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Lesson 5: Details of Lan

This document discusses the key components of a local area network (LAN), including workstations, servers, network interface units, and communication channels. It describes different types of servers and LAN configurations, such as peer-to-peer and master-slave networks.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
23 views5 pages

Lesson 5: Details of Lan

This document discusses the key components of a local area network (LAN), including workstations, servers, network interface units, and communication channels. It describes different types of servers and LAN configurations, such as peer-to-peer and master-slave networks.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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LESSON 5:
DETAILS OF LAN
Lesson Objectives
Elements of LAN
Workstation
Server
Network Interface unit
Types of LAN
LAN user
LAN Community
Elements of a LAN
Working on a Local Area Network adds enormously to the
range of things that you can do with your Pc. The difference is
quite simple. A non - networked, stand-alone PC limits you to
its own operating system and the software available on it, and
the peripherals (like printers) attached to it. But when your
humble PC is networked, it can access the pooled resources of
the network and thus, its capabilities increase manifold.
What are the components of a Local Area Network? In the previous
article, we had stated that the term network includes the hardware
and the software that make up the network.
Let us take a look at some typical hardware components of a
LAN:
The workstations
The server
The network interface unit
The communication channel
Workstations
The term workstations refers to the computers that are attached
to the LAN and are seeking to share the resources of the LAN Of
course, if there were no workstations, there would be no LAN in
the first place.
Let us look at LANs in which all the workstations are PCs. You are
likely to be in for a surprise. You may have, till now, been used to
the concept of PCs that have hard disk and floppy disk drives.
On a LAN, you can have PCs that do-not have either hard disk
drives or floppy disk drives. These PCs are called diskless
workstations. In fact, the PCs that you are working with, are diskless
workstations.
Such workstations cannot, obviously, hold any data or software.
They access them directly from the LAN server.
A computer (regardless of whether it has disk drives or not) is
said to become a nodeof the LAN once you attach it to the LAN.
This articlelooks at somehardwareelements that makeupa typical LAN.
It alsotakes a brief look at LAN software. An understandingof these
elements will help you becomean aware, intelligent user of theLAN.
Server
A server is a computer that provides the data, software and
hardware resources (like printers) that are shared on the LAN.
Consider the stationery store of an office. Its function is to
make sure that whatever items of stationery each department
requisitions for, are supplied to that department. A servers
function is just that. It serves the workstations. Naturally, all the
files, data, and software that are shared by the users of the LAN
are stored on the servers hard disk. A LAN can have more than
one server. Each server has a unique name on the network and
all LAN users identify the server by this name.
Non-dedicated Server
In many LANs, the server is simply another workstation. Thus,
there is a user working on the computer and using it as a
workstation, but part of the computer also doubles up as a
server. Such a server is called a non-dedicatedserver (since it is not
completely dedicated to the cause of serving). Such a server is
typically used by smaller LAN installations which have just a few
workstations. Such LANs do not require a dedicated server since
resource sharing amongst these few workstations is on a
proportionately smaller scale.
Dedicated Servers
In most of the bigger LAN installations, however, the servers
only job is to help workstations access data, software and
hardware resources. It does not double up as a workstation.
Such a server is called a dedicatedserver. Dedicated servers need to
be powerful computers capable of handling the huge work-
loads demanded of them.
Other Types of Servers
In large LAN installations, which have hundreds of workstations
sharing resources, a single computer is often not sufficient to
perform the duties of a server. Consequently, the LAN may have
several servers that allow workstations to share specific resources.
File Server
A fileserver stores files that LAN workstations can access. But
that is not the only thing that it does. It also decides what files
an employee in an organisation can access (not all employees
should have access to classified documents) or which
departments can have access to which files. Thus, for example,
if an employee in the marketing department wants to take a
peep at classified files belonging to the accounts department,
he/ she would not be able to, unless he/ she is authorised to do
so. The file server would ensure this. The file server also allows
LAN users to store files on its own harddisks in case users do
not have enough space on the hard disks of their workstations.
Again, the file server regulates the amount of space allowed for
each user.
