Chapter 1 An Introduction to Networking.

Networking: In a social sense is a way of connecting and sharing with others who have similar interest, careers, religions, languages… This is similar with computer networking computers have to have a common language, users that have common interests/gaols. Whether it be business, social, religious… we are seeing more networking as the net(internet) grows.

This networking has grown from the simple Sneaker Net(One to One) sharing files via the floppy disk, USB drive ... To Peer to Peer hooking up small network sharing files between up to 10 computers. To Client Server Networks where data and resource are centrally stored/shared on a server. Users/clients then login into share the resources provided by the servers (Printing, File Sharing, e-mail,). Although it is more complex to set up it then the first two methods it creates central administrative feature making them easier to manage, more scalable and more secure if set up properly.

The Client Server Networks needs a NO (Network Operating System). These are some of the popular NOs are Novell, Linux, MS Windows Server, Unix, MAC. Each of these are purchased as a per user/client license so your cost based on the number of users.

The following are the types of networks that support Client Server Networks:

LAN (Local Area Network) – A network in one building. This could also be a Peer to Peer Network.

WLAN (Wireless Local Area Network) – A network that links two or more computers or devices using spread-spectrum or OFDM modulation technology based to enable communication between devices in a limited area. This gives users the mobility to move around within a broad coverage area and still be connected to the network.

MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) - A network that is larger than a LAN, typically connecting clients and servers from multiple buildings, but within a limited geographic area.

WAN (Wide Area Network) - A network that spans a long distance and connects two or more LANs.

GAN (Global Area Network) –A network that is composed of different interconnected computer networks (WANs) and also covers an unlimited geographical area.

Another type of network:

PAN (Personal Area Network) - A computer network used for communication among computer devices (including telephones and personal digital assistants) close to one's person.

Certifications:
There are two types of Certifications, professional organizations and vendor specific. The CompTIA (Computer Technology Industry Association) is an example of a non-vendor specific certification. To see the certifications they support click on the following link.

http://www.comptia.org/certifications/listed.aspx

Vendor Specific would be certification by the vendor of their products (Microsoft, Cisco, Novell...).

Both types of certifications are recognized worldwide as a trusted indicator of qualified and competent professionals in the IT industry. Obtaining these certifications will help you obtain the career goals you have in the IT industry.