Networks

  A bus structure that links a set of interconnecting nodes with protocols 
    to create a real or virtual temporary or permanent point to point 
    connection between 2 of these nodes with the possibility of redundant 
    paths.

Three views
  Originally developed in relation to telephones.
   And expanded by D.A.R.P.A.
 
  Local area network (LAN) - linking systems close together.

    Tends toward one type of technology. 

    Throughput reasonably fast but in a limited range.  
 
    Individual nodes are recognized by their hardware id.

    Relatively small area coverage (room, building, or small complex).

    General connectivity - Broadcast communication.
      Often implemented through simple, economical wiring.
      Or short distance radio - WiFi.
 
  Wide area network (wan)
    Aggregation of many local area networks.

    Highly variable technology.

    Point to Point communication via gateways between special routing nodes.
      Highly variable throughput depending on link's technology.
      But some links offer extremely high throughput.
      Allows for redundant paths.

    Nodes given a symbolic address supported by public universal protocol.

    World wide.

  Internet - a heterogeneous network of local networks and routing points.
    Because the "Internet" grew and inter-connected randomly over several
    years, the quality and speed of links in the network can vary greatly.

  Internet2 - a very high speed backbone created by a consortium of 
    universities, research institutes, and computer and communication 
    leaders.

    Concieved/established of in 1996 (EDUCOM/EDUCAUSE). 

    Originally designed for research, now also used for commercial as
      long as user is connected by very high speed/capacity technology.

  Commodity Internet - a term for a network section that can be leased 
    by independent companies/individuals. 

Internet

Connection in/out of campus
   Also check out  speedtest.niu.edu and www.speedtest.net

Third view
  Metropolitan area network (man)
    Networking concept originated with the phone company.
      (and when many cities smaller)

    In between local and wide area
      City wide or sparsely distributed over distance (blocks or few mile).

    Dissimilar technologies on different sub-nets but all parts usually
      considered part of a single network (ownership).

    Sometime referred to as a private wan.

    Many broadcast sub-nets.
    
    With p to p connections feeding routers.

    NIU is a man.
      Multiple sub-nets.
        p to p fiber between buildings.  
        Building may house multiple local sub-nets.

        Portions of NIU network located in Naperville, Hoffman Estates,
          and Rockford.

      Different technologies, implemented on fiber and copper.
        100Mib Ethernet, WiFi, multi Gib ethernet.

        At one time included, Token ring, Applenet, ATM, FDDI

      Currently, most technology Ethernet based at the packet level.