Introduction


Understanding how networks work and how to manage them is an essential skill for virtually every computer user, from corporate IT managers to small office/home office entrepreneurs. In this fifth edition of Upgrading and Repairing Networks, our goal is to ensure that all types of network users understand the changes that have taken place in computer networking since the fourth edition of this book.

In some ways, networking has become easier in recent years. For example, the dominance of TCP/IP has enabled the creation of single-protocol networks at every level. Novell has completely embraced TCP/IP as a replacement for IPX/SPX, and Microsoft no longer provides NetBEUI for any use other than network troubleshooting. The incorporation of wizards for both wired and wireless networking into Windows XP, starting with Service Pack 2, makes client configuration easier than ever before.

Although it's no longer necessary to use multiple network protocols, other aspects of networking continue to offer challenges. Wireless network vendors offer a confusing variety of proprietary extensions to the 802.11g standard; the battle between DSL and cable broadband is far from settled; and firewall types and products, not to mention the threats they guard against, are more numerous than ever before. Another factor complicating network design is the increasing use of Linux servers as well as clients in previously all-Microsoft network environments.

Upgrading and Repairing Networks, Fifth Edition is designed to help you navigate through the changing world of networking to reach the destination of a powerful, properly operating network, regardless of size.

Who Should Use This Book?

Anyone involved in network design, installation, management, or usage will benefit from reading this book. If network terminology and concepts are unfamiliar to you, consider reading the book from cover to cover because earlier sections provide a foundation for understanding later sections. However, if you need help on a particular topic, you can dive right into a particular chapter or section to find the information you need.

If you are an experienced network administrator, you can use this book as an encyclopedia of recent and current network technologies and best practices. It can help you understand products and services you might not have previously encountered, and it can provide you with the details you need to understand which network choices are best in a particular situation.

What Will You Find Inside?

This edition contains 57 chapters and 5 appendixes. To help you locate the information you need, the chapters are organized into 11 parts, each of which is detailed in this section.

Part I, "Up Front: Network Planning and Design Concepts," is a great place to start reading if you are new to networks, network design, or network planning. The first chapter provides a short history of computer networking. Later chapters show you how to select the right network topology, how to prepare to implement a network, how to manage the network upgrade process, and how to protect a network and its data.

Part II, "Physical Networking Components," covers the physical components that make up your network, from the network cables and network adapter cards to the devices that are used to connect these components, such as switches and routers. Part II ends with a discussion of network-based storage options (network attached storage and storage area networks).

Part III, "Low-Level Network Protocols," is where you'll find information about many types of technologies you can use to transmit data across your network. This section starts with a review of the IEEE 802 network standards, followed by an in-depth look at the major LAN wire protocol: Ethernet, which continues to be on the cutting edge of network performance.

Part IV, "Dedicated Connections and WAN Protocols," is designed to help you select the right network connection, whether you're a network administrator who needs to connect LANs across large distances or an individual user who needs a local dedicated connection to another LAN or the Internet. From dial-up and dedicated to cable and DSL, this section discusses the major WAN protocols available.

Part V, "Wireless Networking Protocols," covers all flavors of the 802.11 family of wireless Ethernet (Wi-Fi), including the many proprietary extensions now on the market and Bluetooth-based and PDA devices. To help you protect your wireless network, this section also discusses wireless encryption methods and best practices.

Part VI, "LAN and WAN Network, Service, and Application Protocols," provides coverage of the TCP/IP protocol suite used in virtually all networks and WAN connections today, along with TCP/IP services, applications, and troubleshooting tools. Email protocols, IP address configuration methods, network name resolution, Active Directory, routing protocols, SSL, and the IPv6 protocol are also covered in this section.

Part VII, "Network User and Resource Management," deals with managing users and controlling access to network resources, including folders, printers, and domains, on Windows NT, Windows Server, and Linux/Unix.

Part VIII, "System and Network Security," helps you protect your network, regardless of size. From basic security measures and auditing the network, to protecting WAN connections, selecting and using firewall appliances and software, configuring and using VPNs, and using encryption, the tools and techniques you need to keep your network safe are discussed in this section.

Part IX, "Troubleshooting Networks," provides strategies, tools, and techniques for troubleshooting enterprise, corporate, and small office/home office (SOHO) wired and wireless networks.

Part X, "Upgrading Network Hardware," is a valuable reference if you want to move to the latest Ethernet hardware standards while trying to protect your investment in existing equipment where possible. One chapter discusses the issues involved in adding wireless networking to your existing wired network.

Part XI, "Migration and Integration," covers the other side of the coin, upgrading from one operating system to another, as well as using multiple operating systems on the same network. This section discusses the many things that are common to most operating systems, as well as tools that can help you integrate a diverse collection of systems into a single heterogeneous network. Whether you are migrating from NetWare to Windows Server, upgrading older Windows networks to Windows Server 2003, or integrating Linux with your Windows or NetWare network, you'll find the information you need in this section.

The appendixes provide focused coverage of specialized information that applies to many chapters, including the OSI network reference model, a glossary of network terms, online resources for network administrators and builders, a discussion of Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) products and configuration, and an introduction to setting up a SOHO network.

What's New in This Edition?

Upgrading and Repairing Networks, Fifth Edition features many updates, reflecting changes and enhancements in network hardware, software, services, and best practices since the last edition was published. Chapters covering wireless networking have been extensively revised, including the latest information on Wi-Fi security; a closer look at the technical details of 2.4GHz Wi-Fi (802.11g/b) networking; differences between standard 802.11g and various proprietary extensions; dual-mode and dual-band Wi-Fi hardware; the features of the Windows XP Service Pack 2 wireless setup wizard; and the differences between various classes of wireless devices such as PDA, Smartphones, and others.

Other major updates include coverage of the latest firewall devices and software, redundant power supplies, and backup devices; 10 Gigabit Ethernet and UTP cabling standards; methods for testing firewall products; configuring a VPN client; selecting a router with appropriate levels of VPN support; and methods for SOHO network troubleshooting. Appendixes BE have been extensively revised to provide the latest terms, information resources, and methods.




Upgrading and Repairing Networks
Upgrading and Repairing Networks (5th Edition)
ISBN: 078973530X
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2006
Pages: 411

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