Network+ Guide to Networks, 8th Edition 1-1
Chapter 1
Introduction to Networking
At a Glance
Instructor’s Manual Table of Contents
• Overview
• Objectives
• Teaching Tips
• Quick Quizzes
Network+ Guide to Networks, 8th Edition 1-2
Lecture Notes
Overview
Loosely defined, a network is a group of computers and other devices connected by some type
of transmission media. Variations on the elements of a network and its design, however, are
nearly infinite. A network can be as small as two computers connected by a cable in a home
office or the largest network all, the Internet, made up of billions of computers and other
Chapter Objectives
After reading this chapter and completing the exercises, the student will be able to:
• Distinguish between client-server and peer-to-peer models used to control access to a
network
• Identify types of applications and protocols used on a network
Teaching Tips
Network Models
1. Define and describe the term topology. Discuss the two types of topology students will
need to understand:
2. Explain that controlling how users and programs get access to the resources on a
3. Introduce students to the peer-to-peer and the client-server network models. Point out
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Peer-to-Peer Model
1. Discuss the characteristics of a P2P (peer-to-peer) network model.
3. Use Figure 1-1 to illustrate resource sharing on a peer-to-peer network.
5. Describe the advantages of peer-to-peer networks.
6. Describe the disadvantages of peer-to-peer networks.
Be sure to emphasize that modifying file-sharing controls is operating system
Client-Server Network Model
1. Introduce the client/server model. Use Figure 1-2 in your discussion.
2. Define and describe a Windows domain. Point out the centralized database that contains
3. Point out that a Microsoft account links local domain resources with Microsoft cloud
resources. Compare this type of account to a local account, which is specific to a
domain.
4. Describe how clients and servers communicate.
5. Provide examples of current Network Operating Systems and discuss some of the tasks
7. Describe the advantages of a client/server network relative to a peer-to-peer network.
Client-Server Applications
1. Define network services.
2. Explain that a client-server application involves two computers:
3. Use Figure 1-3 to demonstrate how a client and server communicate across a network.
4. Define and discuss protocols.
5. Discuss several popular client-server applications used on networks and the Internet:
• web service
• email services
Network Hardware
1. Introduce this section by using Figure 1-6 to discuss networking hardware and how that
hardware is connected together.
LANs and Their Hardware
2. Define and describe a switch.
4. Compare a star topology to a mesh topology, where each device connects to multiple
other devices. Use Figure 1-1 to illustrate a mesh topology.
6. Define and describe NICs (network interface cards). Use Figure 1-9 in your discussion.
Point out that a NIC may also be called a network adapter.
8. Note the cabling needs for a network backbone and discuss why they are important.
10. Define and describe the star-bus topology, which is a type of hybrid topology. Use
Figure 1-10 to illustrate a star-bus topology.
11. Define and describe a router as a device that manages traffic between two or more
MANs and WANs
1. Define and describe a WAN as a group of LANs that spread over a wide
3. Use Figure 1-14 to illustrate a WAN connecting two LANs in different geographical
areas.
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Quick Quiz 1
1. Which of the following protocols is used by a client to send an email message?
a. HTTP
b. SMTP
c. FTP
d. RDP
2. When Windows Server controls network access to a group of computers, this logical
group is called which of the following?
a. workgroup
b. homegroup
c. domain
d. access group
3. True or False: A client/server network is the simplest network model.
4. A _____ is a central conduit that connects the segments (pieces) of a network.
5. A network that is larger than a LAN and connects clients and servers from multiple
buildings is known as which of the following?
a. WAN
b. MAN
c. PAN
d. LAN
The Seven-Layer OSI Model
1. Use Figure 1-15 to compare network communications and the US Postal Service.
3. Introduce the seven layers of the OSI model. Use Figure 1-16 in your discussion.
4. Emphasize that the OSI model is a theoretical representation of what happens between
two nodes communicating on a network.
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Teaching
Students may find more information on the OSI Model’s seven layers at
Layer 7: Application Layer
1. Introduce and describe the Application layer.
2. Explain how the Application Layer facilitates communication between software
applications and lower-layer network services.
