Computer Networks/Introduction

This lesson introduces computer networks.

Objectives and Skills
Objectives and skills for the introduction portion of Network+ certification include:


 * Differentiate between common network topologies
 * Bus
 * Star
 * Ring
 * Mesh
 * Partial
 * Full
 * Hybrid
 * Point-to-point
 * Point-to-multipoint
 * Client-server
 * Peer-to-peer
 * Differentiate between network infrastructure implementations
 * LAN
 * WAN
 * MAN
 * WLAN
 * Hotspot
 * PAN
 * Bluetooth
 * IR
 * NFC
 * SCADA/ICS
 * ICS server
 * DCS/closed network
 * Remote terminal unit
 * Programmable logic controller
 * Medianets
 * VTC
 * ISDN
 * IP/SIP

Readings

 * 1)  Computer network
 * 2)  Network topology
 * 3)  Client–server model
 * 4)  Peer-to-peer
 * 5)  Wide area network
 * 6)  Metropolitan area network
 * 7)  Local area network
 * 8)  Wireless LAN
 * 9)  Personal area network
 * 10)  Industrial control system
 * 11)  SCADA
 * 12)  Videoconferencing

Multimedia

 * 1) YouTube: Common Network Topologies - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.6
 * 2) YouTube: Network Infrastructures - CompTIA Network+ N10-006 - 1.7

Activities

 * 1) Review  Computer network and  Network topology. Consider the different networks you use on a regular basis, including home, school, work, or mobile / cellular networks. Classify each of the networks according to geographic scale as a PAN, LAN, WLAN, MAN, or WAN. Which topologies are in use on these networks? How does the media selected for these networks influence the topology?
 * 2) Review archive.org: Microsoft: What is the Difference Between a Domain, a Workgroup, and a Homegroup. Compare and contrast different methods of sharing and storage between a domain, workgroup, and homegroup.
 * 3) * Windows: Identify whether your system belongs to a domain, workgroup, or homegroup.
 * 4) * macOS: Review Apple: Login Options pane of Users & Groups preferences. Identify whether your system is configured to use a Network Account Server.
 * 5) * Linux: Review ArchLinux: OpenLDAP. Identify whether your system is configured to use an authentication server.
 * 6) Establish a peer-to-peer network by sharing a folder and then connect to the shared folder:
 * 7) * Windows GUI:
 * 8) *# Review Microsoft: Changes to file sharing over a network in Windows 10. Share a folder on your system.
 * 9) *# From another computer, use a UNC path to connect to the shared folder.
 * 10) * Windows CLI:
 * 11) *# Review Microsoft: Net Share. Use the  command to share a folder on your system.
 * 12) *# Review Microsoft: Net Use. From another computer, use the  command to connect to the shared folder.
 * 13) * macOS:
 * 14) *# Review Apple: Mac Basics: File Sharing. Share a folder on your system.
 * 15) *# Review Apple: Connect to Shared Computers and File Servers on a Network. From another computer, connect to the shared folder.
 * 16) * Linux:
 * 17) *# Review TechGage: Using Samba to Share Your Linux Folders. Install Samba if necessary and share a folder on your system.
 * 18) *# Review HowToGeek: 3 Easy Ways to Connect to Windows Shared Folders from Linux. From another computer, connect to the shared folder.
 * 19) Investigate whether your school or organization uses "media nets" for voice or video conferencing, and whether any industrial control systems are in place to manage or monitor utilities such as electricity, heat, air conditioning, water, equipment, facilities access, etc.

Key Terms

 * bus
 * client
 * LAN
 * MAN
 * mesh
 * PAN
 * peer
 * point-to-multipoint
 * point-to-point
 * ring
 * server
 * star
 * WAN
 * WLAN