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Section III
Networking Technology

In the area of communications, the terms networking and technology are closely related to one another. Technology provides the driving force for changes in networking, and communications provided by networks enables researchers at distributed locations to collaborate on projects which, in many instances, are designed to enhance networking. Recognizing the preceding, a handbook covering communications management would be far from complete unless a section was devoted to networking technology.

In this section we will focus our attention upon technologies that have a significant effect upon networking. The first chapter in this section, “New Modem Technologies and Trends,” is particularly suitable for inclusion in this section as we can paraphrase Mark Twain by saying that “the demise of modems has been greatly exaggerated.” By understanding the features and capabilities associated with new modem technologies, we will be able to use them in a more efficient and effective manner.

The second chapter in this section covers an old technology which is rapidly gaining acceptance due to the growth in multimedia applications. That technology is multicasting, and the chapter “Multicast Networking” provides us with detailed information concerning the application of multicast technology to electronic distribution.

Over the past few years the growth in the use of Frame Relay has reached double digits. While the reliability and near universal availability of Frame Relay contributes to its success, it is not problem free. Recognizing this, the chapter “Frame Relay Testing and Training” is included as the third chapter in this section. After a brief review of Frame Relay, this chapter provides you with a detailed overview of testing methods. In addition, the often overlooked value of training is covered in this chapter which, when combined with testing, can provide you with the tools and techniques necessary to identify and correct network problems when operating in a Frame Relay environment.

Continuing our section on networking technology, the fourth and fifth chapters were selected to provide readers with information concerning methods to more efficiently construct and operate networks transporting multimedia. In the fourth chapter, titled “Working with Images in Client/Server Environments,” we are introduced to the basic composition of images which governs their transmission time and data storage requirements. This information is then used to illustrate how several techniques can be employed to manage the storage and transmission challenges associated with the use of images in a client/server environment. Picking up where the prior chapter ends, the fifth chapter, titled “Voice and Video on the LAN,” looks at specific LAN technologies for integrating voice and video. In this chapter the use of ATM, LAN switches, and hybrid ATM networks are discussed.

Everyone looks favorably upon a technology which enables you to perform a networking operation that may not be possible without the use of the technology, which can translate to savings on your networking budget. One such technology is inverse multiplexing and is covered in the chapter “Inverse Multiplexing ATM, Bit by Bit.” In this chapter we will examine how we can aggregate two or more T1 or E1 transmission facilities to access an ATM wide area network in a manner such that WAN access does not become a bottleneck between linking a LAN to an ATM wide area network transmission facility.

In the seventh and eight chapters in this section we will turn our attention to evolving technologies that enable the bandwidth limitations of the proverbial last mile loop from telephone company central offices to subscribers to be overcome. In the chapter “Hybrid Fiber/Coaxial Networks” we will examine how cable TV can be used as a high speed data delivery transmission facility. In the chapter “Choosing Asymmetrical Digital Subscriber Lines” we will examine how evolving technology permits the standard telephone wire connection to support data delivery at a megabit per second data rate. Since both technologies provide the bandwidth necessary to move multimedia to the home or office, the next chapter in this section, entitled “Multimedia Networking Technologies,” represents a logical follow-on to those chapters. In “Multimedia Networking Technologies” we will examine a variety of networking technologies associated with both LANs and WANs and their suitability for distributing multimedia information.

In concluding this section we will focus our attention upon security and Windows NT. In the chapter entitled “Computer System and Data Network Security” we will first examine the six basic functions of data security. This will be followed by methods we can use to enhance network security, and, in the event our best efforts should fail, how we can recover from unauthorized access to include data misuse and damage. In concluding this section we will turn our attention to Windows NT. In the chapter “Windows NT Architecture” we will obtain an appreciation for the composition and function of Windows NT core modules. In this chapter we will become familiar with the manner by which Windows NT supports security and networking, and how its modular design provides users with both portability and scalability. Due to the growing influence of this operating system, the concluding chapter in this section will provide us with the foundation to make intelligent decisions concerning the use of this operating system.


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