2 - Networking fundamentals

Abstract

This chapter presents the basic concepts related to different types of networks. A local area network (LAN) is a communication path between one or more computers, file-servers, terminals, workstations, and various other intelligent peripheral equipment, which are generally referred to as devices or hosts. A LAN allows access to devices to be shared by several users, with full connectivity between all stations on the network. It is usually owned and administered by a private owner and is located within a localized group of buildings. The connection of a device into a LAN is made through a node, which is any point where a device is connected and each node is allocated a unique address number. This chapter explains the difference between circuit switching and packet switching. It also explains the difference between connectionless and connection oriented communication. Basic concepts of local area networks, metropolitan area networks, wide area networks, virtual private networks and the concept of layered communications model is also discussed. The chapter also describes the functions of each layer in the OSI reference model, and outlines the structure and relevance of the IEEE 802 (ISO 8802) series of Standards and Working Groups.