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Network Technology
Associate
Student Guide
Web Foundations Series
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Network Technology
Associate
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President/Chief Certification Architect
James Stanger, Ph.D.
Vice President, Operations
Todd Hopkins
Senior Content Developer
Kenneth A. Kozakis Managing Editor Susan M. Lane Editor Sarah Skodak Project Manager/Publisher Tina Strong
Customer Service Certification Partners, LLC 1230 W. Washington St., Ste. 111
Tempe, AZ 85281
(602) 275-7700
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Network Technology Associate
Developer
Kenneth A. Kozakis
Contributors
James Stanger, Ph.D., Patrick T. Lane and Irina Heer
Editor
Susan M. Lane
Project Manager/Publisher
Tina Strong
Trademarks
Certification Partners is a trademark of Certification Partners, LLC. All product names and services identified throughout this book are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. They are used throughout this book in editorial fashion only. No such use, or the use of any trade name, is intended to convey endorsement or other affiliation with the book. Copyrights of any screen captures in this book are the property of the software's manufacturer.
Disclaimer
Certification Partners, LLC, makes a genuine attempt to ensure the accuracy and quality of the content described herein; however, Certification Partners makes no warranty, express or implied, with respect to the quality, reliability, accuracy, or freedom from error of this document or the products it describes. Certification Partners makes no representation or warranty with respect to the contents hereof and specifically disclaims any implied warranties of fitness for any particular purpose. Certification Partners disclaims all liability for any direct, indirect, incidental or consequential, special or exemplary damages resulting from the use of the information in this document or from the use of any products described in this document. Mention of any product or organization does not constitute an endorsement by Certification Partners of that product or corporation. Data used in examples and labs is intended to be fictional even if actual data is used or accessed. Any resemblance to, or use of real persons or organizations should be treated as entirely coincidental. Certification Partners makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of URLs referenced in all its material, but cannot guarantee that all URLs will be available throughout the life of a course. When this course was published, all URLs were checked for accuracy and completeness. However, due to the ever-changing nature of the Internet, some URLs may no longer be available or may have been redirected.
Copyright Information
This training manual is copyrighted and all rights are reserved by Certification Partners, LLC. No part of this publication may be reproduced, transmitted, stored in a retrieval system, modified, or translated into any language or computer language, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual or otherwise without written permission of Certification Partners, 1230 W. Washington Street, Suite 111, Tempe, AZ 85281.
Copyright © 2011 by Certification Partners, LLC
All Rights Reserved ISBN: 0-7423-2773-6
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Table of Contents
Course Description ... x Courseware ... xi Course Objectives ...xv Classroom Setup ...xv System Requirements ...xvConventions and Graphics Used in This Book ...xix
Lesson 1: Introduction to Networking ... 1-1
Pre-Assessment Questions ... 1-3 Overview of Networks and Protocols... 1-4 Telephony and Convergence Networking... 1-4 Networking Evolution ... 1-6 Client/Server Model ... 1-8 Network Operations Center (NOC) ... 1-9 Networking Categories... 1-10 Network Topologies ... 1-12 Network Operating System ... 1-15 Microsoft Windows Servers... 1-16 UNIX/Linux ... 1-17 The Need for Protocols... 1-18 OSI Reference Model ... 1-18 Data Encapsulation... 1-21 Packets ... 1-23 OSI/RM Protocol Examples ... 1-24 TCP/IP ... 1-26 IPX/SPX... 1-27 Binding Protocols ... 1-27 Local Area Network (LAN) ... 1-28 Wide Area Network (WAN)... 1-29 Internet Exchange Point (IXP) ... 1-30 Common Network Components ... 1-31 Transmission Media ... 1-37 Wireless Network Technologies ... 1-40 Transmission Types... 1-48 IEEE LAN Standards ... 1-49 T-Carrier System... 1-56 E-Carrier System... 1-57 SONET/SDH ... 1-57 Downloading Files with BitTorrent... 1-58 Virtualization ... 1-59 Case Study... 1-62 Lesson 1 Review ... 1-65
Lesson 2: TCP/IP Suite and Internet Addressing... 2-1
Pre-Assessment Questions ... 2-2 Introduction to TCP/IP ... 2-3 Internet Architecture ... 2-3 Requests for Comments (RFCs)... 2-5 Internet Protocols ... 2-6 Demultiplexing... 2-9 Introduction to Routing ... 2-10 Routing Protocols ... 2-11 Port Numbers... 2-12 Internet Addressing... 2-14 Subnet Mask... 2-14 Internet Address Classes ... 2-16 Internet Protocol Version 6 (IPv6)... 2-19 System Configuration and IP Addresses... 2-20 Diagnostic Tools for Internet Troubleshooting... 2-26
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Case Study... 2-38 Lesson 2 Review ... 2-41
Lesson 3: Internetworking Servers ... 3-1
Pre-Assessment Questions ... 3-2 Overview of Internetworking Servers... 3-3 File and Print Servers... 3-3 HTTP Server Essentials ... 3-6 Database Servers ... 3-11 Proxy Servers ... 3-11 Mail Servers ... 3-12 Instant Messaging (IM) ... 3-14 Mailing List Servers... 3-15 Media Servers... 3-16 DNS Servers... 3-16 FTP Servers... 3-24 News Servers... 3-24 Certificate Servers ... 3-25 Directory Servers... 3-26 Fax Servers ... 3-27 Transaction Servers... 3-28 Choosing Web Server Products ... 3-28 Content Management System (CMS)... 3-29 Case Study... 3-40 Lesson 3 Review ... 3-42
Lesson 4: Hardware and Operating System Maintenance ... 4-1
Pre-Assessment Questions ... 4-2 Basic Hardware and System Maintenance ... 4-3 Motherboard ... 4-3 IRQs, I/O Addresses and DMA ... 4-4 Mass Storage Device Interfaces... 4-13 Network Interface Card (NIC) ... 4-14 Common Peripheral Ports... 4-15 Power Requirements... 4-17 Optical Discs... 4-18 TV Tuner Card ... 4-21 HDMI Connections ... 4-22 Mobile Computing ... 4-22 Netbooks... 4-29 Tablet PCs... 4-31 Client Operating System Management ... 4-31 Software Licensing ... 4-32 Partitions and Logical Drives ... 4-32 File System Types... 4-34 File System Management Tools... 4-36 Troubleshooting Software ... 4-44 Remote Management and Troubleshooting ... 4-48 Case Study... 4-51 Lesson 4 Review ... 4-53
Lesson 5: Network Security and Personal Privacy Protection ... 5-1
Pre-Assessment Questions ... 5-2 Importance of Network Security... 5-3 Viruses and Worms ... 5-3 Overview of Network Attack Types ... 5-5 Defeating Attacks ... 5-7 Authentication ... 5-8 Encryption ... 5-13 Firewalls ... 5-20
