Technical
Implementation
NETWORKING AND CONNECTIVITY
Content
Description and exemplification of cloud-based services including:
◦ data storage
◦ mail services
◦ software updates
Description and exemplification of web hosting.
Description and exemplification of current trends in networking and connectivity
including:
◦ bandwidth
◦ transmission media
◦ hardware such as hubs, switches and routers
Description and exemplification of the appropriate type of network connection
required for a specific information system including:
◦ hardware
◦ transmission media
◦ bandwidth
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What is a network ?
What is a stand-alone computer ?
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How are computers connected together?
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LAN & WAN
LAN
WAN
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Peer to Peer
In a peer to peer network there is no centralised
server managing the network. The computers are
linked together to enable them to send and
receive data.
Each computer must have its own separate set of
application programs, security and backing
storage.
Files are saved ‘locally’ onto the hard disk of that
computer.
Since there is no centrally organised security of
backup on a Peer to Peer network. They are only
suitable for ‘trusting’ environments e.g. home use.
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Client/Server
Clients are workstations on the network. Commonly desktop
computers.
Servers are central computers that handle logging-on, internet
access, file handling etc.
Servers have:
◦ multiple powerful processors
◦ large memory capacity
Types of servers:
◦ Print Servers
◦ Web Servers
◦ File Servers
◦ Proxy Servers
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Extra benefits of client server
networks
◦ Flexible access – users can access files from any
computer connected to the network.
◦ Different Levels of access e.g. Teacher, pupil
◦ Central backup can be done by the network manager
Cloud Systems
In a local set-up information is stored
locally on the computer and the
processor does all the processing
(LOCAL).
In a cloud system information is
stored on a web based server and
users can get access to the
information from anywhere in the
world (REMOTE).
Where is the cloud?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGhayXsJpHA
Examples of cloud systems
Google Docs
Microsoft office 365
Gmail/Yahoo mail
DropBox
OneDrive
Apple iCloud
Google Drive
Youtube
Facebook
Tick the systems
you have heard
of.
Advantages of Cloud Systems
Decreases the hardware and software demands placed on local computers.
Applications don’t need to be stored on local computers – freeing memory
space.
If a remote application is being used it will use the processing in the remote
server and ease the workload for the local processor.
Files used are stored on the remote server so a large amount of backing
storage is not required.
◦ Why is good for smartphones and tablet devices?
Cloud Based Services
There are 3 main types of cloud based
services◦data storage
◦mail services
◦software updates
Data Storage
•Data Storage is the most common feature of cloud services.
•Allows users to upload files that they can access again from any connected
internet ready device, not just the device used to upload the files.
•Users login and are then given access to files. Any changes are saved on the
cloud and are evident in real time.
•Some well-known cloud storage providers are: Dropbox, Google Drive,
Microsoft OneDrive, Apple iCloud
•Storage capacities vary from provider to provider and many data storage
providers also have subscription fees to allow for storage of more files.
•What types of files have large capacity?
•Another key feature of data storage is the ability to collaborate on documents
stored online.
E-Mail Services Advantages
•When using cloud based email, users need to log in via the internet and all
services run via the browser
Advantages:
•allowing access on a range of devices as long as internet connection is present
•no need to purchase or manage an internal email infrastructure
•multi device access when an internet connection exists
•security and anti-virus costs for email are removed as this is handled by the cloud
email supplier
•integrated access to files stored in the cloud
•integrated ability to open attachments from within the cloud email system.
Systems like Google Apps and Microsoft 365 support use of software from within a
cloud email system
E-Mail Services Disadvantages
•Organisations who migrate to cloud email pay subscription fees
to use the email system. However, these costs should be less than
those associated with managing and running an internal system.
•Disadvantages:
•dependence on an internet connection even if used in-house
•organisation needs to ensure that the available bandwidth can
cope with increased demand that email traffic may bring
•control over security is taken out of the companies’ hands, often
meaning that large organisations are reluctant to migrate to
cloud email
Software Updates
•A criticism of many local area networks is that software such as word processing,
spreadsheet, email and database systems were often updated long after the
release of software commercially. This is because a level of testing is always
necessary to ensure that the client/server structure can cope with software
rollouts and updates.
•If an organisation uses cloud services, such as Google Apps or Microsoft 365,
users will always have access to the most up to date versions of software. This is
because software systems that run in browser and on the cloud are updated
regularly and automatically by the cloud provider. Similarly, many of these
systems allow employees to download their own version of the software for use
at home. Links to the software to be downloaded will always be compatible with
the cloud based system and are generally kept up to date a lot more often than
local area network versions.
