Network Infrastructure

Mark A Gregory
RMIT University
10.8.6
0418 999 089
mark.gregory@rmit.edu.au

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 1

 Objectives
• Introduce network infrastructure course
• Learn about network infrastructure
• Learn about interconnects
• Describe network infrastructure devices
• Introduce industry training

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 2

 Course Outline
• Introduction to Network Infrastructure
• Digital Networks
• Devices
• Interconnection
• Examination

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 3

 Network Infrastructure
• Systems, devices, equipment, cables
• Hardware and software
• Information transmission
• End-to-end
• Services – what are they?
• Organisations
• Government

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 4

 Terminology
• The digital network permits information
transmission
• Real time data – circuits + cell relay
• Non real time data – channels + packet relay
• Combinations of techniques

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 5

 Concept
• Major concept #1 – circuits versus
channels
• Circuits are normally end to end
• Channels are node to node

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 6

 Concept
• Major concept #2 - cell relay versus packet
relay
• Cells are small and fixed size
• Packets are large and variable size

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 7

 Concept
• Major concept #3 – synchronous versus
asynchronous
• Synchronous means regular
• Asynchronous means on demand
• Complimentary techniques

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 8

 Network Devices
• Major concept #4 – devices that
use the network versus devices
that are part of the network
• Autonomous systems –
database, super computer,
personal computer
• Network devices – router,
bridge, switch, hub
1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 9
 Concept
• Major concept #5 – analog versus digital
• What is an analog computer?
• We use the analog concept in digital
systems
• Try to simplify and remove layers

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 10

 Integrated Digital Network

• A network that uses both digital

transmission and digital switching

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 11

 Network
• Customer premise
• Digital Access
• Carrier network

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 12

 Transmission
1. The dispatching, for reception elsewhere, of a signal,
message, or other form of information
2. The propagation of a signal, message, or other form of
information by any means, such as by telegraph,
telephone, radio, television, or facsimile via any medium,
such as wire, coaxial cable, microwave, optical fiber, or
radio frequency
3. In communications systems, a series of data units, such
as blocks, messages, or frames
4. The transfer of electrical power from one location to
another via conductors

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 13

 Digital Switching
• Switching in which digitized signals are
switched without converting them to or
from analog signals
• The controlling or routing of signals in
circuits to execute logical or arithmetic
operations or to transmit data between
specific points in a network. Note:
Switching may be performed by electronic,
optical, or electromechanical devices

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 14

 Routing
• The process of determining and
prescribing the path or method to be used
for establishing telephone connections or
forwarding messages

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 15

 Hardware and Software
• The digital network comprises hardware
and software
• Where possible we create hardware that
is able to do tasks without having to use
compiled software
• What is an example?

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 16

 Information Transmission
• What is transmission?
• Information can be ….
• How does information
transmission occur in a digital
network?
• How do we identify each
device?

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 17

 End-To-End
• End-to-end transmission
• Local Area Network
• Metropolitan Area Network
• Wide Area Network
• Is there a better way to describe the
network?

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 18

 Services
• What is a service?
• An information stream
• Available using one or more IP ports
• Joined to other services
• Is a service a product?

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 19

 Organisations
• Customers
• SME – small to medium enterprises
• ISP – Internet Service Provider
• Carrier – Network provider
• Others?

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 20

 Government
• Regulator
• Legislation
• Policy
• Procedures
• Competition
• Complaints

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 21

 Networks and the Future
• Digital networks are growing
• Devices connected to the digital networks
are changing rapidly
• New devices in many areas annually
• When will maturity occur?

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 22

 Industry Qualifications

• Specialist
• Designed to assist people gain knowledge
of a suppliers offerings
• Industry processes
• Important?

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 23

 Network Engineer Skills
• Knowledge of fundamentals
• Knowledge of industry
• Able to apply skills
• Learn new skills
• Pace of change will not slow

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 24

 Assessment
• Laboratories
– 20% lab progress
– 40% knowledge test
– 40% laboratory report
– CCNA/CCNP training
– Alternative labs and hands on with equipment
• Examination 50% of course

1/10/2005 (c) RMIT University 2005 25