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Virtual Private Network (VPN) ... 5-29 Security Audit ... 5-30 Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) ... 5-31 Personal Privacy and the Internet ... 5-32 Personal Protection and the Internet... 5-39 Case Study... 5-44 Lesson 5 Review ... 5-47
Appendixes ... Appendixes-1 Web Foundations Glossary... Glossary-1 Index ... Index-1 Supplemental Files Contents...Supplemental Files Contents-1
List of Labs
Lab 1-1: Identifying, documenting and diagramming network devices (instructor-led)... 1-46 Lab 1-2: Viewing the MAC address on your system ... 1-51 Lab 1-3: Researching IEEE LAN standards... 1-56 Lab 1-4: Demonstrating virtualization (instructor-led) ... 1-61 Lab 2-1: Reconfiguring your computer with a reserved IP address ... 2-23 Lab 2-2: Testing connectivity using the ping command... 2-28 Lab 2-3: Identifying IP configuration and MAC address information ... 2-32 Lab 3-1: Creating a file server ... 3-4 Lab 3-2: Using the nslookup utility ... 3-23 Lab 3-3: Researching CMS implementations ... 3-39 Lab 4-1: Viewing resource assignments... 4-11 Lab 4-2: Identifying common peripheral ports ... 4-17 Lab 4-3: Viewing drive partitions using Disk Management ... 4-35 Lab 4-4: Viewing NTFS permissions ... 4-37 Lab 4-5: Defragmenting hard disks ... 4-38 Lab 4-6: Deleting temporary files ... 4-40 Lab 4-7: Backing up data in Windows Vista (instructor-led) ... 4-42 Lab 4-8: Restoring data in Windows Vista (instructor-led) ... 4-44 Lab 5-1: Applying symmetric-key encryption... 5-16 Lab 5-2: Using the Netcraft Toolbar... 5-38
List of Figures
Figure 1-1: Mainframe model ... 1-7 Figure 1-2: Client/server model ... 1-8 Figure 1-3: Peer-to-peer network model... 1-11 Figure 1-4: Server-based network model ... 1-12 Figure 1-5: Star topology... 1-13 Figure 1-6: Star bus network ... 1-14 Figure 1-7: Partial mesh topology... 1-15 Figure 1-8: NOS interoperability ... 1-16 Figure 1-9: OSI model layers... 1-21 Figure 1-10: Headers added at each OSI/RM layer... 1-22 Figure 1-11: Packet structure ... 1-24 Figure 1-12: Windows Vista Local Area Connection Properties dialog box ... 1-28 Figure 1-13: LAN example... 1-29 Figure 1-14 WAN example... 1-29 Figure 1-15: Three key U.S. IXPs ... 1-30 Figure 1-16: Networking components... 1-31 Figure 1-17: Network interface card (NIC)... 1-32 Figure 1-18: Hub connecting workstations... 1-33 Figure 1-19: Router connecting networks... 1-34 Figure 1-20: Switch connecting networks... 1-36 Figure 1-21: BNC connector... 1-39 Figure 1-22: Ad-hoc vs. infrastructure mode ... 1-41
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Figure 1-23: Configuration interface for common wireless AP ... 1-43 Figure 1-24: Wireless AP attached to Ethernet hub or switch ... 1-45 Figure 1-25: MAC address components... 1-50 Figure 2-1: Internet architecture ... 2-3 Figure 2-2: Internet protocols and Internet architecture ... 2-6 Figure 2-3: Demultiplexing of protocols... 2-9 Figure 2-4: Routing information table ... 2-11 Figure 2-5: TCP/IP component... 2-24 Figure 2-6: Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4) Properties dialog box ... 2-24 Figure 2-7: Specifying reserved IP address ... 2-25 Figure 2-8: Ping results — Windows command prompt ... 2-27 Figure 2-9: Successful loopback reply using ping command ... 2-28 Figure 2-10: Successful connectivity test using ping command ... 2-29 Figure 2-11: TCP/IP configuration — Windows Vista... 2-33 Figure 2-12: Resolving IP addresses to Ethernet (MAC) addresses ... 2-34 Figure 2-13: Wireshark packet capture ... 2-35 Figure 3-1: File Sharing dialog box... 3-4 Figure 3-2: Shared folder named "Shared"... 3-4 Figure 3-3: Your partner's Shared folder ... 3-5 Figure 3-4: Mailing list server ... 3-15 Figure 3-5: Domain name space... 3-18 Figure 3-6: CMS services and functions ... 3-30 Figure 3-7: CMS content life cycle ... 3-37 Figure 4-1: Representing numbers to ninth binary placeholder ... 4-5 Figure 4-2: Serial communication ... 4-9 Figure 4-3: Parallel communication... 4-10 Figure 4-4: Device Manager ... 4-12 Figure 4-5: Hard drive controller properties — Port 0 ... 4-12 Figure 4-6: Viewing resource settings... 4-13 Figure 4-7: Installed network adapter ... 4-14 Figure 4-8: Peripheral ports ... 4-15 Figure 4-9: Sample PDA device ... 4-23 Figure 4-10: Sample iPhone ... 4-25 Figure 4-11: Sample BlackBerry ... 4-26 Figure 4-12: Sample iPod... 4-27 Figure 4-13: Sample Sony Memory Stick... 4-28 Figure 4-14: Sample SanDisk SD card ... 4-28 Figure 4-15: Sample netbook ... 4-30 Figure 4-16: Disk partitions ... 4-33 Figure 4-17: Logical disk drives... 4-33 Figure 4-18: Disk Management — volume and partition information ... 4-36 Figure 4-19: Properties dialog box — Security tab ... 4-37 Figure 4-20: Disk Defragmenter... 4-38 Figure 4-21: Disk Defragmenter: Modify Schedule dialog box ... 4-39 Figure 4-22: Disk Cleanup: Drive Selection dialog box... 4-40 Figure 4-23: Disk Cleanup dialog box ... 4-41 Figure 4-24: Specifying file types to back up ... 4-43 Figure 4-25: Sample SSH session... 4-49 Figure 5-1: Symmetric-key encryption... 5-14 Figure 5-2: FineCrypt: Enter Passphrase dialog box ... 5-16 Figure 5-3: Encrypted file ... 5-17 Figure 5-4: ArcViewer window — FineCrypt... 5-17 Figure 5-5: Public-key encryption ... 5-18 Figure 5-6: Packet-filtering configuration ... 5-25 Figure 5-7: Dual-homed bastion host... 5-26 Figure 5-8: Triple-homed bastion host ... 5-26 Figure 5-9: Screened-subnet firewall... 5-27 Figure 5-10: Uninterruptible power supply (UPS) ... 5-31 Figure 5-11: Netcraft Toolbar ... 5-37
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List of Tables
Table 1-1: OSI/RM layers ... 1-19 Table 1-2: OSI/RM protocol examples ... 1-25 Table 1-3: TIA/EIA 568 twisted-pair cable categories (Categories 5 through 7)... 1-38 Table 1-4: Common coaxial cable types... 1-39 Table 1-5: Ethernet vs. Fast Ethernet... 1-53 Table 1-6: T-carrier transfer rates ... 1-56 Table 1-7: E-carrier transfer rates... 1-57 Table 1-8: SONET/SDH system data rates ... 1-58 Table 2-1: OSI/RM and Internet architecture layer equivalents ... 2-3 Table 2-2: IP address classes ... 2-16 Table 2-3: Standard IP classes and subnet masks... 2-18 Table 2-4: Private IP addresses ... 2-18 Table 2-5: TCP/IP services ... 2-22 Table 3-1: Top-level Internet domains — original... 3-18 Table 3-2: Top-level Internet domains — ISO country codes (samples)... 3-19 Table 3-3: Top-level Internet domains — categories... 3-19 Table 3-4: Common DNS records ... 3-21 Table 4-1: Binary numbering ... 4-5 Table 4-2: Storage values... 4-6 Table 4-3: Comparing decimal, hexadecimal and binary values ... 4-7 Table 4-4: Standard resource assignments... 4-10 Table 4-5: Standard port use ... 4-16 Table 4-6: Common port and cabling problems and solutions ... 4-17 Table 4-7: CD-ROM features ... 4-18 Table 4-8: Writable DVD standards... 4-20 Table 4-9: Bluetooth classifications... 4-24 Table 4-10: Computer file systems ... 4-34 Table 4-11: OS boot problem errors ... 4-45 Table 4-12: Application installation and loading errors... 4-48 Table 5-1: Network attack types... 5-6 Table 5-2: OSI/RM security services ... 5-7 Table 5-3: Certificate terms... 5-12