•This also extends to security software for email servers. Where internally
managed servers would have an update schedule managed by the company,
cloud based email security is the responsibility of the cloud provider and is
updated automatically.
Advantages of Cloud-Based
Services
•Remote Accessibility- users can access files from anywhere in
the world (as long as they have an internet connection)
•Easy Expansion- If more storage space is required then the
company just needs to purchase more. There is no need to
cost and purchase the hardware and have it installed.
•Security- High level of security involved, less prone to hacking
and DOS attacks as it is harder to pinpoint the exact location
of the data, real-time backups.
•Environmentally Friendly- companies can reduce their
electricity expenses. They don’t have to power their own
servers.
Disadvantages of Cloud-Based
Services
•Bandwidth Constraints- using services remotely will require a high
bandwidth connection and constant internet access.
•Security concerns- the data is physically more secure and backed up but
employees and users must keep their details safe.
•Public Perception- there have been several high profile breaches of security
so public perception is low.
•Data Protection- one of the terms of the DPA states that data should be
stored in the EU. Cloud services can’t guarantee this. This means the
customer may not have complete control of their data.
Web Hosting
•Web Hosting is a service that enables a company to make and
host their website over the internet.
•Can be a costly service depending on the services provided.
A web host provides◦ space on a server to host the website
◦ an interface that will allow the users to edit or amend the contents
of web pages.
◦ facility to upload files
◦ provide or help to provide a domain name
◦ access to server-side scripting
◦ ability to host databases
Web Hosting Print Screen
Web Host Company
Find a web hosing company and take a note of the fees and services
offered.
Web Hosting Types
•Free – limited service offered and the website will
often have to include advertising.
•Shared-the website is placed on a web server along
with thousands of other websites. They share RAM
and processor power.
•Dedicated-every user/company gets its own server
and has full control over it.
What web hosting type would
you recommend?
1. University student who wants to
publish her PHD online.
2. An on-line fashion retailer who
wants to expand.
3. Small charity who want to let
people know about their work.
Bandwidth
• Bandwidth is generally referred to the volume of information per unit of time
that a transmission medium (like an internet connection) can handle.
• An internet connection with a larger bandwidth can move a set amount of data
• (say, a video file) much faster than an internet connection with a lower bandwidth.
• Bandwidth is typically expressed in bits per second, like 60 Mbps or 60 Mb/s
to explain a data transfer rate of 60 million bits (megabits) every second.
Transmission Media
http://www.studytonight.com/computer-networks/transmission-mediums
Network Hardware
•The main purpose of networking is to share data between computers.
•A file has to be broken up into small segments of data known as data
packets in order to be transmitted over a network. The data is then rebuilt once it reaches the destination computer.
•Networking hardware is required to connect computers and manage
how data packets are communicated.
•Protocols are used to control how data is transmitted across networks.
•Devices need to have Network Interface Cards or equivalent wireless
technology to connect to the network.
Hardware required for network
connectivity
•network interface card (NIC)
•router
•hub
•switch
Hardware required for network
connectivity
A Network Interface Card for a Desktop Machine
Hardware required for network
connectivity
Network Interface Card
◦ A NIC is a computer hardware component that connects a
device (computer, printer, server, router) to a network.
◦ It contains ports to connect the network cable to the device.
◦ All laptops, desktops and servers will come supplied with inbuilt NIC.
◦ They can be wired or wireless.
◦ Each NIC identifies the device to the network using a unique
number called a MAC address. This is embedded in the
hardware when the product is made in the factory it uses 48
bits of data.
Hardware required for network
connectivity
Router
◦ A router is used to connected to at
least two networks, commonly two
LANs or WANs or a LAN and its
ISP's network.
◦ A router is able to look that the
address of the data coming into
the network and route it to the
correct location using the most
efficient route.
Hardware required for network
connectivity
Hardware required for network
connectivity
Hub
◦ A hub is a network device that transfers data to every device
excluding the device from where data was generated.
◦ In a small network sending data to every computer is not a
problem but on a large one it can result in a lot of unnecessary
traffic that slows the network down.
◦ Security can be an issue too as data is sent to devices it was
not meant for.
◦ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMjpNuBRjk4
Hardware required for network
connectivity
Hub – Highlight the data flow
Hardware required for network
connectivity
Switch
•A switch is similar to a router.
•Switches are commonly used to connect two LANs
together.
•Switches are able to transfer data to the correct device
based on it’s address and allow many messages to be
sent at the same time.
Hardware required for network
connectivity
Switch – highlight the data flow
Card task
Your teacher will issue you with cards. It’s your job to act like a router, switch
or a hub.
Typical Network Set up
Hub
Internet