Core Network Resources, Protocols, and Server Technologies

Network Resource Sharing Fundamentals

A network resource is a logical entity capable of action at the request of another. The use of shared resources can be performed through a network.

High-Speed Data Connectivity

Disk Management and Fiber Channel

For servers, Fiber Channel interfaces are important for fast disk connections with extreme speed specifications.

Fiber Channel technology is traditionally used for building Storage Area Networks (SANs). The Fiber Channel Standard is an interconnection technology designed for broadband communication. This standard consists of a set of standards developed by ANSI.

• Maximum distance allowed: 10 km.
• Protocols transported include: SCSI, IP, IPI, HIPPI, IEEE 802, and even ATM.

Managing Printing Resources

Local Area Networks (LANs) enable users to connect to available network printers, provided they have the necessary access rights. Effective printing system design requires careful consideration of several factors:

• Total page number efficiency.
• Print quality.
• Printing device connectivity.
• Choice of color or black and white printing.
• Size of the printed page.
• Costs of printing equipment and consumables (e.g., cost per printed page).

Internet Printing Protocol (IPP)

The Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) uses web technology (specifically HTTP) to transmit files to compatible printers.

Networked Printers

Corporate printers often incorporate their own printing service and are provided directly to the network through a built-in network adapter.

Fax Integration in Operating Systems

Operating systems allow the integration of internal and external modem/fax connections, enabling both sending and receiving faxes.

Essential Network Servers and Services

Domain Name System (DNS) Servers

DNS is a system for resolving node names in TCP/IP networks. Each DNS name consists of two parts:

1. The first part identifies the node within a subnet (hostname).
2. The second part identifies the subnet and domain name.

WINS Servers

WINS (Windows Internet Name Service) is a Microsoft service that significantly reduces network traffic by avoiding excessive broadcast packets.

DHCP Servers

The Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) server assigns IP addresses to clients upon request, chosen from a defined assignment pool (scope).

Web Servers

The concept of the electronic document was a major transformation, originating at CERN. The program used to read these documents is called a Web browser.

FTP Servers

File Transfer Protocol (FTP) is a service that allows the transfer of files between computers running TCP/IP.

Intranet

An Intranet is the application of Internet methods and solutions locally within a Local Area Network (LAN).