ICT

LECTURE 5
INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER NETWORKING
PREPARED BY MRS CHINYAMA
 OBJECTIVES
• At the end of this lesson you should be able to:
• Define and explain what computer networking is.
• Define the importance of computer networking
• Outline the advantages and disadvantages of computer networking
• Outline the functions of a network administrator.
 INTRODUCTION
• What is Networking?
• Networking involves connecting computers and other electronic devices for
the purpose of sharing information and resources and for communication
• A great deal of technology is required for one device to connect and
communicate with another, and many choices for physical connections and
related software are possible
 Networking Fundamentals
• An elementary network consists of two computers connected by some kind of
transmission medium
• Motivation: need to share data and to communicate quickly and efficiently
• Sharing enables users to exchange information and route data between them as workflow
demands
• Can improve human communication substantially
• Peripheral device sharing enables users to take advantage of peripherals and other devices
attached directly to a network or to a generally available computer attached to a network
 NETWORKS ARE USED TO?
• Facilitate communication via email, video conferencing, instant messaging,
etc.
• Enable multiple users to share a single hardware device like a printer or
scanner.
• Enable file sharing across the network.
• Allow for the sharing of software or operating programs on remote systems.
• Make information easier to access and maintain among network users.
Networking Fundamentals (continued)
 IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTER
NETWORKING
• Cut back on costs: Since the computers are interconnected, resource
pooling is efficient. Printers, copiers and backup storages are shared among
employees. This eliminates the need to buy single IT assets for each
employee.
• Boost storage capacity and volume: Computer networks pools their entire
data to a central data storage server. This data is accessible to all employees.
With a central server, you lower the number of storage servers needed. And
you increase the efficiency of operations.
 IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTER
NETWORKING
• Optimize convenience and flexibility: Computer networks enable flexible
operations. The data is not stored in a local server making it accessible with
internet connectivity. You can access your data from any device.
• Streamline communication: Networking allows you to send and receive
text messages and files in real time. Information is available and easy to
access from any device. You only need a reliable internet connection. Even if
your device shuts down, you log in from a different device and access your
data.
 ADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
NETWORKING
• Sharing devices such as printers saves money.
• Site (software) licenses are likely to be cheaper than buying several standalone
licenses.
• Files can easily be shared between users.
• Network users can communicate by email and instant messenger.
• Security is good - users cannot see other users' files unlike on stand-alone machines.
• Data is easy to backup as all the data is stored on the file server.
 DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
NETWORKING
• Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive.
• Managing a large network is complicated, requires training and a network manager
usually needs to be employed.
• If the file server breaks down the files on the file server become inaccessible. Email
might still work if it is on a separate server. The computers can still be used but are
isolated.
• Viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer network.
• There is a danger of hacking, particularly with wide area networks. Security
procedures are needed to prevent such abuse, e.g. a firewall.
 DISADVANTAGES OF COMPUTER
NETWORKING
• Low productivity: Computer networks are flexible, but employee
productivity is a concern. The internet presents a minefield of distractions.
Employees may engage in unsolicited file sharing or instant messaging during
work hours.
 NETWORK ADMISTRATOR
• A network administrator is an IT expert who manages an organization's
network
• The network administrator must possess a high level of technological
knowledge and is most commonly the highest level of technical staff within
a given organization
 FUNCTIONS OF A NETWORK
ADMINISTRATOR
• Network administrators keep networks operational and monitor functions
and operations within the network.
• There responsible for installing, maintaining and upgrading any software or
hardware required to efficiently run a computer network
• The IT or computer network may extend to a local area network, wide area
network, the Internet and intranets.
• Network administrators take control of new network additions or even
create a new network completely from scratch
 FUNCTIONS OF A NETWORK
ADMINISTRATOR
• may also technically take part in the management and maintenance of
desktop computers, servers, printers, switches, routers, firewalls, software
implementations, security updates, VPN gateways, file servers, intrusion
detection systems
 CONCLUSION
• Computer networking is the interconnection of two or more computers for
the purpose of communication and sharing information.