Printer Server
This server takes care of the printing requirements of a number
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of workstations. (Remember, one of the main advantages of a
LAN is that it helps the workstations share hardware resources
like printers). It is to be expected that in a LAN with a large
number of workstations, several users would give requests for
printing in intervals of just a few minutes. The printer server
typically stores the files to be printed on its disk, and then
executes these requests (i.e. prints these files) on a first-in-first-
out basis.
Modem Server
A modem server helps a group of LAN users use a modem to
transmit long distance messages. Typically, in an organisation,
only a few users would need to use the modern. A single
modem server attached to one or two modems can usually be
used by a large number of LAN users.
Network Interface Unit
Let us say you go to a foreign land, and discover that neither do
you know the local language, nor do the locals know your
language. You would, no doubt, have problems
communicating with theme This is where an interpreter would
come in useful. An interpreter would help establish
communication between you and the locals. The interpreter acts
as an interface between you and the locals.
And that is roughly what a Network Interface Unit (NIU) does.
The standalone PC lives in its own world and manages to get all
tasks done with its own in built resources. The moment it is on a
network, it needs an interface to help establish a connection with
the network. Unless this happens, the workstations will not be
able to share LAN resources. The NIU is a device that is attached
to each of the workstations and the server, and helps the
workstation establish the all-important connection with the
network. Each NIU that is attached to a workstation has a unique
number identifying it. This number is calledthenodeaddress. Thus,
the node address of a workstation means the address of the
NIU that is attached to the workstation.
Communication Channel
In a LAN, the words communication channels mean
connecting cables. For, LANs installed in a localised area do
not need to use satellite or radio waves as communication
channels.
The connecting cables are the life-lines of a LAN. Snap a line in any
part of the LAN, and at least a part of the LAN will become
inoperational for sometime. While installing a LAN in any office
or factory, much attention is given to the manner in which these
wires are laid out. Care is taken that the layout of these wires is
such that they are provided maximum protection, and cause
minimum. inconvenience to the movement of office employees.
The quality and performance of LAN cables have improved over
time with the improvement in technology.
Types of LANs
Two prominent actors in the LAN scenario are the workstation
and the server. When would one need to have a dedicated
server? Is it always necessary to have a powerful computer as the
server and invest money in its purchase? Can an organisation
with modest means that has, say, a dozen PC-XTs, and wants
to have a LAN, do so? The answer is: yes.
There are two types of LANs: peer-to-peer LANs and master-slave
LANs.
Peer-to-peer LANs
In a peer-to-peer LAN, one computer is designated as the
server. This computer can also be used as a workstation. Thus,
it is a non-dedicatedserver. All the workstations (including the
one that has been designated as the server) are called peers.
Data and software sharing is possible between all the peers. If
one peer has a printer, another peer would be able to use it. The
server, in this case, need not be a very powerful computer.
Peer-to-peer LANs have their limitations. They are ideal in
situations where only a few workstations need to be networked.
As the number of workstations goes up, the efficiency of the
LAN goes down.
Master-slave LANs
In the case of a master-slave LAN, the masters is a dedicated
server and the slaves are the workstations.
Workstations can access data and- software from the server,
and only from the server.
No workstation can directly access data from another
workstation.
A workstation can only use a printer if it is attached to the
server. It would hot be able to use a printer that is attached to
another workstation (this is possible in a peer-to-peer LAN).
Given these constraints, why would an organisation want to go in
for a master-slave LAN? Well, for one, master-slave LANs are
much more efficient than peer-to-peer LANs on account of the
fact that there is a powerful, dedicated server that provides them
resources. They can therefore support a large number of
workstations (say, as many as 250) which a peer-to-peer LAN
cannot.
Does it take just these hardware elements to get a LAN up and
working? Obviously not. We have just described the chief
elements. A LAN comprises several smaller, less conspicuous
elements that are nevertheless, equally important. But you, as a
user, just need to have a fairly good idea of the elements that we
have described. In a LAN setup, each element must fit in well, like
the actors playing the various parts in a play, and operate in
coordination to ensure its smooth working.