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Course Description
Network Technology Associate teaches essential networking technologies and skills, including TCP/IP,
stable network creation, wireless networking and network troubleshooting. You will learn to use various network components and protocols that enable users to share data quickly and easily. You will explore the different types of transmission media, and will learn how network architecture and topologies provide for efficient and secure communication. In addition, you will learn about the OSI reference model and its relationship to packet creation, and you will compare and contrast the OSI model with the Internet architecture model.
You will study the functions and features of internetworking server types, and learn about the benefits of implementing a Content Management System (CMS). You will also achieve competency in performing basic hardware and operating system maintenance procedures. In addition, you will learn about mobile computing devices and the importance of RFC documents.
You will also learn about the importance of routing, and will explore IP addressing, IP address classes and subnet masks. Finally, you will explore essential network security concepts, Internet-based challenges facing today's users, and methods you can use to secure networks and network transmissions, including authentication, encryption and firewalls.
All CIW Web Foundations courses offer Case Studies for class discussion about real-world skills applications, and job-related topics such as project management, and the relationship between technology and business operations. Guided, step-by-step labs provide opportunities to practice new skills. You can challenge yourself and review your skills after each lesson in the Lesson Summary and Lesson Review sections. Additional skill reinforcement is provided in Activities, Optional Labs, Lesson Quizzes and a Course Assessment that are available from your instructor.
This coursebook includes supplemental online material containing the lab files used in class. To practice the skills presented in class or to perform any labs that were not completed, refer to the Classroom Setup section for information about system requirements and using the lab files.
The CIW Web Foundations courses prepare students to take the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam.
Series
Network Technology Associate is the third course in the CIW Web Foundations series:
• Internet Business Associate • Site Development Associate • Network Technology Associate
Prerequisites
No prior experience using the Internet, developing Web pages or configuring networks is necessary. However, students should be familiar with an operating system such as Microsoft Windows before taking this course. The CIW Web Foundations courseware does not provide entry-level computer literacy. Rather, it builds upon computer literacy training and certifications such as Microsoft Office Specialist
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Certification
The CIW Web Foundations series of courses prepares students to take the high-stakes CIW Web
Foundations Associate certification exam (1D0-510). Those who pass the CIW Web Foundations Associate exam earn the highly respected CIW Web Foundations Associate certification, which is recognized
throughout the industry as validating essential Internet skills for the workplace. The CIW Web Foundations Associate certification proves that an individual has evolved from being an Internet consumer to an Internet producer, capable of producing real-world Internet applications. A CIW Web Foundations Associate certificant can use common Internet-ready applications, can create properly formed HTML/XHTML documents, knows database essentials, understand project management concepts and can troubleshoot networks.
Candidates also have the option to take any or all of the three modular CIW Associate exams, each of which earns the candidate a modular subject certification if passed:
• Internet Business Associate (exam 1D0-51A) • Site Development Associate (exam 1D0-51B) • Network Technology Associate (exam 1D0-51C)
Candidates who pass all three modular certification exams also earn the comprehensive CIW Web Foundations Associate certification.
For information about taking any of the CIW Associate exams, visit www.CIWcertified.com.
Target audience
All students preparing to enter or continue in the workforce can benefit from the CIW Network Technology
Associate course and/or certification:
• High school students • College students
• Technical/trade school students
Professionals in all industries can benefit from the CIW Network Technology Associate course and/or certification: • IT professionals • Healthcare professionals • Legal professionals • Marketing professionals • Graphic artists • Business professionals
Courseware
This coursebook was developed for instructor-led training and will assist you during class. Along with comprehensive instructional text and objectives checklists, this coursebook provides easy-to-follow hands-on labs and a glossary of course-specific terms. It also provides Internet addresses needed to complete some labs, although due to the constantly changing nature of the Internet, some addresses may no longer be valid.
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course title table of contents list of labs list of figures list of tables appendixes lessons lesson objectives narrative textsupplemental movie clips
lesson review
lesson summary
;warnings
;tech notes
; graphics
; tables and figures
pre-assessment questions
glossary
index
case study
; exam objective callouts
;warnings
;tech notes
;graphics
;tables and figures
;exam objective callouts
labs
supplemental files
When you return to your home or office, you will find this coursebook to be a valuable resource for reviewing labs and applying the skills you have learned. Each lesson concludes with questions that review the material. Lesson review questions are provided as a study resource only and in no way guarantee a passing score on the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam.
Coursebook versions
The CIW Web Foundations courseware is designed for various classroom environments: academic, learning center and corporate. These coursebooks are available in both instructor and student versions. Student versions are available for both the academic environment and the learning center/corporate environment. Check your book to verify which version you have.
