1. Explanation of Networks
- What is a
network?
- Why do schools
build networks?
- Types of networks
- Common Terms
Photo Credits: flickr.com

2. What is a Network?
Connects users to
devices
Consists of:
 Clients
 Infrastructure
 Networking
Electronics
Photo Credits: flickr.com

3. Clients, Infrastructure, Networking Electronics
 Clients
 These are the users
 Infrastructure
 The makeup
 Wires, fiber optics,…
 Networking Electronics
 Devices that move
 Stores data
Photo Credits: flickr.com

4. Why do Schools build Networks?
Efficient access to information
Opportunities for student collaborative learning
Interdisciplinary curriculum
Professional growth through online courses
A more active and connected community
Shared access
Easier scheduling
Shared devices
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5. Types of Networks
LAN
 Local Area Network
WAN
 Wide Area Network
WLAN
 Wireless Local Area Network
MAN
 Metropolitan Area Network
CAN
 Campus Area Network…..
SAN
 Storage Area Network….
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6. Most Common Networks
LAN
 All clients share a common infrastructure
 Typically in the same building
WAN
 Links two or more LANs
 Separated by distance
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7. Network Common Terms
Protocol
Platform
Media type
Topologies
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8. Protocol
Standard for how devices communicate
 Physical Protocols
 Voltage levels on wires
 Network Protocols
 Retransmit of data
 Protocol Suite
 Group of protocols working together

9. Platform
Combination of a hardware & an operating family
Examples
 Macintosh OS
 Windows
 UNIX
Many school networks are mutiplatform
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10. Media Type
Pathway for the data
Examples
 Fiber optics
 Copper wire
 Radio waves
Photo Credits: flickr.com

11. Topology
Shape of a network
The most common shape is a star with all the clients
stations connected to a central point
Photo Credits: Flickr.com, Flickr.com, Flickr.com
Star Ring Bus

12. References
Mitchell, B. (n.d.). Introduction to Network Types.
About.com. Retrieved from
http://compnetworking.about.com/od/basicnetwork
ingconcepts/a/network_types.htm
Northwest Educational Technology Consortium
(2005). A Guide to Networking for K-12 Schools.
Retrieved from
http://www.netc.org/network_guide/
Wise Geek (2003-2013). Network Devices.
Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-
network-devices.htm