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Wednesday, November 30, 2016
Security Solutions
No single solution can protect the network from the variety
of threats that exist. For this reason, security should be implemented
in multiple layers, using more than one security solution. If one
security component fails to identify and protect the network, others
still stand.
A home network security implementation is usually rather
basic. It is generally implemented on the connecting end devices, as
well as at the point of connection to the Internet, and can even rely on
contracted services from the ISP.
In contrast, the network security implementation for a
corporate network...
Security Threats
Network security is an integral part of computer
networking, regardless of whether the network is limited to a home
environment with a single connection to the Internet or as large as a
corporation with thousands of users. The network security that is
implemented must take into account the environment, as well as the tools
and requirements of the network. It must be able to secure data while
still allowing for the quality of service that is expected of the
network.
Securing a network involves protocols, technologies,
devices, tools, and techniques to secure data and mitigate threats.
Threat vectors...
Wireless Broadband
Connecting to the Internet is vital in smart home
technology. DSL and cable are common technologies used to connect homes
and small businesses to the Internet. However, wireless may be another
option in many areas.
Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP)
Wireless Internet Service Provider (WISP) is an ISP that
connects subscribers to a designated access point or hot spot using
similar wireless technologies found in home wireless local area networks
(WLANs). WISPs are more commonly found in rural environments where DSL
or cable services are not available....
Sunday, November 20, 2016
Technology Trends in the Home
Networking trends are not only affecting the way we communicate at work and at school, they are also changing just about every aspect of the home. The newest home trends include ‘smart home technology’. Smart home technology is technology that is integrated into every-day appliances allowing them to interconnect with other devices, making them more ‘smart’ or automated. For example, imagine being able to prepare a dish and place it in the oven for cooking prior to leaving the house for the day. Imagine if the oven was ‘aware’ of the dish it was cooking and was connected to your ‘calendar of events’ so that...
Cloud Computing
Cloud computing is another global trend changing the way we access and store data. Cloud computing allows us to store personal files, even backup our entire hard disk drive on servers over the Internet. Applications such as word processing and photo editing can be accessed using the Cloud. For businesses, Cloud computing extends IT's capabilities without requiring investment in new infrastructure, training new personnel, or licensing new software. These services are available on demand and delivered economically to any device anywhere in the world without compromising security or function. ...
Video Communication
Another trend in networking that is critical to the communication and collaboration effort is video. Video is being used for communications, collaboration, and entertainment. Video calls can be made to and from anywhere with an Internet connection. Video conferencing is a powerful tool for communicating with others at a distance, both locally and globally. Video is becoming a critical requirement for effective collaboration as organizations extend across geographic and cultural boundaries. Click Play in the figure to view how TelePresence can be incorporated into everyday life and business. ...
Online Collaboration
Individuals want to connect to the network, not only for access to data applications, but also to collaborate with one another. Collaboration is defined as “the act of working with another or others on a joint project.” Collaboration tools, like Cisco WebEx shown in the figure, give employees, students, teachers, customers, and partners a way to instantly connect, interact, and achieve their objectives. For businesses, collaboration is a critical and strategic priority that organizations are using to remain competitive. Collaboration is also a priority in education. Students need to collaborate to assist...
Bring Your Own Device
The concept of any device, to any content, in any manner, is a major global trend that requires significant changes to the way devices are used. This trend is known as Bring Your Own Device (BYOD). BYOD is about end users having the freedom to use personal tools to access information and communicate across a business or campus network. With the growth of consumer devices, and the related drop in cost, employees and students can be expected to have some of the most advanced computing and networking tools for personal use. These personal tools include laptops, netbooks, tablets, smartphones, and e-readers....
New Trends
As new technologies and end user devices come to market, businesses and consumers must continue to adjust to this ever-changing environment. The role of the network is transforming to enable the connections between people, devices, and information. There are several new networking trends that will effect organizations and consumers. Some of the top trends include: Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)Online collaborationVideo communicationsCloud comput...
Security
The network infrastructure, services, and the data contained on network-attached devices are crucial personal and business assets. There are two types of network security concerns that must be addressed: network infrastructure security and information security. Securing a network infrastructure includes the physical securing of devices that provide network connectivity, and preventing unauthorized access to the management software that resides on them, as shown in Figure 1. Information security refers to protecting the information contained within the packets being transmitted over the...
Quality of Service
Quality of Service (QoS) is also an ever increasing requirement of networks today. New applications available to users over internetworks, such as voice and live video transmissions, create higher expectations for the quality of the delivered services. Have you ever tried to watch a video with constant breaks and pauses? As data, voice, and video content continue to converge onto the same network, QoS becomes a primary mechanism for managing congestion and ensuring reliable delivery of content to all users. Congestion occurs when the demand for bandwidth exceeds the amount available. Network bandwidth is...