Layer 6: Presentation Layer
1. Introduce and describe the Presentation layer as being responsible for reformatting,
2. Explain how the Presentation layer services also manage data encryption (such as the
Layer 5: Session Layer
1. Introduce and describe the function of the Session layer.
2. Explain how the term session is used to describe an established connection between two
end points.
3. Point out that most tasks are performed by the OS when an application makes an API
Layer 4: Transport Layer
1. Introduce and describe the function of the Transport layer.
2. Define and describe TCP and the characteristics of a connection-oriented protocol.
4. Define encapsulation as the process of adding of a header to the data inherited from the
layer above.
Layer 3: Network Layer
1. Introduce and describe the function of the Network layer.
2. Note that the IP protocol is the most common Network layer protocol.
3. Explain how the data unit accepted from the Transport layer is transformed into a
packet.
5. Point out that IP relies on several routing protocols to find the best route for a packet
when traversing several networks on its way to its destination.
Layer 2: Data Link Layer
2. Point out that switches and NICs operate at this layer.
3. Explain that the Data Link layer puts its own control information in a header and
4. Describe the communication mishap referred to as partial communication.
5. Describe a MAC address as a Layer 2 address that is found on every network adapter on
Layer 1: Physical Layer
1. Introduce and describe the function of the Physical layer.
2. Explain the different signal types corresponding to the different transmission media.
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Protocol Data Unit or PDU
1. Describe a PDU (protocol data units) and explain how it flows through the model.
2. Use Table 1-1 to discuss the different names for a PDU as it moves from one layer to
Summary of How the Layers Work Together
Safety Procedures and Policies
Emergency Procedures
1. Discuss the importance of knowing the best escape route in the event of an emergency.
2. Describe the components of a fire suppression system:
a. emergency alert system
3. Discuss the difference between a fail open and a fail close. Point out that a fail-open
4. Explain that a material safety data sheet (MSDS) explains how to properly handle
Safety Precautions
1. Explain that electrical and tool safety in workplaces is generally regulated by OSHA.
2. Discuss the general OSHA guidelines that should be followed when using power tools
or other hand tools in the workplace:
3. Describe the guidelines that should be followed when lifting heavy objects.
Network+ Guide to Networks, 8th Edition 1-10
5. Discuss the negative effects that static electricity (ESD) can have on electronic
components.
Troubleshooting Network Problems
1. Introduce basic troubleshooting methodology.
Quick Quiz 2
1. What is the seventh layer of the OSI model?
a. Physical layer
b. Transport layer
c. Application layer
d. Session layer
2. The name given to a group of bits as it moves from one layer of the OSI model to the
next is which of the following?
a. frame
b. packet
c. segment
d. protocol data unit (PDU)
3. Protocols in the ____layer accept data from the Session layer and manage end–to-end
delivery of data.
4. True or False: The IP (Internet Protocol) operates in the Transport layer.
5. The least intelligent switches operate at which layer of the OSI model?
a. Physical layer
b. Transport layer
c. Session layer
d. Data Link layer
Class Discussion Topics
1. Discuss the differences and similarities between a peer-to peer network and a client
server network.
2. As a class, discuss the difference between a physical topology and a logical topology.
Why are both necessary?
Additional Projects
1. The student has learned that the OSI model allows TCP to function at the Transport
layer and IP to function at the Network layer. Have the students’ research TCP/IP
protocols in more depth in relation to the OSI model. The students should then prepare a
Additional Resources
1. Understanding Client-Server Applications
3. The Seven Layers of the OSI Model
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Key Terms
For definitions of key terms, see the Glossary near the end of the book.
➢ client-server network model
➢ connectionless protocol
➢ connection-oriented protocol
➢ Data Link layer
➢ Data Link layer address
➢ fragmentation
➢ frame
➢ FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
➢ grounding
➢ hardware address
Network+ Guide to Networks, 8th Edition 1-13
➢ local area network (LAN)
➢ logical topology
➢ MAC (Media Access Control) address
➢ MAN (metropolitan area network)
➢ peer-to-peer (P2P) network
➢ Packet
➢ PAN (personal area network)
➢ payload
➢ protocol data unit (PDU)
➢ Remote Desktop Services
➢ ring topology
➢ router
➢ scalable
➢ segment
➢ static electricity
➢ switch
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➢ TCP (Transmission Control Protocol)
➢ TCP/IP