IT273-1: Appraise network architectures, models, topologies, and structures used in networking.

Assignment Instructions Part 1

1. Answer and provide a brief explanation to the following five questions:

1. A _____ topology uses a hub or a switch to connect all the network connections to a single physical location.
   1. Bus
   2. Ring
   3. Star
   4. Mesh

The star topology is one of the most popular types of topology used. This is because it makes reconfigurations and troubleshooting simple due to all of the networks located in the same place.

1. In a _____ network, each host can provide network resources to other hosts or access resources located on other hosts.
   1. Client/server
   2. Meshed
   3. Routed
   4. Peer-to-peer

A peer-to-peer network is when two or more computers are connected and share their resources where they do not have to go through different server computers as well as consume these resources. In a peer-to-peer network the individual hosts so not have a specific role they each fulfill numerous networking roles.

C. A _____ is a very small network used for communicating between personal devices.

1. Local Area Network
2. Wireless Local Area Network
3. Personal Area Network
4. Metropolitan Area Network

A personal area network is a small network in which you could connect personal devices through wifi and Bluetooth such as headphones, speakers, etc.

1. What type of network is public because virtually anyone can connect to it, and users or organizations make services freely available?
   1. Peer-to-peer
   2. Client/server
   3. Internet
   4. Extranet

The internet is a global system of connected computer networks that devices can link to worldwide. The internet uses TCP/IP known as standard internet protocols in order to connect these devices.

1. _____ are rules or standards that describe how hosts communicate and exchange data.
   1. Protocols
   2. Subnet
   3. TCP/IP
   4. OSI Model

Protocols are just what is stated above, rules and standards that are to be abided by. This is important for networks, computers, and devices to work properly with each other.

Part 2

Using Visio, create a Local Area Network (LAN) consisting of 12 computers, a switch, and three printers. The switch should be in a room to itself and the computers and printer should be in a separate room. Connect all the devices to the switch.

1. First, install Visio on your workstation. Visio can be obtained from Microsoft Imagine Premium or here
2. Once Visio is installed, create a simple network diagram. Start the Visio application, select Network, and then Basic Network Diagram. Start by clicking the Computers and Monitors tab, and then drag a few PCs to the diagram, one to the upper right, the other to the lower right.
3. Next, click the Network and Peripherals tab; drag a switch to the middle of the diagram. Drag a server to the upper left and insert three printers. Next, you need to connect the devices. Click the Comm-link icon to connect the devices to the switch. Click here for a sample Visio Diagram

***If you are using a Mac™, the following are options if you cannot use Visio. OmniGraffle®

The premier diagramming application for Mac OS X will also let you import Visio VSD.

Part 3

Answer the following questions. Be as complete as necessary,

1. How does an intranet differ from the Internet?

As stated previously, the internet is a global system of connected computer networks that uses standard internet protocols to work effectively together. The internet is accessible to everyone. The internet is vulnerable to threats and compromised security.

An intranet is a system that is composed of several computers that are connected to one another. They are not assessible to everyone but only those within the intranet network. This is a safe method because the network is closed.

1. What is the purpose of an extranet?

Unlink an intranet which is a private controlled network that only allows access to certain individuals, an extranet is a controlled network that allows customers, vendors, suppliers, partners, along with other businesses to obtain information. They are considered “expansions” to an intranet, for example I am a virtual customer service associate for Amazon.com and our program we use to access customer’s account to resolve problems is considered a extranet.