The LAN Operating System
Now that we have looked at the typical hardware components
of a LAN, let us look at another very essential element of the
LAN, namely its operating system. The operating system in a
computer, as you know, performs the task of storage
management of data and programs and the functions of input-
output device management.
A LAN also needs an operating system. There is one vital difference
between a LAN operating system and a single-user operating
system like DOS. DOS concerns itself with the operations of a
single PC, a LAN operating system has to concern itself with the
management of the network as a whole. Thus, it has to ensure
that the network of computers operates smoothly.
Let us take a brief look at some tasks that a LAN operating system
does:
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The LAN OSprovides LAN services to users. The LAN services
are:
Access to disk storage space: LAN users can save files in a
common location, i.e. the server hard disk. It is necessary to
ensure that every user gets his/ her fair share of disk space on
the server disk.
Access to shared files: In a LAN, certain files on the server can
be accessed by several workstations at a time. The LAN operating
system ensures that this takes place smoothly.
The LAN OS also acts as a policeman, taking care of LAN
security, ensuring that files of one user are not accessed by
others.
It manage the sharing of peripherals like printers among
workstations.
Unlike DOS, the LAN operating system has two distinct parts,
server software and workstation software. They reside on the
server and the workstation, respectively. Together, they ensure
that the whole LAN operates smoothly. The entire package or,
sometimes, just the server portion of the software is known as
the LAN OS.
The software used in a peer-to-peer LAN is of a different type
from the one used in a master-slave LAN. Some well known peer-
to-peer LAN software are LANtastic and Novell Netware Lite.
The well Known master-slave LAN software are Banyan Vines, 3
Com, and of course, the most popular, Novell Netware, from
Novell Inc.
The LAN Community
It takes all kinds of peopleto makethis world. It takes all kinds of
users anduser-groups to maketheNetwareCommunity. Get acquainted
with theseusers and user-groups.
All LANs, including Novell Netware 3.11, form their own
hierarchies and groups in an office, independent of the
organisational structure.
A LAN consists of users. The basic idea of having a LAN is the
dissemination of information across all levels of an organisation
such that if can bring these levels closer and promote efficiency. -
So, why then does a LAN introduce hierarchies in the organisation?
A LAN is an organisation within an organisation. This organisation
needs to be managed well if it is to be of use to its users. Just as
any organisation needs hierarchies and clear-cut roles and
responsibilities, a LAN too needs hierarchies and groups.
These hierarchies and groups are certainly not counter-productive
or dysfunctional. They only help in the smooth functioning of
the LAN, which otherwise would have ended in chaos.
Another important reason is security. The LAN contains data and
software that are not meant for the use of everyone. Just imagine
the LAN as a huge filing cabinet where every user has been assigned
a different drawer to store his files. How would Tom feel if he
discovers that Dick has got hold of the keys to his drawer and has
been going through his files? Or if Dicks supervisor finds that
Dick has been secretly going through the companys classified
financial reports?
The users of a LAN place a great degree of trust in it to remove
the possibility of unauthorised usage, and it is for this security
that a LAN needs hierarchies and groups.
Let us see how users in a LAN are organised. See figure 1.
The Regular User
He is the common man in the world of LAN. Just as this
world predominant1y consists of common folk, if you come
across a LAN user, he/ she is very likely to be a regular user.
Who are regular users? They are people who do not concern
themselves with the day-to-day working of the LAN.
They just login to the LAN, work on software, manage files, and
when the days work is over, log out. They lead somewhat quiet,
peaceful lives, and when something goes wrong there are always
others who are more knowledgeable that they can turn to. What
they need for a smooth ride on the network is the knowledge of
a few network commands.
Each user is assigned a given area on the LAN server. This area,
called User area, could be a directory or a sub-directories, or a group
of sub-directory under which they can manage files.
This area is a users own personal domain and helps maintain
his/ her privacy. In fact, if a user so wishes, he/ she can ensure that
no other user can access this area unless he / she decides to give
permission. In turn, the user too cannot access other users areas
until they give permission.
Thus, a regular user of a LAN has his/ her set of rights and
restrictions. However, there are hierarchies within users themselves.
