The term "networking"applies to either, (1) the exchange of information among individuals, groups,or institutions, or (2) the process of electronic voice or data communications. Job seekers and business-people are concerned about the first definition.
Communication networks are broken down into two primary categories; the Wide Area Network (WAN) and the LocalArea Network (LAN). WAN technology connects sites that are in diverselocations, while LAN technology connects people and machines within a site.
Actually, there is a lot of confusion between what is a WAN technology and what is a LAN technology. The answer lies in how data is switched. From a switching perspective, ifinformation is switched somewhere, its a WAN technology. If information is broadcast, its a LAN technology. Switching techniques are described later on inthis document.
It is the LAN/WAN integration that makes the network work. After all, people and machines not only need to be accessible locally, but from different sites as well.
Centralized Computing
In the past, the mainstay of corporate data communications involved accessing a "central" computer. Everybody went to this one computer to take care of a particular task or business process. This computer did all processing associated with that task. Wherever possible, this computer did other tasks also. Initially, input to the computer was performed using interactive "dumb terminals". After all, computers were very expensive.
The Centralized computing model has the following attributes:
Relies heavily on WAN technologies
Ideally suited for mission-critical information
High computer cost
Low end-user equipment costs
Lower network management costs
Higher transmission facility costs
Lacks flexibility and customization
Client/Server Computing
The general availability of microprocessor-based Personal Computers changed the way people thought about computing. Now, much of the processing load can be offloaded from the mainframe and performed at the desk through a Personal Computer.
Along with the Client/Server computer model came new methods of getting computers to talk to one another. A high-speed transmission media was needed, called a Local Area Network (LAN). Also, computers had to talk the same network language, to form a Network Operating System (NOS). With a NOS, your computer`s operating system is integrated into the network.
The Client/Server computing model has the following attributes:
Relies on both LAN and WAN technologies
Flexible deployment - easily customized
Low computer cost
Increased end-user equipment costs
Lower transmission facility costs
Increased network management costs
Until the end of time, both architectures are likely to be found within a typical company`s network. When looking at costs, mainframe computers and WAN facility costs have traditionally been the impetus for implementing the Client/Server model. However, as both mainframe and WAN facility costs decrease, there will be an increase in centralized computing!
Voice Networking
Voice networking was historically a Wide Area Network technology. A phone was deposited on one`s desk and presto, instant telephony. Very little thought was put into how the system actually worked.
However, in today`s world, this is slowly changing. Voice does belong in the Local Area Network also. New technologies such as Isochronous Ethernet and ATM techniques are making this happen. Other factors, particularly video conferencing are contributing to this integration. There are existing voice applications, such as the traditional building intercom, that can already be considered to be a LAN technology because of its broadcast approach. The same concept can be applied to video or television broadcasts as well.
