Network types

Overview

Networks exist in a variety of types;

A peer to peer network shares the load of the network
A server network has a dedicated computer to handle the network

A Local Area network connects computers in a single building
A Metropolitan Area network connects buildings within a town or city
A Wide Area network connects cities and countries together.

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Peer to peer

[Peer to peer diagram]

Peer to peer networking is where all computers on the network share the load of the network.

In its simplest form this may be a print spooler connecting two computers to a printer via the standard connectors at the back of a PC.

Adding a network card, and some software (such as Windows with Workgroup features (eg. 3.11, Win95 )), will allow for a more sophisticated network.

Zero slot LAN

	Features	No File Server. RS-232, or Parallel port based Data, and Printer sharing. These packages let a few users share resources among themselves using the Serial, or Parallel Ports of their PC's
	Disadvantages	Slower Speed than a dedicated File Server, limited number of Nodes ( < 5)
	Advantages	Transferring files, Printer Sharing, Low Cost
	Products	LapLink , LANlink, EasyLAN, LANtastic/Z
	Price	$50 Node

Low cost LAN

	Features	MS-DOS Based, or Proprietary Operating System Non-dedicated File Server
	Products	Novell ELS Netware II, LANtastic, TOPS/DOS, PC/NOS, LANsmart
	Price	$300 - $600 / 5 x Nodes
	Hardware	Use Ethernet, Twisted Pairs cables, and a Network Card.

Examples:

Twisted pair:

Unshielded Twisted pair cable (like telephone cable)

Office connect hub (A box acting as the communications backbone)

Ethernet network interface card (nic) for each PC.

Software

All PCs connected to the hub in a star topology.

Thin Ethernet

Thin ethernet cables to connect PC to PC in a bus topology. Cables like that used for TV ariels.

Thin ethernet compatible ethernet cards.

T connectors and two terminators.

Ref: Gibbs,M. & Malcolm, A.(1998, Mar)

Server

[Server LAN]

A server LAN has one or more dedicated PC's to handle the network functions.

A server may dedicated to functions including;

File sharing,
Printer sharing or
Communications handling.

Multi-user

Features

Allow 2 - 7 workstations.
(Simple inexpensive RS-232 Terminals) to run MS DOS applications on an 80386/80486 PC.
The File Server uses a Proprietary "Multi-tasking" Operating System that creates a "Virtual DOS Machine" Task for each user connected to the File Server.

Disadvantages

Lack of Data, File, or Task security

Price

$1660 / Node

Products

386 Multiware, PC-MOS 386, Concurrent DOS 386, Quick Connect, SCO XENIX

High cost LAN

Features

Require a dedicated File Server Based on OS/2 or a non DOS based Proprietary operating system. Excellent Performance, rivalling Minicomputers
Typically used in conjunction with a High Performance File Server (Pentium class)
Eg ; Compaq SystemPro (Dual Processor)

Products

Novell's Netware, Microsoft LAN Manager

Price

$2,500 / Node

Hybrid

[Hybrid LAN]

A combination of Peer-to-peer and Server LANs.

Local area network (LAN)

As mentioned before;

a LAN is a data communication facility providing high speed switched connections between processors, peripherals, and terminals within a single building, site or workgroup.
LAN

Metropolitan area network (MAN)

A network between office buildings within a city.

The cellular telephone is creating new applications for the MAN.

What is a WOMAN ?

Wide area network (WAN)

A network covering a wide geographical area possibly spanning the country and maybe continents.
Usually makes use of microwave and satellite communication channels.

eg. Internet, Stock market

Practical implications and problems

Usually transmit data over public thoroughfares and must use communications circuits of a telephone company.
Heterogeneous systems
- Different brands
- Different sizes (micro, mini, main)
Multiple providers

Joke Answer(s)

(Wide or Metropolitan Area Network!!)

(Terrible joke courtsey : Greg O !)

	Twisted pair: Unshielded Twisted pair cable (like telephone cable) Office connect hub (A box acting as the communications backbone) Ethernet network interface card (nic) for each PC. Software All PCs connected to the hub in a star topology.
	Thin Ethernet Thin ethernet cables to connect PC to PC in a bus topology. Cables like that used for TV ariels. Thin ethernet compatible ethernet cards. T connectors and two terminators.