
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to explain what a data network is and how users can expect to benefit from one.
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to explain why it is important that a computer network is:
Easy to use.
Reliable.
Manageable.
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to explain the importance of the following benefits of computer networks:
Shared resources.
Incremental growth.
Data security.
Audit trails.
Centralized backups.
Improved organizational communications.
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to describe the following 5 networking elements:
Data.
Users.
Applications software.
Operating systems.
Hardware.
At the end of this lesson, you will be able to compare and contrast the Functional Design Process with the Physical Design Process.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to explain how data networks have evolved since the 1950s.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to explain why stand alone PCs created problems for organizations and how LANs became a solution to these problems.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to list 4 characteristics that define a LAN.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to explain what an internetwork is and why they are used.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to discuss the different network infrastructure services available for users as well as network administrators.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to describe the 2 categories of software used on a network:
Network applications software.
Control software.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to discuss the following 8 factors that influence network design:
Scalability.
Security.
Applications Support.
User and Administrative Support.
Fault Tolerance.
Management.
Performance.
Ease of Use.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to describe the components of a structured cabling system.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to explain the impact of standards organizations on network cabling infrastructure, as well as networking technologies.
At the end of this lesson you will be able to list the 5 stages of the network life cycle and explain what happens at each stage.
Welcome to "Structured Network Design – An Introduction" ... where we take a new look at a well discussed topic.
Our view of the network design process is from the perspective of the telecommunications distribution infrastructure professionals. They are the ones who set up the spaces and port connections for every network-connected device within your building.
In other words, we are looking at networks from a connectivity point of view -- the viewpoint of the copper and optical fiber cabling and wireless infrastructures that are essential for communications between network devices.
Structured cabling design is the norm for all types of commercial buildings, multi-building campuses, data centers, hospitals, universities, airports, and sports venues. Network design should be the same … structured.
This is an introductory course, so the network cabling infrastructure plays only a small part. Future courses will place a greater emphasis on telecommunications distribution design guidelines for commercial and data center networks. These include not only the cabling, but also the powering and cooling for network devices.
We know that your time is valuable. Our objective is to provide you with the maximum amount of information in a minimum amount of time, so we have tightly scripted each of the lessons. We hope you find the contents useful and interesting.
Cory and Steve