Business Network Systems and Hardware. Aim: The aim of this topic is to provide a layer of understanding of how networks work and how they are structured for different purposes. Stamper & Case (2003) defined data communications as "Any process that permits the passage from sender to one or more receivers of information of any nature delivered in an easy to use form (printed copy, fixed or moving pictures, visible or audio signals, etc.) by any electromagnetic system (electrical transmission by wire, radio, optical transmission, guided waves, etc.). Includes telegraphy, telephony, video- telephony, data transmission, etc." In computer networking, a topology refers to the layout of connected devices, this can include traditional hardware normal associated with networks like personal computers, servers, routers, printers and so forth, but it can also include non-traditional hardware like entertainment systems, wifi access points and other network controllable devices. We will also investigate the components that make a network function including the types and standards of cables used as well as looking at some of the infrastructure required to make networks function. The Objectives of these technical topics are to: · Understand the major components of LANs and WANs . Review the cable standards used to connect networks together. · Review the connecting technology involved in delivering data on networks · Describe host-based, client-based, client-server and peer-to-peer network architectures . Compare and contrast the features of the above network architectures · Review some of the main types of hosting a server does on a business network.
What is Data Communications? Like human communications data communications also involves the following requirements. · The Message: For two entities to communicate, there must be a message exchanged between them. Can vary in form such as text, audio, video or image and be varying lengths. In business data communications, messages include files, requests for data/information, responses to requests, network status information, network control message and correspondence. · A Sender: The transmitter of the message. A sender can be either a person or a machine. Computers can use a system with enough intelligence to originate a message or respond to a message without needing human intervention. Sensors, scanners and other input devices may also be senders in today's networks. · A Receiver: Can include terminals, network printers, display devices, people and computer controllable devices such as drill presses, lighting systems and air conditioners. Even though a message and a sender can exist without a receiver, communication cannot take place unless there is a receiver. For example, a network server may transmit a message that the network will shut down in 30 minutes but if all the nodes are turned off at that moment, no communication has occurred. . The Medium: Refers to the actual carrier of data signals between senders and receivers. Business data communication networks often use a variety of media to transmit data, including wires, radio waves and light pulses. · An Understanding of message by receiver: Interpretation of the message which can involve encoding and decoding techniques.