FBLA Networking Infrastructures Competencies

Advantages of Networks

Storage capacity

Cost efficiency

Central storage of data

Resource sharing

Disadvantages of Networks

Security & viruses/malware

Requires technical operation

High Initial Cost

Reliance on the network (break downs)

Personal Area Network (PAN)

Smallest most basic network type. Made up of a wireless modem, computer or two, phones, printers, tablets, etc., and is focused on one person in one building. Often found in small offices or homes, and are managed by one person or organization from a single device

Local Area Network (LAN)

One of the most common, original, and simple types of networks. Connects groups of computers and low-voltage devices across short distances, like between a couple of close buildings or within a building , to share resources and info. They can use routers to connect to wide area networks (WANs) and rapidly/ safely transfer data.

Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

They function like LANs, but don't require cable connections to the network

Campus Area Network (CAN)

Larger than LANs, they are used for campuses like universities or large school districts. They can be used in several buildings fairly close to each other and allow users to share resources.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Larger than LANs but smaller than WANs, they span a large geographic area (often a town/city or large campus). Ownership and maintenance is handled by either a person or company (a local council, perhaps)

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A little bit more complex than a LAN, they connect computers across longer physical distances. It allows computer/low-voltage devices to remotely connect on a large network when they're miles apart. The internet is a basic example of a WAN. They are typically owned/maintained by multiple admins or the public.

Storage Area Network (SAN)

A dedicated high-speed network used to connect storage devices to several servers. They move resources away from the network and put them in their own better network. They can be accessed like a drive attached to a server. Types include: converged, virtual, and unified.

System Area Network (SAN)

New term used to describe somewhat local networks that provide high-speed connection in server-to-server applications, SANs, and processor-to-processor applications. The computers connected to them operate as a single system at very high speeds.

Passive Optical Local Area Network (POLAN)

An alternative to switch-based Ethernet LANs. Uses optical splitters to split an optical signal from one strand of singlemode optical fiber into multiple signals to serve users/devices. They overcome concerns about supporting traditional Ethernet protocols and some network applications (like Power over Ethernet).

Enterprise Private Network (EPN)

Built & owned by businesses for the purpose of securely connecting their various locations to share resources.

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

Private network extended across the internet. Allows users to send/receive data like a private network. uses a virtual point-to-point connection.

Intranet

Close room computer system - covers a small area & can only be accessed by authorized people within an Organization.

Extranet

controlled private network that allows access to certain groups, like vendors and customers. It's usually accessible from an organization's internet

World Wide Web (WWW)

Service used on the internet to view and search webpages

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

A protocol used for voice transfer over IP network. Facilitates internet phone calls between users

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

A set of communication standards that transmit voice, video, data, and other network services simultaneously.

Digital Subscriber Line (DSL)

A family of technologies used to transmit digital data over telephone lines. High speed bandwidth connection from a phone wall jack or existing phone line.

Broadband

A wide bandwidth data transmission that transports multiple signals and traffic types quickly.

Domain Name System (DNS)

A hierarchical system for naming resources on the Internet.

Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP)

Dynamically assigns IP address information (for example, IP address, subnet mask, DNS server's IP address, and default gateway's IP address) to network devices.

Internet Service Provider (ISP)

Organization that offers user access to internet and related services.

Windows Internet Name Service (WINS)

A service that resolves NetBIOS names to IP addresses.

host files

An OS file used to map host names to IP addresses

Transmission Control Protocol/ Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)

suite of communication protocols for the internet & similar networks

Network Interface Card (NIC)

Connects a computer to a computer network

Media Access Control (MAC)

controls hardware responsible for interacting with transmission medium

Shielding

surrounding electronics with conductive material to guard against emissions of electromagnetic frequencies (EMF)

Crosstalk

signals from one thing mess up something else

Attenuation

reduction of the amplitude of a signal or current

Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN)

A communication standard for sending voice, video or data over digital telephone lines.

Switched Multi-megabit Data Service (SMDS)

connectionless service to connect LANs MANs, & WANs, outdated

Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM)

telecomm. standard for transmission of multiple types in one network without separate overlay networks

Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI)

A standard for transmitting data on optical fiber cables at a rate of around 100 Mbps. It uses the ring topology.

RJ11

6 pin connection cable for telephone sets

RJ45

8 pin connection cable commonly used for LAN and ADSL connections. Common for connecting computers, networks, telecomms & factory automations

SC Connector

- Type of connector used in fiber optic cabling.

- Snap-in with 2.5 mm ferrule.

ST Connector

- Type of connector used in fiber optic cabling.

- Uses bayonet connector with 2.5 mm ceramic or polymer ferrule.

MT-RJ Connector

• Used with single mode and multimode cabling.

• Composed of a plastic connector with a locking tab.

• Uses metal guide pins to ensure that it is properly aligned.

• A single connector with one end holds both cables.

• Uses a ceramic ferrule to ensure proper core alignment and to prevent light ray deflection.

network security plan

install, configure, upgrade, optimize security

Firewall

a part of a computer system or network that is designed to block unauthorized access while permitting outward communication.

Hardware = protects entire network

Software = protects single device

disaster prevention and recovery

backup and restore

packet sniffing

inspecting information packets as they travel the Internet and other networks

Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model

a seven-layer architecture for defining how data is transmitted from computer to computer in a network, from the physical connection to the network to the applications that users run. It also standardizes interactions between network computers exchanging information.

Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)

A standard for delivering content, such as Web pages, to mobile devices.