mobile networks
Advanced wireless networking

Standards[edit]

There are certain standards you must demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skill in order to complete IB diploma.

Identify different types of networks.
Outline the importance of standards in the construction of networks.
Describe how communication over networks is broken down into different layers.
Define the terms: protocol, data packet.
Explain why protocols are necessary.
Explain why the speed of data transmission across a network can vary.
Outline the advantages and disadvantages of wireless networks.
Describe the hardware and software components of a wireless network.
Describe the characteristics of wireless networks.
Explain how data is transmitted by packet switching.
Outline the characteristics of different transmission media.

Identify the technologies required to provide a VPN.
Evaluate the use of a VPN.
Explain why compression of data is often necessary when transmitting across a network.

Describe the different methods of network security.
Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each method of network security.

References[edit]

[1] ttp://www.flaticon.com/

[2] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network

[1]

[2]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[file:system_fund.png|right|frame|System Fundamentals<ref>http://www.flaticon.com/</ref>]]
+[[file:network.png|right|frame|Networks<ref>http://www.flaticon.com/</ref>]]
-This is pretty straight forward stuff. Nothing especially technical. We are concerned with the big picture related how systems integrate into organisations and how people use them. I used the standards from the IB<ref>http://www.ibo.org/</ref>, but added some other topics I think fit into this category (but not included by the IB).
+ '''A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network which allows computers to exchange data.'''
-== The big ideas in system fundamentals ==
+In computer networks, networked computing devices exchange data with each other using a data link. The connections between nodes are established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.
-=== Systems in Organizations ===
-A computer program or computer system is used by people who work in organizations. It is very helpful to understand how people, computers, and organizations work together.
-==== Planning and system installation ====
+Network computer devices that originate, route and terminate the data are called network nodes.  Nodes can include hosts such as personal computers, phones, servers as well as networking hardware. Two such devices can be said to be networked together when one device is able to exchange information with the other device, whether or not they have a direct connection to each other.
-* 1.1.1 Identify the context for which a new system is planned. Level: 2
-* 1.1.2 Describe the need for change management. Level: 2
-* 1.1.3 Outline compatibility issues resulting from situations including legacy systems or business mergers. Level: 2
-* 1.1.4 Compare the implementation of systems using a client’s hardware with hosting systems remotely. Level: 3
-* 1.1.5 Evaluate alternative installation processes. Level: 3
-* 1.1.6 Discuss problems that may arise as a part of data migration. Level: 3
-* 1.1.7 Suggest various types of testing. Level: 3
-==== User Focus ====
+Computer networks differ in the transmission medium used to carry their signals, the communications protocols to organize network traffic, the network's size, topology and organizational intent.
-* 1.1.8 Describe the importance of user documentation. Level: 2
+Computer networks support an enormous number of applications such as access to the World Wide Web, video, digital audio, shared use of application and storage servers, printers, and fax machines, and use of email and instant messaging applications as well as many others. In most cases, application-specific communications protocols are layered (i.e. carried as payload) over other more general communications protocols.<ref>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Computer_network</ref>
-* 1.1.9 Evaluate different methods of providing user documentation. Level: 3
-* 1.1.10 Evaluate different methods of delivering user training. Level: 3
-==== System Backup ====
+Advantages of networks include:
-* 1.1.11 Identify a range of causes of data loss. Level: 2
+# File sharing – users can easily share data between different users or access data remotely.
-* 1.1.12 Outline the consequences of data loss in a specified situation. Level: 2
+# Resource sharing – users can share network-connected peripheral devices like printers, scanners and copiers
-* 1.1.13 Describe a range of methods that can be used to prevent data loss. Level: 2
+# Communication - users can communicate by email, instant messenger, and group-collaboration tools
+# File servers - data can be stored and accessed on a central server, enabling file-sharing, efficiency-of-management, and potentially better security
+# Software-as-service - software can be hosted on a remote server, enabling users to access and use software without having to install or configure software on their local machines. Also, different types of computers can connect and use software without needing specific versions of the software.
-==== Software Deployment ====
-* 1.1.14 Describe strategies for managing releases and updates. Level: 2
+<br />
+== Big ideas in networking ==
-=== System Design ===
+* [[Types of networks]]
-==== Components of a computer system ====
+* [[Network standards]]
-* 1.2.1 Define the terms: hardware, software, peripheral, network, human resources. Level: 1
+* [[OSI model]]
-* 1.2.2 Describe the roles that a computer can take in a networked world. Level: 2
+* [[Data packet]]
-* 1.2.3 Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with a networked world. Level: 3
+* [[Network speed]]
-==== System Design and analysis ====
+* [[Wireless networks]]
-* 1.2.4 Identify the relevant stakeholders when planning a new system. Level: 2
+* [[Networking hardware]]
-* 1.2.5 Describe methods of obtaining requirements from stakeholders. Level: 2
+* [[Network Protocols]]
-* 1.2.6 Describe appropriate techniques for gathering the information needed to arrive at a workable solution. Level: 2
+* [[Transmission medium]]
-* 1.2.7 Construct suitable representations to illustrate system requirements. Level: 3
+* [[Packet switching]]
-* 1.2.8 Describe the purpose of prototypes to demonstrate the proposed system to the client. Level: 2
+* [[Network data compression]]
-* 1.2.9 Discuss the importance of iteration during the design process. Level: 3
+* [[VPN]]
-* 1.2.10 Explain the possible consequences of failing to involve the end-user in the design process. Level: 3
+* [[Network security]]
-* 1.2.11 Discuss the social and ethical issues associated with the introduction of new IT systems. Level: 3
-==== Human interaction with the system ====
+=== Deepen your understanding ===
-* 1.2.12 Define the term usability. Level: 1
+The topics below are not linked directly to IB standards. If you want to improve and deepen your understanding of networks you should understand the topics presented below.
-* 1.2.13 Identify a range of usability problems with commonly used digital devices. Level: 2
-* 1.2.14 Identify methods that can be used to improve the accessibility of systems. Level: 2
+* [[Ports]] (we also discuss sockets here)
-* 1.2.15 Identify a range of usability problems that can occur in a system. Level: 2
+* [[Mobile networks]]
-* 1.2.16 Discuss the moral, ethical, social, economic and environmental implications of the interaction between humans and machines. Level: 3
+* [[Advanced wireless networking]]
+==  Standards ==
+There are certain standards you must demonstrate knowledge, understanding and skill in order to complete IB diploma.
+* Identify different types of networks.
+* Outline the importance of standards in the construction of networks.
+* Describe how communication over networks is broken down into different layers.
+* Define the terms: protocol, data packet.
+* Explain why protocols are necessary.
+* Explain why the speed of data transmission across a network can vary.
+* Outline the advantages and disadvantages of wireless networks.
+* Describe the hardware and software components of a wireless network.
+* Describe the characteristics of wireless networks.
+* Explain how data is transmitted by packet switching.
+* Outline the characteristics of different transmission media.
+<br />
+* Identify the technologies required to provide a VPN.
+* Evaluate the use of a VPN.
+* Explain why compression of data is often necessary when transmitting across a network.
+* Describe the different methods of network security.
+* Evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each method of network security.
 == References ==
@@ Line 57: / Line 73: @@
 [[Category:System fundamentals]]
+[[Category:Networking]]
+[[Category:Networks]]