Author: Gaurab Raj Upadhaya
© UNDP-APDIP, Elsevier, 2007, 52 pages
ISBN-13 : 978-81-312-0421-4
ISBN-10 : 81-312-0421-9 

http://www.iosn.net/network/foss-network-primer

Working via information networks such as the Internet, intranet and LANs has increased the possibilities of communicating with a wide range of individuals and communities across long distances. The free and open source software (FOSS) movement is both shaped by network information environments, in particular the Internet, and it has, at the same time, influenced these networks significantly.

Although there are numerous benefits from being locally and globally networked there are also a number of critical factors involved in networking. Being able to respond to these risks demands a high level of network design and maintenance, making developing countries particularly vulnerable to these risks. Due to its high degree of flexibility, FOSS provides a cost saving and excellent platform for responding to these critical factors.

This e-primer, with a foreword by Robert Shaw of the International Telecommunication Union, introduces readers to the network concepts and architectures, and the major networking functions with FOSS. It also discusses network security functions with FOSS, including security best practices and ‘to-do's’.

The e-primer also contains useful tips on network planning, design and development, which will help to diagnose and solve problems that occur while running a network. This is especially helpful for network managers who are thinking about setting up or have already have set up a network using FOSS.

This publication is part of the International Open Source Network's Free/Open Source Software e-Primer Series. Other titles include:
 

• FOSS: A General Introduction
• FOSS: Education
• FOSS: Government Policy
•  FOSS: Localization
• FOSS: Open Standards
• FOSS: Licensing

 
Online versions of all FOSS e-Primers are available for free download at http://www.iosn.net/foss-primers
 
The FOSS e-Primer series is produced by the International Open Source Network http://www.iosn.net, an initiative of the UNDP Asia-Pacific Development Information Programme http://www.apdip.net and supported by the International Development Research Centre http://www.idrc.ca, Canada.