Small networks are often called Local Area Networks [LAN]. A LAN is a network allowing easy access to other computers or peripherals. The typical characteristics of a LAN are,
physically limited (< 2km)
high bandwidth (> 1mbps)
inexpensive cable media (coax or twisted pair)
data and hardware sharing between users
owned by the user
BASIC NETWORK COMPONENTSThere are a number of components which are used to build networks. An understanding of these is essential in order to support networks. This is a discussion on some of the elements which make up a network [LAN].
Network Adapter CardsA network adapter card plugs into the workstation, providing the connection to the network. Adapter cards come from many different manufacturers, and support a wide variety of cable media and bus types [ISA, MCA, EISA, PCI, PCMCIA]. For an explanation about various bus types, click here.
New cards are software configurable, using a software program to configure the resources used by the card. Other cards are PNP [plug and Play], which automatically configure their resources when installed in the computer, simplifying installation. With an operating system like Windows 95, auto-detection of new hardware makes network connections simple and quick.
On power-up, the computer detects the new network card, assigns the correct resources to it, and then installs the networking software required for connection to the network. All the user need do is assign the network details like computer name.
For Ethernet or 10BaseT cards, each card is identified by a twelve digit hexadecimal number. This number uniquely identifies the computer. These network card numbers are used in the Medium Access [MAC] Layer to identify the destination for the data. When talking to another computer, the data you send to that computer is prefixed with the number of the card you are sending the data to.
This allows intermediate devices in the network to decide in which direction the data should go, in order to transport the data to its correct destination.
A typical adapter card looks like,
physically limited (< 2km)
high bandwidth (> 1mbps)
inexpensive cable media (coax or twisted pair)
data and hardware sharing between users
owned by the user
BASIC NETWORK COMPONENTSThere are a number of components which are used to build networks. An understanding of these is essential in order to support networks. This is a discussion on some of the elements which make up a network [LAN].
Network Adapter CardsA network adapter card plugs into the workstation, providing the connection to the network. Adapter cards come from many different manufacturers, and support a wide variety of cable media and bus types [ISA, MCA, EISA, PCI, PCMCIA]. For an explanation about various bus types, click here.
New cards are software configurable, using a software program to configure the resources used by the card. Other cards are PNP [plug and Play], which automatically configure their resources when installed in the computer, simplifying installation. With an operating system like Windows 95, auto-detection of new hardware makes network connections simple and quick.
On power-up, the computer detects the new network card, assigns the correct resources to it, and then installs the networking software required for connection to the network. All the user need do is assign the network details like computer name.
For Ethernet or 10BaseT cards, each card is identified by a twelve digit hexadecimal number. This number uniquely identifies the computer. These network card numbers are used in the Medium Access [MAC] Layer to identify the destination for the data. When talking to another computer, the data you send to that computer is prefixed with the number of the card you are sending the data to.
This allows intermediate devices in the network to decide in which direction the data should go, in order to transport the data to its correct destination.
A typical adapter card looks like,
posted by Deepak at 11:16 AM
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