Seven Layers OSI

The seven layers of networking is sometimes referred to the OSI Model, Open System Interconnection. Networking is broken down by traveling through several layers or protocols. This process is broken down into seven layers; Application Layer, Presentation Layer, Session Layer, Transport Layer, Network Layer, Data Link Layer, and Physical Layer. When a person communicates to another person on a network the information passes through these layers. It begins at the Application Layer, works its way through to the Physical Layer and then back up to the Application Layer.

(7) Application Layer- This layer is where the end-user (computer user) begins the communication process. At this layer user authentication is identified and protocols like FTP, TELNET, E-MAIL, and other file transfer protocols begin with the user starting the process.

(6) Presentation Layer - This layer is where encryption occurs. This layer converts the file and/or information into a language (format) that the remaining layers can read and handle without any compatibility problems.

(5) Session Layer - This layer is where the communication is coordinated. Applications are managed in this layer. This layer manages the exchange of information by creating and terminating all communication between the application layer at both ends.

(4) Transport Layer - This layer is responsible for ensuring the data completes it's transmission to the other user. It's also responsible for flow control and error recovery.

(3) Network Layer - This layer is where the routing and switching takes place. Packet sequencing, addressing, congestion control, and internetworking happen at this layer. Logical paths are created at this level to allow users to communicate to each other. This layer utilizes IP addresses.

(2) Data Link Layer - This layer is where packets (information) is broken into bits through encoding and decoding. At this layer you have two sections; Media Access Control (MAC), and Logical Link Control (LLC). The MAC section is where packets (information) is gathered and gets permission to transmit the data. The MAC section is where your computer's MAC address is located to allow proper delivery to a specific system (computer). The LLC section controls synchronization, flow control, and error checking.

(1) Physical Layer - This layer is where your hardware such as ethernet cable, Network Interface Cards, etc., provide the transmission through electrical impulse, light, and radio waves. This layer is the hardware means of sending and receiving data (information).

Switch

Product Description
Products Name: D-Link 24-Port 10/100 Switch Model: DES-1024D Product Features: Superior Performance Non-Blocking Wire-Speed Architecture 4.8Gbps Switching Capacity Product Description: The 24-port D-Link DES-1024D unmanaged switch is the latest addition to D-Link's popular line of Express EtherNetwork™ products. Like other products in the line, the DES-1024D combines ease of use with unsurpassed performance resulting in an exceptional value for any cost-conscious network administrator who wants the best possible solution at the best possible price.

Wireless

The wireless access point in this diagram acts as broadband router. Not all access points have routing capabilities. Like other broadband routers, the access point keeps LAN traffic separate from WAN internet traffic with a built-in firewall. All computers on this network are wireless 802.11b.

Bridging a wireless 802.11x network with a wired Ethernet network.
The wireless access point in this diagram acts as a network bridge. Because of the bridge, the wireless PC appears to be on the same network as the traditional Ethernet PC's. They may communicate back and forth with each other freely

The wireless access point in this diagram acts as a network bridge. Because of the bridge, the wireless PC appears to be on the same network as the traditional Ethernet PC's. They may communicate back and forth with each other freely

New Latest Routers

This is a basic D-Link G router with speeds of 54Mbps. Built in firewall for good protection also. Some other good features of this router:

This router also has speeds capaable of 108Mbps (Xtreme G wireless router). Its combatible with B wireless devices. It has a good signal and offers good protection from intruders. Some main features of this router

D-LinkD-Link is also a top wireless selling brand. They have decent routers and there support is pretty basic. There easier to set up also. Here are some of the main D-Link routers:

Netgear WGT624SC

Latest AP in Networking

This router is perfect for traveling. It is very compact yet still a decent Wireless G router. If you think you might be traveling a lot and want to simple hook this up in a hotel room, this might be for you. Here are some of the features to this router:

This router has 108Mbps speed with Super G. Its a decent, stylish router which is perfect for having multiple computers on your network. Here are some of the features for this router

This router is new from Netgear. With this router, you can have up to 240Mbps of speed. It has a good signal and is a fairly nice, new, good looking router. Here are the features of this router

This router has a very good signal. Netgear claims this router is able to have 1000% more wireless coverage than G. So if you are in need of a router that you are sure of that will cover your house and maybe outside (Depending on the size of your house) of your house. Plus with MIMO, there is a small chance for wireless dead spots. Security on this router is also pretty nice. Here are the features for this router:

Dual-band, tri-standard Access Point communicates with Wireless-A (802.11a), Wireless-B (802.11b), and Wireless-G (802.11g) wireless networks
Protect your wireless investment while preparing your infrastructure for the future
Built-in 4-port Switch jump-starts your wired network, while the Router functionality securely shares your high-speed Internet connection with wired and wireless computers
Advanced Security: WEP and WPA wireless data encryption, VPN pass-through, Internet access control and Wireless filters

This router has great security protection including its VPN router. This router is more for a small business then home use because you can have 50 users connect to this router. It also has authoriztion options. Here are the features for this router: This is Linksys's smallest router which it can even fit into your pocket. It also has speedbooster on it which boosts performance. If you need a very small, compact, traveling router, you might want to take a look at it. Here are the features of this router:

AP in Networking

Brief Overview:

Linksys routers are very nice. You rarely have disconnects or even hardly never. The one con about linksys is that there setup is not very user friendly, but i have seen it improving so if you think you can handle the setup. There support is very nice and they really do help. There is also an option where you can go online and talk to them. Overall, Linksys is a nice company and there routers are built nicely with no over heating.

This router is a basic networking router. If all you want to do is just network between 4 PC's wired and have wireless, its your best bet. This routers features are:

1- All-in-one Internet-sharing Router, 4-port Switch, and Wireless-G (802.11g) Access Point
2- Shares a single Internet connection and other resources with Ethernet wired and Wireless-G clients
3-Wireless data rates up to 54Mbps -- 5 times as fast as Wireless-B (802.11b), but also interoperable with Wireless-B devices (at 11Mbps)
4-Advanced security: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA), wireless MAC address filtering, powerful SPI firewallIts a nice basic router and if your in a budget, this router is pretty cheap and almost always has a MIR.

This router is almost the same as the previous one except that this router has Speedbooster which means boosts downloading speeds. (Note: This can only be shown if you have a Linksys Wireless Card too) So if you already have a wireless card and dont want to replace it, your better off getting a sister model of it. (WRT54G* (*C or L)). Here are the features of this router:

This router is the newest of this line up. It has a little better security, the easy setup button making it easy to customize this router. So if you need a little extra security, this router might be a good decision. Here are the features of this router

World Networking

Program Overview
Computer & Information Technology (CIT) is an applied program in which students learn by doing. They apply the knowledge gained in the classroom to assignments they complete in computer laboratories. CIT courses provide students with strong technical skills, a thorough understanding of business needs, and the ability to communicate effectively in the business environment.

Purdue University North Central offers small class sizes for individual teaching, hands-on learning, and state-of-the-art computer labs.

Computer and Information Technology General Course Requirements
1-Internet Foundations, Technologies and Development
2-Software Development Technologies
3-Systems Analysis and Design Methods
4-Information Technology Architectures
5-Database Fundamentals and Programming
6-Networking, Systems Administration, and Security
7-Electronic Commerce and Business Implementation
8-Project Management
9-Math and Science
10-English Composition and Communication
11-Economics and Statistics
12-Humanities and Behavioral Sciences