LOCAL AREA NETWORKS(LAN) 计算机系统概论（双语课件）专业英语课件.ppt

LOCAL AREA NETWORKS(LAN) A network that is located within a relatively limited area such as a building or campus is referred to as a local area network or LAN. A network that covers a large geographical area is referred to as a wide area network or WAN. Network Resources A computer that is not connected to a network is referred to as a stand-alone computer. When you physically connect your computer to a local area network, using a cable or other communications channel your computer becomes a workstation on the network. Application software, storage space for data files, and printers are examples for network resources. Login process Entering a valid user id and password is the beginning of the login process. The login process also connects your workstation to network resources such as a network printer. Drive Mapping Drive mapping is network terminology for assigning a drive letter to a network server disk drive. Using programs on network When you start a program that is stored on a server , the program is copied to your workstation RAM`s .Once the program is in RAM , it runs just like from the hard drive. In a network many users can access a single program at the same time. This process is called sharing. Using a network printer Once the printer is connected to any computer in the network, we can share the printer from any computer in the network . When your computer is connected to more than one printer, the printer that you use most frequently is referred to as the default printer. Network hardware A network interface card (NIC) is the key hardware component for connecting a computer to a local area network. Most networks use cables to connect servers, workstations, and printers. Todays networks typically use the foll. cables Twisted pair cable, Coaxial cable. Network Hub: It is a device that joins communications lines together. A dedicated file server is for the task of delivering programs and data files to workstations. A Print server receives files fr