NETWORK

NETWORK

1. LAN (Local Area Network)

   • A LAN is when devices are connected over a small geographical area.
   • HARDWARE NEEDED
     • Ehernet Cable
     • Router
     • Switch
     • Wifi extender
     • Peripherals
     • Network inference card
   • Wifi
     • Advantages
       • Good for connecting portable devices to a LAN because it's wireless and has a big enough range to cover a LAN, if that's not the case, a Wifi extender can be added. Also the devices are portable so you should be able to move around with it if it's connected with wifi.
     • Disadvantages
       • Slower data transfer speed compared to Ethernet, therefore it takes longer for data to be transfered to a different device because the data has to go back to the router without a wire connection so the process is going to tale longer because it's not directly transfered.
       • Limited range (unless you use a wifi extender) therefore if you have a larger LAN that needs to benefit of the same router and wifi, Wifi extenders will need to be placed in order for the wifi to reach your device. However if your LAN can be covered by the router, theres no need for an extender.
   • ETHERNET
     • Advantages
       • Faster data transfer speed compared to wifi because the transfer is direct so the data travels towards the router quicker and doesn't need to communicate with other places. There's no signal being sent.
       • Has a range of 100 meters. This is an advantage because it covers a bigger area than Wifi but in the same time it's uncomfortable as you'll have to carry a Ethernet cable around the house or LAN, which yes, will make your device quicker at data transfer but not necessarily easier to use.
     • Disadvantage
       • Cables are more expensive than using a wifi connection because to cover a LAN using ethernet cables a lot of it is needed.