IT Diploma task 5.1

Hello my many Muffin Minions!

Below I have posted information I'm doing for an IT Diploma. hope you like it and please comment and follow me.

Cheers guys!

The Muffin



5.1 A: Network components
Components in a network are what make up a network in order for it to work. The following components are essential in a network.
File Server
At least 2 computers or more
An NIC or “Network Interface Card” on all the computers comprising within that network
An RJ-45 Cable otherwise known as an “Ethernet” Cable (this is used to connect the 2 computers together via the NIC Ethernet port)
And if you’re looking to print information out within that network then you will need a print server.

Notice that the file server is at the top of list. This is because without the file server, one will not be able to use information on multiple computers. I.E: If one was to save something on computer “A” in one room and then go to computer “B” then if those two computers were on the same network then one would be able to access that same information in the same directory (then it comes down to a question of if you know what directory it’s in).

Switches (which I will abbreviate to “SW”) are a lot better than Hubs (which I will not abbreviate) because Switches are capable of accessing the database in the file server and taking the information directly to the computer which you would like it to go. Let’s call that computer, Computer C.

However, if I was using a hub and I wanted to send the information from computer A to computer C then the hub would not access the database in file server, instead the hub would send the information to Computer B and C and basically say “would you like this?” when one of the computers (in this case computer C) says “Ah, there it is! Just what I’ve always wanted!” computer B will then, in turn, say “No, I wouldn’t like this.” Hubs are less efficient than switches. Ironically, Switches cost more than Hubs.

If the network is under one roof, then it is known a LAN, or Local Area Network

If the network in one building, then it is a WAN, or Wide Area Network


5.1 B: The roles of the components I’ve just talked about.
The roles have been explained already “in-a-nutshell” kind of way in section 5.1 A. just to sum it up one more time however:
· The File Server is the most important component in the whole network. HOWEVER, they are not required if you have network with just two computers. File Servers work best in an office or a school. A small network between two computers in your average two up two down house is known as a “Peer-to-peer” network. Meaning: both of the computers are equal. It is IMPOSSIBLE and frankly, rather silly and stupid to have a network with just one computer.
· In a small house or “Peer-to-peer” network then it is again, not a good idea to have a print server. Remember, there is only going to be roughly two of you.
· IP addresses are something rather important also, type 212.58.253.71 in your web browser to come up with a well known website. This should not be confused with ISP’s, or Internet Service Providers. These are the people that connect you to the internet. Such as: Virgin Media, Sky.
· An NIC is a Network Interface Card. These things are vital in a network because you NEED these to be able to connect ANYTHING in a network. They connect to the motherboard if you’re looking for advice on these.
· An RJ-45 Cable is needed to connect your NIC to the other NIC port. I.E: a file server.

5.1 C: Switches are better than hubs FULL STOP/any other info.
Should this information have somewhat pointed you in the right direction or confused you even more. Then recommended links are below. (if they do not come up as accessible then copy and paste into your web browser)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Local_area_network

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wide_area_network

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Network_card

and finally this last segment talks about why Switches are so much better than Hubs.
A Hub causes more network traffic causing your network speed to slow down greatly.

That about wraps it up.

Well. Thank you for reading. And I hope this helps.


Until Next time!

The Muffin.