Networks

Networks

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

   • advantages
     • the ability of sharing data, printers and the internet connection
   • hardware needed to connect your devices into a LAN
     • router
     • ethernet cable
     • A wired connection to the router/switch
     • Connects all of the devices together
     • WiFi extender
     • Switch
     • Network interface card
     • Wireless access point (WAP)
   • Devices connected over a small Geographical area
   • Ways to connect to a LAN
     • Ethernet
       • Disadvantages
         • Cabling costs money
         • Can't be used for some portable devices
         • Shorter range
         • Distance limitation
       • Wireless connection
       • advantages
         • Faster data transfer speed
         • Can be more secure
         • Light weight
       • Faster data transfer spped
       • Can't connect more devices
     • WiFi
       • Wireless connection
       • advantages
         • Can be used for portable devices
         • Can connect more devices compared to ethernet
         • Longer range
       • disadvantages
         • Slower data transfer speed
         • Can be less secure if not encrypted

2. WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network)

   • Pairing peripherals devices to a computer system over a short range.
   • advantages
   • Ways to connect to a WPAN
     • Bluetooth
     • devices( computers,laptops, smartphones and tablets)

3. WAN (Wide Area Network)

   • Hardware needed to connect to a WAN
     • network interface card
     • WIFI range extender
   • A collection of networks are connected over a large geographical area (e.g. the Internet)
   • advantages