Network Connectivity

Network Connectivity

1. Network hardware

   • Wired and wireless connections
     • Connections between computers on a network can be wired or wireless.
     • Wired connection
       • Computers can be connected through Ethernet cables which connect to the Ethernet port. Connecting hardware such as a router has Ethernet ports.
     • Wireless connection
       • Computers can make a wireless connection if they have a wireless NIC. A wireless router provides a connection with the physical network. A computer device needs to be within range of the router to get access. A wireless connection uses radio signals to send data across networks. The wireless adapter converts the data into a radio signal and the wireless receiver decodes it so that the computer can understand it. Wireless transmissions can be intercepted by anyone within range of the router. Access can also be restricted to specific MAC addresses, and transmissions are usually encrypted using a key that works with WPA (wi-fi protected access).
   • Advantages and disadvantages of wireless networks
     • Advantages, cheap set-up costs, not tied down to a specific location, can connect multiple devices without the need for extra hardware, less disruption to the building due to no wires being installed
     • Disadvantages, interference can occur, the connection is not as stable as wired networks and can 'drop off', it will lose quality through walls or obstructions, more open to hacking, slower than wired networks

2. LANs and WANs, Ect…

   • A network can be anything from two computers connected together, to millions of computers connected on the internet. There are many different types of networks such as LAN, WAN, VPN, WPAN and PAN.
   • LANs
     • LAN A LAN (local area network) is a network of computers within the same building, such as a school, home or business. A LAN is not necessarily connected to the internet.
   • WANs
     • A WAN (wide area network) is created when LANs are connected. This requires media such as broadband cables, and can connect up organisations based in different geographical places. The internet is a WAN.
   • VPNs
     • A VPN (virtual private network) is usually hosted securely on another network, such as the internet, to provide connectivity. VPNs are often used when working on secure information held by a company or school.
   • WPANs
     • A WPAN (wireless personal area network) allows an individual to connect devices (such as a smartphone) to a desktop machine, or to form a Bluetooth connection with devices in a car. A wired personal network is called a PAN (personal area network).

3. Topologies

   • There are different ways of setting up a LAN, each with different benefits in terms of network speed and cost. Three of the main topologies include bus, star and ring.

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