• Instructor (Academic, Learning Center and Corporate) — Example syllabi for 10-week, 16-week and 32-week instruction periods are included with the instructor supplemental files available on CIW Online. Learning centers can teach this series at an accelerated pace; consult the implementation tables that can be found on CIW Online. The supplemental online files also include an appendix listing the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam objectives and locations of
corresponding material in the coursebook. The instructor version of this book includes Instructor Notes in the margin, which provide additional tips and commentary for the instructor to supplement course narrative. Margin callouts also direct instructors to material that relates directly to specified CIW Web Foundations objectives. The instructor book and supplemental online files contain all answers to Activities (pen-and-paper-based), Optional Labs (computer-based), Lesson Quizzes and the
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during class or as homework. Lesson Quizzes and Course Assessments are provided as study and course-grading resources only; success on these materials in no way guarantees a passing score on the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam. The movies provide supplementary
instruction in a multimedia format, and enhance the coursebook narrative and labs. However, movie content does not comprehensively address CIW Web Foundations Associate exam objectives and is not intended to replace coursebook content.
• Student (Academic) — The student book and supplemental online files include Pre-Assessment and Lesson Review questions for each lesson. However, the student book does not provide answers to these questions. It also does not include any Activities, Optional Labs, Quizzes or the Course Assessment. Students can obtain these elements and answers only from the instructor. The student supplemental materials include appendixes and files used to perform many of the labs in the coursebook. The supplemental files also include an appendix listing the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam objectives and locations of corresponding material in the coursebook. Lesson Quizzes and Course Assessments are provided as study and course-grading resources only; success on these materials in no way guarantees a passing score on the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam. The movies provide supplementary instruction in a multimedia format, and enhance the coursebook narrative and labs. However, movie content does not comprehensively address CIW Web Foundations Associate exam objectives and is not intended to replace coursebook content.
• Student (Learning Center/Corporate) — Designed for the learning center/corporate environment, this student book includes Pre-Assessment and Lesson Review questions. The student supplemental online materials include appendixes; files used to perform many of the labs in the coursebook; and answers to the Pre-Assessment Questions, Lesson Review Questions, Course Assessment, Activities, Optional Labs and Lesson Quizzes. The supplemental files also include an appendix listing the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam objectives and locations of corresponding material in the coursebook. Lesson Quizzes and Course Assessments are provided as study and course-grading resources only; success on these materials in no way guarantees a passing score on the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam. The movies provide supplementary instruction in a
multimedia format, and enhance the coursebook narrative and labs. However, movie content does not comprehensively address CIW Web Foundations Associate exam objectives and is not intended to replace coursebook content.
Online resources
You can visit CIW Online at http://education.certification-partners.com/ciw/ to access supplemental course materials and to get help in preparing for the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam. CIW Online provides a variety of online tools you can use to supplement the Official CIW Courseware.
CIW courseware supplemental files
This coursebook includes supplemental material that can be accessed from CIW Online. Online materials are provided for both instructors and students, and include some elements required to complete the coursework and other optional elements that are provided for your interest or further study. Student materials include lab files used to complete the course labs, answers to student exercises and quizzes, and appendixes with related information (including the CIW Web Foundations Objectives And Locations Appendix). Instructor materials include course syllabi and implementation tables, answers to students exercises and quizzes, and appendixes with related information (including the CIW Foundations
Objectives And Locations Appendix). See the CIW Supplemental Files section under Classroom Setup for information about accessing these files.
CIW Online Exercises
These interactive activities are instructional supplements to the official print and online books, designed to offer a blended-learning approach. Mapped directly to the Official CIW Courseware, the CIW Online Exercises enable you to review important concepts from the Web Foundations courses and measure your
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proficiency on content relevant to the CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam. CIW Online Exercises challenge you with a wide range of activities, including glossary flashcards, matching exercises, fill-in-the-blank exercises, crossword puzzles and true/false questions — all providing immediate
feedback.
CIW Course Reviews
CIW Course Reviews are designed to assess your knowledge of the concepts, skills and best practices of Web technology taught in the Official CIW Courseware. The CIW Course Reviews assess lesson
knowledge, reinforce classroom learning and enhance instruction. This online review program contains multiple-choice reviews and quizzes that cover CIW Web Foundations courseware content lesson by lesson.
CIW Certification Practice Exams
After you have mastered the Web Foundations course material, you are ready to prepare for the high-stakes CIW Web Foundations Associate certification exam. The online CIW Certification Practice Exams program helps you build confidence with your knowledge of the CIW exam objectives. This program provides you with:
• Timed practice exams that simulate the high-stakes testing environment and help predict actual performance on CIW certification exams.
• A feedback review mode that allows you to check answers while taking the practice exam and gain valuable feedback that relates each question to a CIW exam objective and a lesson in the Official CIW Courseware.
• Exam results that report on your mastery of each CIW exam objective.
• Personalized performance reports and study plans to track individual progress and view overall class trends.
CIW Movies
The CIW Network Technology Associate course offers movie files from LearnKey that discuss selected technology topics. To view the movies, log on to CIW Online at
http://education.certification-partners.com/ciw/. Use the access code provided to register for the movies and view them online. If you
have any questions, please contact Product Support at (866) 370-3511 or [email protected].
Consider the following points about the CIW Movies:
• The movies provide supplementary instruction in a multimedia format, and enhance the coursebook narrative and labs. However, movie content does not comprehensively address CIW Internet Business Associate certification exam objectives and is not intended to replace coursebook content.
• The CIW Network Technology Associate coursebook includes a Movie Time appendix that indicates appropriate points at which to view the supplemental movies.
• Instructors in a classroom environment are strongly encouraged to present movies to the entire class using a computer screen projector. Group presentations enable instructors to present and discuss movie content when appropriate. Controlling the presentation of movies also minimizes distractions from course material and essential lecture or lab time.
• Students are strongly encouraged to watch the movie clips on their own if they are unable to view them in class. Each student is provided access to CIW Online to view the movies.
• The access code provided allows instructors and students to view the movies. Do not distribute the code to unauthorized users.
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Course Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
¬ Identify convergence networking, the client/server model, network topologies and major network operating systems.
¬ Describe the packet creation process and explain the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model.
¬ Discuss local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), Internet Exchange Points (IXPs) and common network components.
¬ Compare and contrast the functions of network protocols, and describe network transmission media and types, including wireless network technologies.
¬ Describe IEEE LAN standards and discuss the benefits of virtualization.
¬ Describe the Internet architecture model, Internet protocols, the routing process, routing protocols and port numbers.
¬ Explain IP addressing, IP address classes, default subnet masks and the use of private IP addresses. ¬ Use diagnostic tools for troubleshooting TCP/IP networks.
¬ Identify and describe the functions and features of various internetworking server types. ¬ Describe the functions and benefits of implementing a Content Management System (CMS). ¬ Identify maintenance issues for common system components.
¬ Identify the benefits and security risks of mobile computing devices.
¬ Describe the characteristics of file system types and use file system management tools.
¬ Identify and suggest corrective measures for operating system boot problems and application failures, and identify methods to remotely manage workstations.
¬ Identify essential network security concepts and network attack types, and identify various methods of defeating network attacks and securing network transmissions, including authentication,
encryption, VPNs and digital certificates.