In an organisation, for example, a middle-level manager would be
given more rights than a junior executive, since he shoulders more
responsibility. Therefore, the middle-level manager, by virtue of
his seniority, can access more files or data or resources on the LAN.
User groups
When an employee becomes a LAN user, the powers-that-be
decide what his rights are, and what resources he can access.
Now, it is more convenient to define groups of users and then
decide what the rights and restrictions of each of these groups
would be. When a new LAN user comes in, he can be put into
this group, and this would automatically define his rights. A
user can belong to more than one group. This entitles him to
the rights of the groups that he belongs to. Every user, when
he/ she is created in Netware 3.11, becomes the member of at
least one group, by default. This group is called Everyone.
The Operator
The operator is a regular user who may be taking care of some
additional operational issues of the LAN, and therefore have
special privileges. For example, a user might be given special
charge of making sure that the printer operates smoothly on
the LAN. Thus, he would be given special rights to help him
carry out this responsibility.
The Supervisor
Supervisors are the administrators of the LAN. They have all
the powers and rights on the LAN, and manage the day-to-day
working of the LAN.
They create users. When new employees join the organisation,
they initiate them as LAN users. They assign the login ids and
passwords for the new users and decide what the new users
rights are going to be.
Supervisors decide on the rights that are given to a LAN user.
They can add or delete rights.
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They decide the disk space on the server that each user can
have, and thus curb the users inclination to dump all their
files on the server and clutter it up.
When a user requests for additional rights to use a resource like
a modem, the supervisor does the needful.
In fact, he/ she has the right to accesscribed above are by no means
sacrosanct. The needs of an organisation define these levels, and
it is for the people involved to decide what the different levels and
groups are going to be.
Also, many LAN vendors try defining their own levels and groups
for the LANs that they sell. That is to say, Novell might define
levels for Netware 3.11 that are different from the ones that other
vendors would define for their brands of LAN. What we have
described are levels that are likely to be found across all LANs.
Novell Netware 3.11 defines one more level apart from the ones
that we have described above. They are called managers. They
function as supervisors over a small group but do not have
supervisory equivalence. Managers are of two types:
Work Group Managers:
They are at a level below the supervisor. They can also be called
assistant supervisors. Like all other LAN supervisors, they too
are created by the supervisor. They can create users and assign
them to a particular group. They can restrict users access to
workstations and restrict concurrent logins. They can also
change a users password.
User Account Managers
A user account manager has the power to help the supervisor
manage a small group of LAN users and the directories that
they work in. He/ she is a supervisor over this group. User
account managers have all the powers of a work group manager
in their group, except that they cannot create users.
When you join an organisation, you will most likely join as a
regular user. You will have a set of rights, but also a boundary
within which you must learn to operate.
Remember, the LAN is there for your use, and the more
responsible and sensible you are as a user, the better
Points to Ponder
Components of LAN:
1. The workstations
2. The server
3. The network interface unit
4. The communication channel
The term workstations refers to the computers that are
attached to the LAN and are seeking to share the resources of
the LAN
A server is a computer that provides the data, software and
hardware resources (like printers) that are shared on the LAN
Thus, there is a user working on the computer and using it as
a workstation, but part of the computer also doubles up as a
server. Such a server is called a non-dedicatedserver
In most of the bigger LAN installations, however, the servers
only job is to help workstations access data, software and
hardware resources. It does not double up as a workstation.
Such a server is called a dedicatedserver
A fileserver stores files that LAN workstations can access. But
that is not the only thing that it does
Printer server takes care of the printing requirements of a
number of workstations.
A modem server helps a group of LAN users use a modem to
transmit long distance messages
The standalone PC lives in its own world and manages to get
all tasks done with its own in built resources. The moment it is
on a network, it needs an interface to help establish a connection
with the network.
In a LAN, the words communication channels mean
connecting cables
In a peer-to-peer LAN, one computer is designated as the
server. This computer can also be used as a workstation
In the case of a master-slave LAN, the masters is a dedicated
server and the slaves are the workstations
Students Activity
1. Define various components of LAN?
2. What are the various types of servers?
3. Define various LAN users?
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4. Define various types of LAN?
5. Define Network Interface Unit & communication channel?
Students Notes:

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