A+ 220-701 And 220-702 Ch16

If the hardware in use on an Ethernet, Fast Ethernet, or Gigabit Ethernet network permits, you can configure the network to run in full-duplex mode. Full-duplex mode enables the adapter to send and receive data at the same time, which doubles network speed over the default half-duplex mode.

A web browser, such as Microsoft Internet Explorer or Mozilla Firefox, is the main interface through which you navigate the Internet. Internet Explorer is a standard component of Windows. Updates and newer versions can be downloaded manually from the Microsoft website or via Windows Update. Other browsers can be downloaded in compressed form and installed manually.

Although many recent computers include a 10/100 or 10/100/1000 Ethernet port or a wireless Ethernet adapter, you might need to install a network interface card (NIC) into a computer you want to add to a network. For desktops, the card would be installed into a PCIe x1 or a PCI slot; for laptops, the card would be installed into an ExpressCard or CardBus slot. A USB network adapter could be used by both types of computers.

A switch resembles a hub but creates a dedicated full-speed connection between the two computers that are communicating with each other. By doing this it will upgrade the speed of the existing network.

Bus, star, ring, and mesh topologies are used in the field today. You can use these techniques to supply network connectivity to your client computers.

The Windows operating system uses two types of networks. One is a client/server network, meaning that client computers will need to contact a domain controller to work. A peer-to-peer network is used in smaller networks where the expense is a factor, no centralized administration is necessary, or if the organization doesn’t have the resources to support a client/server network.

Although the older dial-up modems are going by the wayside, they are still used. The newer technologies such as an ISDN, cable, and DSL more commonly connect today’s networks to the Internet.

The oldest network in common use today is Ethernet, also known as IEEE-802.3. IEEE 1394 refers to the PC version of FireWire cable. 802.11b and 802.11g are wireless networking technologies.

On a Windows operating system, to be able to share printers and resources with other users, you must make sure that the file and print services are installed and enabled in the Properties window of a network connection.

WINS is the Windows Internet Naming Service. WINS is already installed as part of Windows’ TCP/IP support.

The Universal Naming Convention (UNC) is designed to enable users to access network resources, such as folders or printers, without mapping drive letters to network drives or specifying the type of device that stores the file or hosts the printer. If you are using a Windows operating system, you can also use the map network drive tool and provide the UNC path.

After you have discerned the IP address of the client’s computer, ping that IP address to see if it is alive. If you get replies, then the client computer has network connectivity. If your ping times out, then you will need to troubleshoot the issue further.

UTP cable comes in various grades, of which Category 5e is the most common of the standard cabling grades. Category 5e cabling is suitable for use with both standard 10BaseT and Fast Ethernet networking, and can also be used for Gigabit Ethernet networks if it passes compliance testing. STP is a form of cabling also available in Cat5e, but is used only when shielding from EMI/RFI is necessary, as it is more expensive, bulkier, and harder to work with than UTP.

Although most current networks use TCP/IPv4, you can also find the TCP/IPv6 and in some situations you might even find the older NetBEUI protocol.

The TCP/IP protocol suite includes many protocols including the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), HTTP Secure (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), and its successor Transport Layer Security (TLS). Ethernet is a network architecture commonly used, upon which TCP/IP runs.

Ping is a command-line utility used to check Internet connectivity. Ping is already included in Windows.

Hubs or switches are the only connectivity equipment needed for a workgroup LAN. However, if the network needs to span longer distances than those supported by the network cabling in use or needs to connect to another network, additional connectivity equipment is needed. A repeater is used to carry the signals even farther than normal. You can also use a bridge to connect two networks together. A router can be used to connect two or more networks.

If a user reports that he or she cannot connect to the network, check cables, connectors, and other network hardware. A disconnected cable is a common culprit. A faulty connector or network card could also be the cause. Replace any damaged cables and connectors.