Network Modes
Zachary Gurley
NTC\405
August 10, 2015
Bradley Rush

Network Modes
Throughout time, Ethernet has transformed computer systems into a network of computing devices with unlimited potential. Before the days of Ethernet, networking was not very effective or efficient. The only way to transfer data before this time was to go from device to device and manually move files. Definitely not what I would call a good means of transporting data compared to the ways of today. However, during those times, you had to work with what you had.
All of this was done before Ethernet was an industry standard. However, more recently, people have utilized the potential of Ethernet to move frames or packets across a network. Because of Ethernets adequate performance, and superior economics, it won the heart of network administrators and most people using networking equipment. Today, Ethernet focuses on wired LAN technology and continues to grow in speed and sophistication. Despite Ethernet’s sophistication, its means of communication is done in a systematic manner.
For instance, Ethernet sends data across a network in frames or packets. Data is wrapped in six layers of assembly which consist of first a Preamble, next a recipient MAC address, followed by a senders MAC address, length, (Data), Pad, and the cyclic redundancy checker for errors of missed packets. Lastly, but more importantly, the foundation of Ethernet are found at the physical and data link layer of the OSI model.
Channels and Circuits
Channels and Circuits rely on one another to send and receive digital and analog transmission signals. A Circuit is the electrical current between two endpoints that are sending and receiving data. A channel is a portion of the circuit that is used to transmit a single voice or data signal. When it comes to circuits and channels, the important thing is how the signals are transmitted. An electric circuit is formed when a conductive path is created to allow free electrons to continuously move. This continuous movement of free electrons through the conductors of a circuit is called a current, and it is often referred to in terms of "flow," just like the flow of a liquid through a hollow pipe (All about circuits, 2015).
Ohm’s Law
The reason electrical current is so hard to explain is because it has no physical form. In order to explain circuits, the term Ohm’s law was created. Ohm’s law makes the term circuit meaningful by explaining circuits through examples, such as, temperature, volume, and length. In mathematical terms, Ohm’s Law is defined as such: “Ohm's Law is the mathematical relationship among electric current, resistance, and voltage.”
Furthermore, “the principle is named after the German scientist Georg Simon Ohm. In direct-current (DC) circuits, Ohm's Law is simple and linear. Suppose a resistance having a value of R ohms carries a current of I amperes. Then the voltage across the resistor is equal to the product IR. There are two corollaries. If a DC power source providing E volts is placed across a resistance of R ohms, then the current through the resistance is equal to E/R amperes. Also, in a DC circuit, if E volts appear across a component that carries I amperes, then the resistance of that component is equal to E/I ohms” (Rouse, 2005).
Packet and Circuit Switching
Circuit switching started a long time ago with analog telephones. A phone call between two users was based on a dedicated connection. Furthermore, because a dedicated connection was established, the two users only could use this line at a specific time. “Circuit switching is a telecommunications technology by which two network nodes establish a dedicated communication channel (circuit) connecting them for the duration of the session before the nodes can communicate” (Lopez, 2013). In contrast to circuit switching, packet switching came along and enabled networks to send small chucks of data on a medium that reaches billions of people (the Internet). “Packet switching is the method of breaking data files into small packets or small chunks in order to send them across a network” (Lopez, 2013). Packet switching networks are more efficient because instead of wasting a line, making it dedicated to only two users, the line is used to send small chucks of data to and from numerous users. Packet switching is essentially the future for technology. Packet switching allows more security, and an efficient use of bandwidth, compared to circuit switching in addition to communication for devices of different speeds.
Network Protocols
Ethernet is a standard for a family of network technologies that share the same basic bus topology, frame type, and network access methods. Ethernet operates in the physical and link layer of the OSI model. Ethernet, similar to network protocol, was created in order to standardize network communication. Because Ethernet is physical, one might think that it has nothing to do with network communication; however, Ethernet is network communication’s foundation.
To define the network protocols, and how they provide safety against communications failure, let us start with the networks most mystical protocol. Transmission Control Protocol provides service that ensures accurate and timely delivery between two hosts on a network. TCP not only provide safety for network communication, but it provides sequencing of data packets, flow control, and error checking. TCP operates at the transport layer of the OSI model. Because TCP really means 500 more terms such as HTTP, DHCP, and POP, among others; TCP becomes vague upon explanation. However, each of these protocols are design for a more efficient way of communicating.

Business Benefits
These days, every business can benefit because of computer networks. One might think that a network for a business is too sophisticated, but how about an internetwork; or an intranet? The benefits of a network and its potential are unlimited for businesses today. Around the world, companies have networking needs, such as POTS lines or even VoIP. “This has been a very valuable information network within and between businesses for decades now. POTS have even carried digital data between fax machines and computers equipped with modems. Increasingly, business voice communication is being done on mobile phones linked together by cellular networks or on smartphones connected to Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) networks” (Hawes, 2012). What about financially, inventory, and transportation? The question is not whether or not there is a need for a network. The question is, how can an individual maintain with networks all around? For the most part individuals need networks presently just to be social.
Conclusion
Computer networks have unlimited potential within today’s society, economy, and government. Everything is globalized and is centered on computer networks. Unfortunately, the world did not start this small, but computer networks have allowed individuals from across the planet to communicate effortlessly. Computer networks had humble beginnings, but look at the world today. Because of all of these methods presently for communicating, the communication gaps that once existed, are fading away.

References
Hawes, L. (2012, Spring). Types of business networks. Forbes
Lopez, N. (Year). [Video file]. Retrieved from YouTube website:http://youtu.be/Aws19KjAd ms Meyers, M. (2009). CompTia Network+ (4th ed.).
Rouse, M. (n.d.). Ohm's law/http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/Ohms-Law