Types of LANs
1. Dedicated Server Networks have one or more computers that only support the network by providing access to files and other network resources.
The server’s usual operating system (e.g., DOS) is replaced by a network operating system.
Special purpose network communication software is also loaded on each client or user computer
Three software components must work together and in conjunction with the network hardware to
enable communications:
- 1. the network operating system in the dedicated server;
- 2. the network communication software that interconnects the server to the user computers; and
- 3. the application software that that runs on the server and client computers.
Common types of servers:
- file server, database server, print server, communications server, access server, modem server, security server, e-mail server etc.