Networks

Networks

1. Network protocols

   • Transmission Control Protocol (TCP)
     • Two or more computers , on a network, communicate in a universal language to share data
   • Internet Protocol (IP)
     • Made up of four different layers
       • Layer 1: Application layer
       • Layer 2: Transport layer.
       • Layer 3: Internet layer
       • Layer 4: Network Access layer
   • File Transfer Protocol (FTP)
   • User Datagram Protocol (UDP)

2. Network topologies

   • Local Area Network (LAN)
     • A LAN covers a small area such as one site or building
       • LAN's can be in schools, colleges, start up businesses, indie game studios or LAN parties
   • Wide Area Network (WAN)
     • A WAN covers a large area such as a town or large company
       • WAN's can be in supermarkets, KCOM, governments, bank machines
   • Bus network
     • All the computers, servers and printers are joined to one cable (the bus). At each end of the cable a terminator is fitted to stop signals reflecting back down the bus.
   • Ring network
     • Each device is connected to two other devices - this forms a ring for the signals to travel around. Each packet of data on the network travels in one direction and each device receives each packet in turn until the destination device receives it.
   • Star network
     • Each device on the network has it’s own cable that connects to a switch or hub. A hub sends every packet of data to every device, whereas a switch only sends a packet of data to the destination device.
   • Mesh network