¬ Discuss issues of Internet privacy and identify Internet-based challenges that face today's users. ¬ Describe firewall topologies and security zones you can set up to protect your internal trusted
network from an outside untrusted network, such as the Internet.
Classroom Setup
Your instructor has probably set up the classroom computers based on the system requirements listed in the following sections. Most software configurations on your computer are identical to those on your instructor's computer. However, your instructor may use additional software to demonstrate network interaction or related technologies.
System Requirements
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Hardware
Each classroom should be equipped with an individual computer workstation for each student and the instructor. The following table summarizes the hardware requirements for all courses in the CIW program.
Note: The CIW hardware requirements are similar to the minimum system requirements for Microsoft Windows Vista Business implementation.
Hardware Specifications
Minimum Requirements
Processor 1 GHz 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor
L2 cache 256 KB
Hard disk 40 GB with at least 15 GB of available space
RAM At least 1 GB
CD-RW 32X Network interface card (NIC) 10BaseT or 100BaseTX (10 or 100 Mbps)
Sound card/speakers Required for instructor station, optional for student stations Video adapter Support for DirectX9 graphics with:
• WDDM Driver
• At least 128 MB of graphics memory • Pixel Shader 2.0 in hardware • 32 bits per pixel
Network hubs Enough 10-port 10BaseT or 100BaseTX (10 or 100 Mbps) hubs to allow classroom computers to communicate Monitor Super VGA (1024 x 768)
Software
If you are teaching all three CIW Web Foundations courses sequentially, there is no need to reformat your computers for each course. The recommended software configurations for computers used to complete the labs in this book series are as follows.
Internet Business Associate
To be installed before class:
• Microsoft Windows Vista Business (typical installation) • Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 (typical installation) To be installed by students during course labs:
• Firefox 3.0.5 (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Internet\Lab Files\Lesson03 folder) • Google Chrome 1.0 (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Internet\Lab Files\Lesson03 folder) • Ogg Codecs (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Internet\Lab Files\Lesson04 folder)
• Aethera (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Internet\Lab Files\Lesson06 folder)
• Thunderbird 2.0 (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Internet\Lab Files\Lesson06 folder)
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• Ad-AwareAE (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Internet\Lab Files\Lesson09 folder) • GanttProject (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Internet\Lab Files\Lesson10 folder)
Site Development Associate
To be installed before class:
• Microsoft Windows Vista Business (typical installation) • Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 (typical installation) • Firefox 3.0.5 (typical installation)
To be installed by students during course labs:
• Lynx (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Site_Dev\Lab Files\Lesson01\Lab_1-2\Lynx folder) • FormMail (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Site_Dev\Lab Files\Lesson07\FormMail folder) • KompoZer (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Site_Dev\Lab Files\Lesson10 folder)
• Audacity (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Site_Dev\Lab Files\Lesson11 folder) To be installed by instructor for instructor-led demonstration in Lab 11-1:
• XAMPP (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Site_Dev\Lab Files\Lesson11\Lab_11-1\XAMPP folder)
Network Technology Associate
To be installed before class:
• Microsoft Windows Vista Business (typical installation) • Microsoft Internet Explorer 8.0 (typical installation) • Firefox 3.0.5 (typical installation)
To be installed by students during course labs:
• uTorrent (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Network\Lab Files\Lesson01 folder)
• FileZilla_v3.0.2.1 (torrent file provided in the C:\CIW\Network\Lab Files\Lesson01 folder) • 7-Zip (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Network\Lab Files\Lesson01 folder)
• FineCrypt 10.1 (binary provided in the C:\CIW\Network\Lab Files\Lesson05 folder) To be installed by instructor for instructor-led demonstration in Lab 1-4 (any one of the three): • VMware (www.vmware.com)
• Parallels (www.parallels.com) • VirtualBox (www.virtualbox.org)
Create a virtual machine using an operating system other than Windows Vista; Mac OS X or Ubuntu Linux, for example. Load an application or two for that operating system so you can demonstrate to students the benefits of using a virtual machine.
Connectivity
Internet connectivity is required for this course. You will experience optimal performance with a dedicated Internet connection (e.g., a cable/DSL modem or a T1 line). However, you can teach the course using slower connections (e.g., 56-Kbps modem).
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CIW supplemental files
Each coursebook includes supplemental materials that are referenced and used throughout the course. These supplemental materials are provided online at http://education.certification-partners.com/ciw/. You will need to create a directory for all supplemental materials for the course. The default location is
C:\CIW\[Course_Title]. To view or download the materials, go to CIW Online, click the link for each file
and save to this directory. You can then create a shortcut to this directory on your Desktop. As you conduct the course labs, you can use this shortcut to quickly access your lab files.
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Conventions and Graphics Used in This Book
The following conventions are used in these coursebooks.
Terms Technology terms defined in the margins are indicated in bold type the first time they appear in the text. However, not every word in bold type is a term requiring definition.
Lab Text Text that you enter during a lab appears in italic bold type. Names of components that you access or change in a lab appear in bold type.
Notations Notations or comments regarding screenshots, labs or other text are indicated in italic type.
Program Code or Commands
Text used in program code or operating system commands appears in the Lucida Sans Typewriter font.
The following graphics are used in these coursebooks.
Tech Notes point out exceptions or special circumstances that you may find when
working with a particular procedure. Tech Notes that occur within a lab are displayed without the graphic.
Tech Tips offer special-interest information about the current subject.
Warnings alert you about cautions to observe or actions to avoid.
This graphic signals the start of a lab or other hands-on activity.
The Movie Time graphic signals appropriate points in the course at which to view movie clips. All movie clips are © 2011 LearnKey, Inc.
Each lesson summary includes an Application Project. This project is designed to provoke interest and apply the skills taught in the lesson to your daily activities. Each lesson concludes with a summary of the skills and objectives taught in that lesson. You can use the Skills Review checklist to evaluate what you have learned.
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1
Lesson 1:
Introduction to
Networking
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
¬ 3.1.1: Define basic data and telephony network concepts, including convergence, Voice over IP (VoIP), AC/DC requirements for telephony and data equipment. ¬ 3.1.3: Identify basic network topologies (e.g., ring, mesh).
¬ 3.1.4: Define the Open Systems Interconnection reference model (OSI/RM) in terms of packet creation.
¬ 3.1.5: Define the nature, purpose and operation essentials of Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP).
¬ 3.1.6: Define local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN).
¬ 3.1.7: Identify the core components of the current Internet infrastructure and how they relate to each other, including routers, Internet Exchange Points (IXPs), backbone networks.
¬ 3.1.8: Identify the components of a Network Operations Center (NOC).
¬ 3.2.1: Distinguish among common cable types used in networking (e.g., CAT 5, CAT 6, crossover).
