NETWORKING

CLASSIFICATION

OF

COMPUTERS

*Size

*Cost

*#of users

*Storage capacity

1st Classification

MICROCOMPUTER

SINGLE USER

2nd Classification

WORKSTATION

Many processors

Expensive

More complex functions

3rd Classification

MINICOMPUTER

SPECIALIZED FOR SMALL BUSINESSES

4th Classification

MAINFRAMES

Controls an entire system: NASA

NETWORKS

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Two or more computers communicating

Long distance communications

Design Considerations

• What type of modems and cables are needed?

• Is the telephone system needed?

• Is the geographical area of the network a consideration?

• Is all that is needed the hardware?

• Why should I use the network?

ADVANTAGES

• File sharing

• Software sharing

• Hardware sharing

• Information sharing

DISADVANTAGES

• Need for extra hardware

• Need for network software

• Need for security

• COST– maintaining/implementing/controlling

Why are networks used?

BENEFITS outweigh

Installation Costs

0

1020

3040

5060

7080

90100

1st Qtr 2nd Qtr 3rd Qtr 4th Qtr

Long term savingsImplementing

Networks are used for:

2 types of TRANSACTION PROCESSING

• Centralized data processing – all processing done in one place

• Distributed data processing – processing done on several processors– Faster (can share files/data)– Requiress a network

Way the Processing is DoneContributes Directly to the Physical

Classification

2 Network classifications by physical distribution of data to be processed.

2 Network Classifications

• Client server

• Peer to Peer

Client Server Configuration

One computer provides services for all other computers in the network.

Types of servers:

print servers

file servers

communication server

Thin client – a client that has no storage capability

Peer to Peer Configuration

All computers are stand alone units.

They may communicate but do not need each other for processing services.