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Table of Contents
Article I. Introduction to Networking Concepts .......................................................................... 2
Article II. Centralized Systems .................................................................................................. 2
Article III. Distributed Systems .................................................................................................. 2
Article IV. Client-Server Systems ............................................................................................... 2
Article V. File Server Based Networks...................................................................................... 2
Article VI. Network Topologies.................................................................................................. 3
Section 6.01 Star Topology .................................................................................................... 3
Section 6.02 Bus Topology .................................................................................................... 3
Section 6.03 Token Ring Topology........................................................................................ 3
Article VII. The Netware Concept ............................................................................................ 3
Article VIII. Notes: .................................................................................................................... 4
Section 8.01 Netware Features ............................................................................................... 4
Section 8.02 Workstation Characteristics ............................................................................... 4

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Article I. Introduction to Networking Concepts

Until the advent of Local Area Networks (LANs) computer systems were highly centralized with
all processing taking place on a central computer that was accessed using terminals. This type of
system is called a centralized processing system.

Article II. Centralized Systems

In a centralized system, people work on terminals (non intelligent screens and keyboards) and
access programs and files stored on a central computer.

All processing is carried out on that central computer. The only way to increase the processing
power of the system is to add more processing power at the central unit. The cost of this
specialized equipment makes upgrading expensive. In addition, if the central computer fails the
entire system fails.

Article III. Distributed Systems

In a distributed system, people use their PCs as workstations (instead of terminals). This means
that most of the processing is taking place at the PC the person uses rather than at the central
unit. Adding additional workstations increases the overall processing power of the system
because each workstation has it's own processor. In addition, because the processing power is
distributed between all the workstations, a failure of one part of the system need not cause the
entire system to fail.

Article IV. Client-Server Systems

Client server processing provides all the best features of a centralized system and of a distributed
system. Processing takes place at the location best suited to perform that type of task.

Workstation processors are used to collect, validate, format and present information to the user
and centralized processing is used to manipulate, process and control access to large amounts of
shared data. This type of processing is particularly effective where large amounts of data are
used such as database management or accounting.

Article V. File Server Based Networks

In a File Server based network, functions associated with the use of shared or networked
resources (such as files) are centralized on a computer that is known as a file server. The File
Server is usually a powerful 80486 type computer configured with high capacity hard disks and a
large amount of RAM (usually 4 to 16 Megabytes). A Novell Network is an example of this
type of system.

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Article VI. Network Topologies

The physical wiring schemes and the logical communication schemes used to link networks
together are called Topologies. The three general types of topologies are called STAR, BUS
and RING.

Section 6.01 Star Topology

A Star Topology - a separate cable connects each workstation to a File Server. Each
workstation can transmit and receive whenever required as the cable is not shared by any other
device or workstation.

Section 6.02 Bus Topology

A Bus Topology - a single cable connects the entire network and is "tapped" into for individual
workstations. This reduces the wiring required but increases the complexity of the
communications software which must sense if the cable is in use before sending data. This type
of communication is called Carrier Sense Multiple Access (CSMA). If there is a conflict (two
transmissions at once) then the software must be either able to detect the collision (collision
detection - CD) or avoid it happening in the first place (collision avoidance - CA). An example
of this type of network would be Ethernet (a Bus Network, CSMA/CD).

Section 6.03 Token Ring Topology

A Token Ring Topology - a single cable or set of cables connects the workstations to the
concentrator. The communications software uses a token signal to allow each workstation in
sequence to take control of the network, allowing a specific amount of data to be transmitted. In
this scheme, there is no contention for access as there would be with a bus type network. An
example of this type of network would be IBM's Token Ring.

Article VII. The Netware Concept

The software that controls the File Server is called Netware. This Program called
SERVER.EXE replaces DOS on the File Server. Netware is responsible for controlling the
communications between the workstation and the File Server and all access to information held
on the File Servers hard disk.

The File Server, once converted for Netware use, no longer runs MS-DOS but runs the main
Netware Program, the Network Operating System (NOS).

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Article VIII. Notes:

Section 8.01 Netware Features
The Netware operating system designed to control the File Server has unique features that
separate it from other operating systems such as MS-DOS

1. Netware is a multi-tasking operating system and divides its processing time between a
number of tasks concurrently, depending on their priority.

2. Netware does not use MS-DOS disk formats. Hard disks attached to the file server are
formatted by Netware to allow high speed disk access and allow for Netware's sophisticated disk
error handling techniques.

3. Netware provides for disks to be duplicated concurrently to create a system fault tolerant
(SFT) environment.

4. Because the disk is not formatted by MS-DOS, files stored within the File Server are
inaccessible except through Netware. This creates a high degree of security.

5. Netware can run on all 386 computers (recommended mimumum memory of 4

megabytes) as well as a variety of other manufacturers computers.

6. Netware provides control of all shared resources; software stored on the File Server,
access to disk space on the File Server.

7. Netware controls designated shared printers through an additional program called the
Print Server.

Section 8.02 Workstation Characteristics

In addition to a Network Interface Card (NIC) installed in the workstation, two Novell supplied
programs are required at the workstation to access the File Server.

1. A program called IPX (Internet Packet Exchange) is used to communicate between the
workstation and the File Server using the network interface card. This program is configured to
suit different manufacturers' network interface cards and different types of low level
communication protocols (such as Ethernet or Token Ring).

2. A program called the shell or redirector is needed to evaluate a user's request for
information and if the request requires the File Server then it is passed to the IPX program.