Local Area Networks

At the end of this episode, I will be able to:

1. Describe the components and attributes of a local area network.

Learner Objective: Describe the components and attributes of a local area network

Description: In this episode, the learner will identify the components and attributes of a local
area network.

• Introduction to Network Infrastructure

o Local area networks (LAN)
▪ What is a network? - A group of computers, connected to common
network links for the purpose of communication and sharing resources.
▪ What are LANs? - A network comprising a single geographical region.
▪ Components
▪ Client workstations
▪ Laptops
▪ Mobile devices
▪ Servers
▪ Cabling - bounded transmission media
▪ Standardized media
▪ Copper or fiber
▪ Connectivity or intermediate devices (Access points, switches,
routers)
▪ Network Models
▪ Host-based - a centralized powerful computer performs all storage
and processing of data. User inputs are captured from terminals,
output is displayed on the terminal.
▪ Client/Server - The most popular network model in modern
networks, in which computers called clients request services and
resources from other computers. Servers are the computers in a
client/server network that respond to and provide services based on
client requests.
▪ Peer-to-peer - a decentralized network model in which every
device evenly (peer) shares the various functions of the network
(requesting resources and providing resources).