Networking Course Table of Contents

Table of Contents

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Preface i

On Becoming a CNE i

About This Course ii

About This Coursebook iii

Course Objectives iiii

Chapter 1 - The Growth of Networking Technology 1-1

Modern Benefits of Networking 1-1

1. Data Sharing 1-1

2. Resource Sharing 1-3

The Development of Computer Networks 1-3

1. Life Before Networking 1-3

2. Early Connections 1-4

3. Modern Networking 1-6

Chapter 1 Study Tips 1-9

Chapter 2 - Local Area Networks 2-1

Network Topologies 2-1

1. Point-to-Point Topology 2-1

2. Bus Topology 2-2

3. Star Topology 2-3

4. Ring Topology 2-5

5. Mesh Topology 2-6

6. Special Topology 2-6

Components 2-7

1. Servers 2-7

2. Workstations 2-8

3. Network Interface Cards 2-9

4. Hubs 2-9

5. Peripherals 2-10

6. Software 2-10

Communication Schemes 2-11

1. Contention 2-11

2. Token Passing Scheme 2-12

3. Polling 2-13

Transmission Media 2-14

1. Twisted Pair Cabling 2-15

2. Coaxial Cable 2-16

3. Fiber Optic Cable 2-18

4. Cabling Summary 2-19

Wireless Media 2-21

1. Radio 2-21

2. Infrared 2-23

3. Wireless LAN Media Summary 2-24

Chapter 2 Study Tips 2-26

Chapter 3 - Connectivity 3-1

Repeaters 3-2

Bridges 3-3

Routers 3-5

Gateways 3-7

Chapter 3 Study Tips 3-9

Chapter 4 - Wide Area Networking 4-1

Public Telephone System 4-1

1. Terminology 4-1

2. Wide Area Networking With Telephone Lines 4-3

3. Integrated Services Digital Network 4-5

Microwave Technology 4-11

Laser Technology 4-12

Switching Technology 4-14

1. Message Switching 4-14

2. Packet Switching 4-16

3. Circuit Switching 4-18

Chapter 4 Study Tips 4-21

Chapter 5 - Data Communications Technology 5-1

Analog and Digital Signals 5-1

Converting and Translating Data 5-4

1. Analog Encoding Methods 5-4

2. Digital Encoding Methods 5-6

3. Converting Signal Types 5-10

Multiple Signal Transmission Schemes 5-12

1. Time-Division Multiplexing 5-12

2. Frequency-Division Multiplexing 5-14

Chapter 5 Study Tips 5-16

Chapter 6 - Networking Standards and References 6-1

Reference and Standard-Setting Organizations 6-1

1. International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 6-1

2. Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) 6-2

The Open Systems Interconnection Model 6-4

Data Frame Construction and Use 6-6

Important IEEE Specifications 6-8

1. Higher Layers and Management 6-9

2. 802.2 - Logical Link Control 6-9

Chapter 6 Study Tips 6-15

Chapter 7 - Lower Layer Protocols 7-1

Physical Layer Specifications 7-1

1. The RS-232 Standard 7-1

2. Other Standards 7-2

Data Link Layer Specifications 7-3

Ethernet Systems 7-6

ARCnet Systems 7-8

Token Ring Systems 7-12

Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) 7-15

LocalTalk Systems 7-17

Chapter 7 Study Tips 7-21

Chapter 8 - Software Protocols 8-1

Novell NetWare 8-1

1. The IPX Packet 8-2

2. The SPX Packet 8-4

TCP/IP Protocols 8-8

1. The IP Packet 8-10

2. The TCP Packet 8-12

3. Additional TCP/IP-Related Protocols 8-15

SNA (Systems Network Architecture) 8-17

GOSIP (Government OSI Profile) and OSI 8-21

Other Protocols 8-24

1. AppleTalk 8-24

2. DNA (Digital Network Architecture) 8-28

Chapter 8 Study Tips 8-32

Chapter 9 - Future Trends In Networking 9-1

Total Transparency 9-1

Distributed Computing and Management 9-2

Increased Access 9-3

A Changing Business 9-4

Chapter 9 Study Tips 9-7

Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Netguru.net