Scalability
A scalable network can expand quickly to support new users and applications without impacting the performance of the service being delivered to existing users. The figure shows how a new network can be easily added to an existing network. In addition, networks are scalable because the designers follow accepted standards and protocols. This allows software and hardware vendors to focus on improving products and services without worrying about designing a new set of rules for operating within the network. To learn more about scalability as a requirement for reliable networks, refer to the Appendix for this...
Fault Tolerance
The expectation is that the Internet is always available to the millions of users who rely on it. This requires a network architecture that is built to be fault tolerant. A fault tolerant network is one that limits the impact of a failure, so that the fewest number of devices are affected. It is also built in a way that allows quick recovery when such a failure occurs. These networks depend on multiple paths between the source and destination of a message. If one path fails, the messages can be instantly sent over a different link. Having multiple paths to a destination is known as redundancy. One way reliable...
Network Architecture
Networks must support a wide range of applications and services, as well as operate over many different types of cables and devices, which make up the physical infrastructure. The term network architecture, in this context, refers to the technologies that support the infrastructure and the programmed services and rules, or protocols, that move data across the network. As networks evolve, we are discovering that there are four basic characteristics that the underlying architectures need to address in order to meet user expectations: Fault Tolerance ScalabilityQuality of Service (QoS) Secur...
Lab – Researching Converged Network Services
In this lab, you will complete the following objectives: Part 1: Survey Your Understanding of Convergence Part 2: Research ISPs Offering Converged Services Part 3: Research Local ISPs Offering Converged Services Part 4: Select Best Local ISP Converged Service Part 5: Research Local Company or Public Institution Using Convergence TechnologiesLab - Researching Converged Network Services . ...
The Converging Network
Today, the separate data, telephone, and video networks are converging. Unlike dedicated networks, converged networks are capable of delivering data, voice, and video between many different types of devices over the same network infrastructure, as shown in the figure. This network infrastructure uses the same set of rules, agreements, and implementation standar...
Traditional Separate Networks
Consider a school built thirty years ago. Back then, some classrooms were cabled for the data network, telephone network, and video network for televisions. These separate networks could not communicate with each other, as shown in the figure. Each network used different technologies to carry the communication signal. Each network had its own set of rules and standards to ensure successful communicati...
Packet Tracer - Network Representation
In this activity, you will explore how Packet Tracer serves as a modeling tool for network representations. Packet Tracer - Network Representation Instructions Packet Tracer - Network Representation - PKA ...
Packet Tracer - Help and Navigation Tips
Packet Tracer is a fun, take-home, flexible software program which will help you with your Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) studies. Packet Tracer allows you to experiment with network behavior, build network models, and ask "what if" questions. In this activity, you will explore a relatively complex network that highlights a few of Packet Tracer’s features. While doing so, you will learn how to access Help and the tutorials. You will also learn how to switch between various modes and workspaces. Packet Tracer – Help and Navigation Tips Instructions Packet Tracer...
Businesses Internet Connections
Corporate connection options differ from home user options. Businesses may require higher bandwidth, dedicated bandwidth, and managed services. Connection options available differ depending on the type of service providers located nearby. The figure illustrates common connection options for businesses: Dedicated Leased Line - Leased lines are actually reserved circuits within the service provider’s network that connect geographically separated offices for private voice and/or data networking. The circuits are typically rented at a monthly or yearly rate. They can be...
Home and Small Office Internet Connections
The figure illustrates common connection options for small office and home office users: Cable - Typically offered by cable television service providers, the Internet data signal is carried on the same cable that delivers cable television. It provides a high bandwidth, always on, connection to the Internet. DSL - Digital Subscriber Lines provide a high bandwidth, always on, connection to the Internet. DSL runs over a telephone line. In general, small office and home office users connect using Asymmetrical DSL (ADSL), which means that the download speed is faster than the...
Internet Access Technologies
There are many different ways to connect users and organizations to the Internet. Home users, teleworkers (remote workers), and small offices typically require a connection to an Internet Service Provider (ISP) to access the Internet. Connection options vary greatly between ISP and geographical location. However, popular choices include broadband cable, broadband digital subscriber line (DSL), wireless WANs, and mobile services. Organizations typically require access to other corporate sites and the Internet. Fast connections are required to support business services including IP phones,...
Intranets and Extranets
There are two other terms which are similar to the term Internet:IntranetExtranetIntranet is a term often used to refer to a private connection of LANs and WANs that belongs to an organization, and is designed to be accessible only by the organization's members, employees, or others with authorization.An organization may use an extranet to provide secure and safe access to individuals who work for a different organization, but require access to the organization’s data. Examples of extranets include:A company that is providing access to outside suppliers and contractors.A hospital that is providing a booking system to doctors so they can...