Summary
This chapter discussed network fundamentals. Some of the important concepts to retain from this chapter include the following:
  • Three ways a data channels can send a signal including simplex, half-duplex, and full-duplex transmission.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of Peer-to-Peer, Client/Server, LAN, WAN, and Circuit-Switched versus Packet-Switched networks.
  • Setting the IP address or obtaining an IP address through the Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP).
  • Network topology or the way computers are connected. Bus, star, ring, and mesh are types of topology.
  • Physical topology or the layout of devices and media.
  • Logical topology or the path that signals travel from one point to another.
  • The advantages and disadvantages of LAN architectures including Ethernet, Token Ring, and FDDI.
  • The seven layers of the OSI model.
  • TCP/IP Utilities including Ping.
  • Connecting to the Internet using a dial-up modem, cable modem, or DSL.

In the next chapter, the student will learn about printers and printing. It includes an overview, and sections that discuss buying a printer, connecting and sharing printers, managing print jobs, and dealing with paper problems.