¬ 3.2.2: Identify hardware and software connection devices and their uses, including network interface card, modem, cable/DSL modem, hub, router, switch, firewall. ¬ 3.2.3: Distinguish between Ethernet and Token Ring networks.
¬ 3.9.1: Distinguish between ad-hoc and infrastructure mode. ¬ 3.9.2: Identify the function of a wireless access point (AP). ¬ 3.9.3: Connect wireless networks to standard wired LANs.
¬ 3.9.4: Identify benefits and drawbacks of Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). ¬ 3.9.5: Use a Secure Set Identifier (SSID) and describe its purpose.
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¬ 3.9.7: Identify security issues with wireless networks.
¬ 3.9.8: Evaluate the practicality of a wireless LAN in an organization. ¬ 3.9.9: Troubleshoot wireless connectivity.
¬ 3.10.1: List elements of virtualization (e.g., virtual machines, host operating system, virtualization software, RAM, processor speed, and disk space).
¬ 3.10.2: Identify benefits of virtualization, including reduced consumption of electricity, less heat generation, conservation of space, more efficient use of hardware.
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Pre-Assessment Questions
1. Which network topology provides multiple communication paths so that an alternative path may be used if a connection fails?
a. Ring b. Bus c. Star d. Mesh
2. Which category of twisted-pair cable includes four twisted pairs, is typically used for 100BaseT Ethernet, and supports transmission rates of up to 100 Mbps?
a. Category 2 b. Category 3 c. Category 4 d. Category 5
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Overview of Networks and Protocols
A network can be defined as two or more connected computers that share data by way of a transport medium. This configuration can include a small business network in one room, two Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) that communicate by means of infrared, or a worldwide network such as the Internet that connects millions of users.
Networks have become extremely popular because they allow users to share data quickly. In the past, users had to place files on a floppy disk or print them, and deliver them to the destination in person or by mail. Networks allow information to be distributed easily and quickly through a system of protocols, cables and other hardware.
To communicate efficiently, networks require a standard, or protocol. Network protocols are established rules that enable data to flow from one network interface card (NIC) to another. Network protocols correspond (roughly, in some cases) to the Open Systems
Interconnection (OSI) reference model.
Local area networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs) are the basis of networking and internetworking. The two systems can work together to allow companies to transmit data internally and externally.
In this lesson, you will learn about networking basics, network protocols, and LANs and WANs.
Telephony and Convergence Networking
Before examining specific types of computer networks, we will turn our attention to one of the oldest existing networks — the public switched telephone network (PSTN). The PSTN has connected millions of users for decades, and remains a cornerstone in
internetworking today. In the following sections, we will discuss how the PSTN and data networks have been combined to create convergence networks that enable unified communications.
Traditional telephone network
Since the inception of the telephone, voice has been carried over circuit-switched connections of the PSTN. Originally, all phone service was analog. Today, however, the network is entirely digital except for the portion that extends from the central office of the local telephone company to the user.
Typically, to exchange data over the public telephone network using a dial-up connection, a modem is necessary. A modem (modulator/demodulator) is a device that translates, or modulates, a digital signal coming from your computer into an analog signal that can be carried over the phone line. A modem attached to the receiving computer demodulates the analog signal back into a digital one.
Today, the PSTN is a hybrid network. About two-thirds of today's telephone users begin a telephone conversation in their homes using analog technology (the other one-third uses mobile phones). The signal is then converted into a digital signal at the central office, and this digital signal is sent across a major portion of the telephone network. As necessary, signals are converted back into analog at the central office, to which the destination telephone is linked. infrared A spectrum of light used for communication between various network-enabled devices. network interface card (NIC) A circuit board within a computer's central processing unit that serves as the interface enabling the computer to connect to a network. Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) reference model A layered network architecture model of communication developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Defines seven layers of network functions.
OBJECTIVE
3.1.1: Convergence networks
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The PSTN is still an integral part of the Internet infrastructure because it furnishes most of the distance connections. Most Internet Service Providers (ISPs) pay long-distance providers for access to telephone lines.
IP telephony and Voice over IP (VoIP)
Internet Protocol (IP) telephony is a technology that uses packet-switched connections to exchange voice, fax and other forms of data that were previously carried on circuit-switched connections. (You will learn about packets later in this lesson.) IP telephony uses an Internet connection and hardware (e.g., IP phones) or software installed on personal computers (e.g., softphones) to transmit the voice data as data packets over shared lines. IP telephony enables users to avoid the tolls charged on telephone company lines because most ISPs absorb this cost.
Voice over IP (VoIP) involves the use of a data network to deliver voice information,
instead of the traditional circuit-switched lines of the PSTN. Most local and long-distance providers, cable TV companies and ISPs now offer IP telephony services. Many companies also use VoIP solutions rather than traditional voice services in order to provide more services. The term convergence technology is often used to describe the combination of voice, video and data all on one data network.
Power requirements
Computer equipment runs on direct current (DC) power, whereas the voltage coming out of a wall socket is an alternating current (AC). An AC signal consists of a series of pulses (voltage changes) at a fixed frequency. A DC signal encounters no voltage changes; current is either on or off.
At some point, the AC line voltage must be converted into appropriate DC voltages. This conversion from AC to DC is accomplished by the computer's power supply. Electronic devices must be supplied the correct voltage in order to operate. If the correct voltage is not present, the device will not operate properly and may be physically damaged. Each device will also have an associated power requirement. The computer's power supply is designed to provide sufficient power for the system. However, it is important to remember that extra devices you add to the computer — such as extra hard drives or an additional optical drive, upgraded CPU or advanced video adapter — will require additional power. Today, many devices that are connected to a PC are designed to tap into the PC for power requirements, including smartphones, PDAs, digital cameras, USB drives, IP phones and a host of others devices. It is important to understand the maximum load that the PC's power supply can handle and determine when it may be time to upgrade the power supply to avoid any issues. A typical guideline when investigating a new power supply is to calculate the total power requirements in watts for the devices in the computer, then add 30 percent. That should cover all power requirements needed for the computer. It is also important that some emergency power source, such as an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), be available in case of an emergency. Without the availability of an
emergency power source, an IP telephone's components (and those of any other device that relies on a computer's power supply) will cease to function during a power outage. Traditional phones connected to the PSTN do not experience this problem because they are powered by the telephone company's battery supply, which will continue to function during a power outage.
Internet Service Provider (ISP)
An organization that maintains a gateway to the Internet and rents access to customers on a per-use or subscription basis.
Voice over IP (VoIP)
A technology that converts voice into data packets for transmission over a packet-switched IP network. Allows the use of the Internet for real-time voice and video traffic.
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Unified communications (UC)
Convergence has given rise to unified communications (UC), in which voice can be converted into text and vice versa. Your e-mail inbox is capable of receiving faxes, even if they are sent via a traditional fax machine. Your e-mail inbox can also receive voicemail recordings. Unified communications technology seeks to eliminate communication latency (the amount of time between the moments when any form of communication is sent and received) as much as possible to make communication more efficient.
