Introduction to Convergence

Info

Level: Beginner
Presenter: Eli the Computer Guy
Date Created: July 30, 2010
Length of Class: 30 Minutes
Tracks

Networking
Prerequisites

Introduction to Networking
Physical Network Segmentation
Understanding Switches
Purpose of Class

This class explains the ideas behind Convergence and why it is important.
Topics Covered

What is Convergence
Power Over Ethernet
Quality of Service
Parallel Networks
Intelligence at the Edge
Class Notes

What is Convergence?
Different types of computerized systems used to be "siloed" in their own environments. They used different types of cable and protocols for communications.
Convergence allows different types of devices to use standard computer networking components and protocols
By using Convergence different types of systems can now talk to each other
Power Over Ethernet provides power for devices over Cat5 cable
Either the Switch or a Power Over Ethernet Injector is used to provide power
Quality of Service allows you to prioritize the importance of network traffic
Parallel Networks are used when you are concerned one type of network equipment will degrade the performance of other equipment. An example is putting VoIP on it's own LAN to prevent file traffic from causing jitter.
Engineers are trying to make devices more intelligent so that less data is put on the network. By making devices more intelligent less communication has to occur with main servers.