Using Information Technology

Networks and Telecommunications

 From the Analog to the Digital Age

Analog - continuous and varying in strength and/or

quality

Digital - communications signals or information

represented in a two-stat (binary) way

Examples of analog devices:

 Speedometer, Thermometer, Tire-pressure gauge, Radio,

Telephone, Television

“Digital” is generally synonymous with “computer-

based.”
 Purpose of the Modem: Converting Digital
Signals to Analog Signals & Back
Modem - short for
modulate/demodulate
Sending modem - Receiving modem -
modulates digital signals demodulates the analog
into analog signals for signals back into digital
transmission over phone signals
lines
 Factors Affecting How Data Is Transmitted

Direction of transmission:
simplex, half-duplex, &
full-duplex

Simplex transmission -
data can travel in only one
direction
 Factors Affecting How Data Is Transmitted

Direction of transmission: Half-duplex transmission -

simplex, half-duplex, & data travels in both directions
full-duplex but only in one direction at a
time
 Factors Affecting How Data Is Transmitted

Direction of transmission: Full-duplex transmission -

simplex, half-duplex, & data is transmitted back and
full-duplex forth at the same time
 Networks

Network (communications network) - a system of

interconnected computers, telephones, or other
communications devices that can communicate with one
another and share applications and data.

Benefits of networks:

Sharing of peripheral devices

Sharing of programs and data
Better communications
Security of information
Access to databases
 Types of Networks

Wide area network (WAN) - a communications network

that covers a wide geographical area, such as a country
or the world
 Types of Networks

Metropolitan area network (MAN) - a communications

network covering a city or a suburb

Local area network (LAN) - connects computers and

devices in a limited geographical area
 Types of LANs

Client/server LAN:
Clients - microcomputers that request data; and
Server - a powerful microcomputer that manages
shared devices
 Types of LANs

File server - a computer that acts like a disk drive, storing the
programs and data files shared by users on a LAN.

Database server - a computer in a LAN that stores data but doesn’t

store programs.

Print server - controls one or more printers and stores the print-
image output from all the microcomputers on the system.

Web server - contains web pages that can be viewed using a

browser.

Mail server - manages e-mail.

 Types of LANs

Peer-to-peer LAN - all microcomputers on the network

communicate directly with one another without relying on
a server
 Components of LANs

Connection or cabling
system

Microcomputers with
network interface cards

Network OS

Other shared devices

Routers, bridges, and

gateways
 Components of LANs

Router - a special computer that directs

communicating messages when several
networks are connected together.

Bridge - an interface used to connect the same

types of networks.

Gateway - an interface permitting

communication between dissimilar networks.
 Topology of LANs

Topology - the logical layout, or shape, of a network.

Star network - one in which all microcomputers and other
communications devices are connected to a central server
 Topology of LANs

Ring network - one in

which all
microcomputers and
other communications
devices are connected
in a continuous loop
 Topology of LANs

Bus network - one in which all

communications devices are
connected to a common channel

Advantage:
 May be organized as either
a client/server or peer-to-peer
network.

Disadvantages:
 Extra circuitry and software
are needed to avoid collisions
between data; and
 Entire network may stop
working if a connection in the
bus is broken.
 Intranets, Extranets, & Firewalls

Intranet - an organization’s internal private network that

uses the infrastructure and standards of the Internet
and the WWW

Extranets - private intranets that connect not only

internal personnel but also selected suppliers and other
strategic parties

Firewalls - a system of hardware and software that

blocks unauthorized users inside and outside the
organization from entering the intranet