Presencing and mobile communication
Presencing is the ability for devices to automatically track and report your location and
availability. For example, when a user signs in to an instant messaging (IM) service, his status (e.g., online) is advertised (or published) to the people on his contacts list. A user's presence information, or presence state, is provided to a presence service via a network connection. Presencing requires collaboration among a number of devices (for example, mobile phone, electronic calendar, IM client, GPS) and the presence services with which each of them is connected. Google Latitude (www.google.com/latitude/) is an example of presencing.
Mobile communication (or mobile computing) refers to a person's ability to use technology while "on the go." Devices that enable a user to engage in mobile communication include: • Laptop computers.
• Mobile phones and smartphones (e.g., BlackBerrys, iPhones, etc.). • Personal digital assistants (PDAs), such as PalmPilots, etc.
These devices are useful because they are portable, can connect to each other via the Internet, allow data storage, and contain enough processing power to perform tasks that you can also perform using your computer. You will study mobile computing and devices further in a later lesson.
Networking Evolution
Originally, networks were operated on a centralized, or mainframe, model, which usually limited networks to large, well-funded institutions such as universities and Fortune 500 companies. By the late 1980s, however, many business networks adopted the
client/server model, which uses a more modular approach and allowed small to medium-sized businesses to create powerful networking solutions. The advent of the Internet led to another shift to Web-based, increasingly decentralized and more affordable
networking.
Mainframe
Mainframe (or centralized) computing provided the first practical network solution. This centralized approach used central servers, or mainframes, and remote terminals. Usually, these terminals were diskless, or "dumb," stations that could only request information. Most information processing occurred on the "back end" (the server), not on the "front end" (the client).
Retrieving information from mainframes
Obtaining information from a mainframe traditionally involves a great deal of processing by the mainframe. A terminal sends an information request to the mainframe, which in
unified
communications (UC)
A business trend that seeks to simplify and integrate all forms of communication. Also, a set of technologies that enable voice to be converted into text, and vice versa.
presencing
The ability for a device to automatically track and report the user's location and availability.
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returns it to the terminal. You will see how the client/server model differs somewhat from this model. Figure 1-1 shows a mainframe model.
Mainframe
Terminal Terminal Terminal Terminal Figure 1-1: Mainframe model
Mainframe liabilities
The mainframe-computing model has two main liabilities. The first is that the mainframe must handle all the processing work. The second is that the request and response packets sent between the terminal and the mainframe occupy a relatively large amount of the network's bandwidth. In large, heavily used networks, these two liabilities create unacceptable network congestion.
The future of mainframes
Owing to the overwhelming investment in mainframes over the decades by universities, businesses and other institutions, the mainframe model is still quite prevalent and will not disappear soon. However, with the advent of the Web and more sophisticated computing technologies, Web-based interfaces and other bridging technologies will replace, or at least greatly modify, the traditional "dumb terminal" and mainframe environment. Furthermore, fewer institutions are investing in the traditional mainframe model, opting instead for client/server and Web-based solutions. Often, mainframes remain in use, but users will not interact with them directly. In many cases, you will be using client/server technologies on the front end to gain access to information, but will in fact be accessing mainframes that perform some of the work on the back end.
Mainframes and cloud computing/Software as a Service (SaaS)
The term cloud computing (also known as Software as a Service [SaaS]) refers to the use of Web browsers to access sophisticated applications that reside on a remote series of servers. In many ways, cloud computing is a modern implementation of mainframes. The primary differences, though, are that today's server systems and clients are far more robust, there is more bandwidth available, and the Web browser is capable of doing far more work than a standard dumb terminal. Nevertheless, it is somewhat accurate to see today's cloud computing and SaaS model as a modern revamp of the mainframe model.
Cloud computing and Software as a Service (SaaS) are discussed in detail in the CIW Internet Business Associate course.
front end
A client that acts as an interface to a collection of servers (for example, mainframes or PC-based servers). A Web browser is a typical front-end client. back end A series of systems that fulfill requests made by a client. Back-end systems can include mainframes and servers containing information databases. cloud computing A computing paradigm in which users are able to access software and services over the Internet instead of from their desktops.
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Client/Server Model
The client/server model, also called distributed computing, attempts to reduce network slowdown by dividing processing tasks between the client (the front end) and the server (the back end). The back-end computer is generally more powerful than the front end, and is responsible for storing and presenting information. A client/server example is illustrated in Figure 1-2.
Client
Server
Figure 1-2: Client/server model
Client/server model databases and SQL
The client/server model contains two types of databases:
• Single database servers — information storage on one central computer system. • Distributed databases — information storage across several computers, while still
allowing searches and transactions to occur as if the information were stored centrally. The primary advantage of the distributed database approach is that it divides the task among several powerful computers and network connections. Such distribution tends to decrease the number of network bottlenecks.
Databases store information in an organized, tabular format. To enable transactions between these databases and users, the client/server model must translate human-readable language into machine-human-readable code. Thus far, the most efficient way to accomplish this task is by using the Structured Query Language, or SQL (pronounced "sequel").
SQL allows users to phrase queries on the front end that can be understood by the back end. Requesting data from a server in SQL involves the following process:
1. The user requests data.
2. The client computer translates the request into SQL. 3. The client sends the request to the server.
4. The server processes the request, which might involve communicating with a remote database or server.
5. The server delivers the response to the client.
6. The client delivers the response to the computer screen.
The key difference between this retrieval model and the one used by mainframes is that the client processes much of this request.
client An individual computer connected to a network. Also, a system or application (such as a Web browser or user agent) that requests a service from another computer (the server) and is used to access files or documents. server A computer in a network that manages the network resources and provides, or serves, information to clients. bottleneck A point in network communication at which information is processed more slowly. Also, any element (a hard drive, I/O card or network interface card) that slows network connectivity rates. data Information being stored, usually in a database.
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Client/server advantages
In addition to shared task processing, client/server benefits include a modular approach to computing. Because the client/server model allows you to add new system
components, you are not limited to one solution. At one time, network administrators had to choose between one system and another. However, with the advent of open standards such as Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) and Open Database Connectivity (ODBC), heterogeneous systems can work together more efficiently. For example, UNIX and Windows servers that use TCP/IP can work together, allowing businesses to scale solutions according to customer demand. The client/server model is scalable because it gives you the ability to adjust to new demands. The client/server model also allows users more control over their own files.
Two-tier, three-tier and n-tier computing
Traditional client/server relationships are similar to two-tier computing in that both computers are responsible for part of the processing task. In two-tier computing, one computer is responsible only for formatting the information on the screen. The other computer is responsible for both the process logic and the data storage. Client/server relationships distribute the task more evenly between the two computers. Client/server and two-tier computing are often considered legacy models.
