ALS Networking Essentials Plus, Third Edition

Author Microsoft Corporation Pages 800 Disk N/A Level Beg/Int Published 01/26/2000 ISBN 9780735609129 ISBN-10 0-7356-0912-8	More Information About the Book Table of Contents Sample Chapter Index Related Series Related Books About the Author Support: Book & CD

Chapter 3: Understanding Network Architecture

• About This Chapter
• Before You Begin
• Lesson 1: Access Methods
• The Function of Access Methods
• Major Access Methods
• Lesson Summary
• Lesson 2: How Networks Send Data
• The Function of Packets in Network Communications
• Packet Structure
• Lesson Summary
• Lesson 3: Ethernet
• The Origin of Ethernet
• Ethernet Specifications
• Ethernet Features
• The 10-Mbps IEEE Standards
• The 100-Mbps IEEE Standards
• Performance Considerations
• Lesson Summary
• Lesson 4: Token Ring
• Overview
• How Token Ring Networking Works
• Hardware Components
• The Future of Token Ring Networks
• Lesson Summary
• Lesson 5: AppleTalk and ArcNet
• The AppleTalk Environment
• The ArcNet Environment
• Lesson Summary
• Exercise 3.1: Case Study Problem
• Exercise 3.2: Troubleshooting Problem
• Exercise 3.3: Network Planning Problem
• Chapter Summary
• Chapter Review

About This Chapter

In the first two chapters, we established the foundation for exploring the physical aspects of a network. We learned about cables and the various methods of connecting them so that we can share data. Now that we can physically link computers, we need to learn how to gain access to the wires and cables.

In this chapter, we explore the three principal methods used to access the wires. The first method, called contention, is based on the principle of "first come, first served." The second method, token passing, is based on the principle of waiting to take turns. The third method, demand priority, is relatively new and is based on prioritizing access to the network. Later in the chapter, we continue our discussion of network architecture by examining the data itself and how it is put together before it is sent on its way. Last, we examine the most common network systems (Ethernet, Token Ring, AppleTalk, and ArcNet).

Before You Begin

This chapter continues to build on the lessons presented in chapters 1 and 2. You are expected to be familiar with the concepts of topology, network cabling, and network interface cards discussed in those chapters.

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Last Updated: Friday, July 6, 2001