September 2009
Intermediate to advanced
912 pages
25h 20m
English
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Chapter 1. Networking Introduction
IN THIS CHAPTER
Network and transmission types
Topologies
pLANs, LANs, MANs, CANs, and WANs
A computer network is a connection or set of connections made between two or more computers for the purpose of exchanging data. Networks are built from a variety of building blocks: computers, switches, cables, and so forth. In order to classify networks into different types, you need to consider factors such as the number of elements, distribution of objects, and connection methods. In this chapter, different types of networks are described, as well as how the different network types impact their design.
The smallest network is a direct attachment between two computers with a cable. Peer-to-peer systems are used in computer workgroups where there are a small number of systems that don't require a central service. Some computer buses are configurable and thus are considered small networks. These are called personal LANs, or pLANs, and Bluetooth is an example of this type of network. USB is not configurable and is therefore not a network.
A network that spans an office, floor, or building is called a local area network, or LAN. LANs can support multiple protocols, and connect different types of clients. A LAN that is separated by a bridging element would be considered a separate LAN. When the bridge separates multiple LANs that are geographically dispersed, it is considered a wide area network, or WAN.
You can analyze and categorize network topologies in terms of ...
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I wanted to learn C and C++, but it didn't click for me until I picked up an O'Reilly book. When I went on the O’Reilly platform, I was astonished to find all the books there, plus live events and sandboxes so you could play around with the technology.Addison B.
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I'm always learning. So when I got on to O'Reilly, I was like a kid in a candy store. There are playlists. There are answers. There's on-demand training. It's worth its weight in gold, in terms of what it allows me to do.