Developers and networking professionals have cooperated further to create more efficient models, which separate business logic, presentation responsibilities and data into at least three separate levels, called tiers:
• Three-tier — In a common three-tier model, a Web server contains the business logic, a Web browser is responsible for presentation, and a database server contains the data.
• N-tier — An n-tier model uses multiple systems to divide responsibilities further. It is a more sophisticated version of three-tier computing in which many different
individual systems help process information.
Whenever you perform a transaction on a site such as eBay or Amazon.com, you are using either the three-tier or the n-tier model. Cloud computing is an example of n-tier computing.
Advantages of three-tier and n-tier computing
Separating these responsibilities into at least three different tiers provides the following benefits:
• Flexibility — It is possible to upgrade or change components in one tier without necessarily having to change components in the other two (or more).
• Increased speed — Because responsibilities are divided among at least three tiers, each tier can concentrate on only certain data to speed information processing. This division of responsibilities can reduce network latency.
Sometimes, three-tier/n-tier networking is referred to as Web-based networking because clients often use a Web browser to access network services.
Network Operations Center (NOC)
A Network Operations Center (NOC) is a specific location, usually a dedicated room, from which a network is managed, monitored and maintained. The term originally was used in relation to telecommunications networks, but is now used widely in relation to data
legacy model
A model that, because of its age, may not support modern technologies without manipulation or upgrades. business logic
The coding (usually in SQL) necessary to create relationships in the data stored in a database.
presentation responsibilities
The forms in which the data and business logic are presented on your screen. Presentation responsibilities include XHTML and HTML forms, and application-specific interfaces such as Web browsers. OBJECTIVE 3.1.8: Network Operations Centers (NOCs)
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networks. As data and telephony networks continue to converge, distinctions among equipment types will probably disappear as they relate to NOCs.
The NOC is the central point for network maintenance and troubleshooting. It contains workstations that are configured to display all activities and functions of the networks being monitored. For example, workstations are configured with packet sniffers and monitoring software that allow NOC administrators to quickly identify anomalous traffic (for example, worms, viruses, traffic spikes and downed networks). These workstations also contain management software, including firewall and router configuration software, and ways to control workstations remotely.
NOCs also generally include multiple, redundant network connections and redundant power supplies to help ensure communication and power. Most NOCs for larger companies also have dedicated telephones from a separate provider, as well as mobile phones, to ensure that they can communicate with the company and all ISPs and
Application Service Providers (ASPs) in an emergency or in case the company's
standard telephone provider experiences problems.
Networking Categories
All networks consist of the same three basic elements, as follows:
• Protocols — communication rules on which all network elements must agree. You will learn about networking protocols later in this lesson.
• Transmission media — media that enable all networking elements to interconnect. You will learn about transmission media later in this lesson.
• Network services — resources (such as printers) that are shared with all network users. You will learn about network services later in this course.
Aside from these similarities, two basic types of networks exist: • Peer-to-peer networks
• Server-based networks
Peer-to-peer network types
Peer-to-peer networks are subdivided into the following two types:
• Microsoft peer-to-peer — a legacy model in which Microsoft-based systems communicate with one another without using a centralized system to control authentication and access.
• P2P (peer-to-peer) — a modern model that supports many thousands of
simultaneous users who can download and upload files on a worldwide network.
Microsoft peer-to-peer network
Microsoft peer-to-peer networks tend to be less expensive and easier to work with than server-based networks. However, they are less secure, support fewer users (no more than 10) and experience more problems with file system management. Figure 1-3 illustrates a Microsoft peer-to-peer network.
Application Service Provider (ASP)
A company that provides applications and services (over the Internet) to individual or enterprise subscribers that would otherwise need to provide those applications and services on their own servers.
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Workstation Workstation Workstation Workstation
Figure 1-3: Peer-to-peer network model
Various Microsoft operating systems support peer-to-peer networking, including Windows XP and Windows Vista.
P2P network
A modern P2P network is created when a workstation uses add-on software to participate in large, decentralized networks that are usually located on the Internet. First popularized by the now-defunct free version of the Napster network, P2P networks include:
• Gnucleus (www.gnucleus.com/Gnucleus/). • Freenet (http://freenetproject.org/).
• JXTA (https://jxta.dev.java.net/). • KaZaA (www.kazaa.com).
Do not download files (for example, MP3s or unauthorized software) from these networks. Doing so may be illegal and can result in punitive action against you, your instructor and your training organization. Discussion of P2P networks should never be misconstrued as support for them or as an encouragement to use them.
These networks are often used to illicitly share copyrighted information (for example, audio files and software). However, these networks can be used for legitimate purposes. Following are the two types of P2P networks:
• Centralized — This type of network requires logging on to a central server, which maintains a database of all attached peer clients. Because logging on to a central server is required, this type of network is not a true peer-to-peer network. Napster is an example of this type of network. The fact that a group of central servers was used to maintain the database of remote clients allowed the service to be shut down easily. • Decentralized — This type of network consists of groups of clients/servers that
communicate with one another to create a network that has no single central database. The KaZaA network is an example.
Server-based network
A server-based network is a configuration of nodes, some of which are dedicated to providing resources to other hosts on the network. Dedicated nodes that make their resources available are called servers. These resources can include printers, applications and documents.
Server-based networks offer user security because a central database can track the resources that users can access. However, dedicated servers can be expensive. They may also require a full-time network administrator.
Figure 1-4 illustrates a server-based network.
node
Any entity on a network that can be managed, such as a system, repeater, router, gateway, switch or firewall. A computer or other addressable device attached to a network; a host. host A computer that other computers can use to gain information; in network
architecture, a host is a client or workstation.
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Client Client Client ServerFigure 1-4: Server-based network model
Examples of server nodes include: • Print servers.
• File servers. • Mail servers. • Web servers. • Database servers.
Client nodes can access these resources over the network. Examples of common network operating systems include:
• UNIX/Linux.
• Microsoft LAN Manager.
• Microsoft Windows 2003 Server/2008 Server.
Authentication
Network resources require users to authenticate before accessing resources. Server-based networks enable authentication in the following two ways:
• Centralized — In this mode, users access a single server or set of servers and present authentication information (for example, a user name and a password, or biometric information).
• Decentralized — In this mode, users access each individual server and present authentication information.
Centralized authentication has become increasingly popular because it simplifies the administration of users and user credentials.
Network Topologies
Topologies are basic configurations that information systems personnel use to wire networks. They are the basic design of any network. Topologies used to connect computer networks include bus, star, ring and hybrid.
Bus topology
Bus topology networks require that all computers, or nodes, connect to the same cable. When a computer sends data, that data is broadcast to all nodes on the network. Generally, traditional bus topologies are not used in modern networks.
authentication
The process of verifying the identity of a user who logs on to a system, or the integrity of transmitted data. OBJECTIVE 3.1.3: Network topologies
