Networks 1

Networks 1

1. Hardware

   • Router
     • Connects multiple networks
   • Examples
     • Server
       • This is needded to control your network.
     • Wireless network interface card
       • This is needed because it connects your device to a switch, router or a wireless access point.
     • Switch
       • This is needed so all of the devices can be connected to a LAN.
     • Ethernet cable
       • This is needed to connect your device to a switch, router or another computer.
     • Network Interface Card (NIC)
       • The card will connect your device to a switch, router or a wireless access point.
     • Wireless access point (WiFi range extender
       • They are used to connect portable devices to a local area network.
     • Modem
       • They are used to connect you to a wide area network such as the Internet.
     • Peripherals
       • They are any devices that connect to a computer system.

2. Disadvantages

   • High set-up cost
   • Covers limited area
   • Data security threat
   • Privacy violations

3. Ways to connect to a LAN

   • WiFi
     • Advantages
       • Mobility
       • Convenience
       • Expandability
       • Cost
     • Wireless connection
     • Disadvantages
       • Security
       • Speed
       • Range
       • Reliability
   • Ethernet
     • Advantages
       • Cheap
       • Maintenance is easy
       • Data transfer quality is good
       • All the node have same privileges
     • Disadvantages
       • Connectionless communication
       • Difficult to troubleshoot
       • Receiver doesn’t send any acknowledge
       • Not suitable for a client-server architecture
     • Wired connection

4. WAN

   • A collection of networks that are connected over a wide geographical area.
   • Advantages
     • Scale
     • Remote access
     • Cost
     • Easy transfer of information between all locations around the world

5. WPAN

   • Pairing peripheral devices to a computer system over a short range.
   • Hardware
   • Advantages
     • Portable
     • Wearable computing
     • Security
     • Fast

6. LAN

   • Devices connected over a small geographical area.
     • Advantages
       • Emails can be sent between computers
       • You can store and share documents
       • You can share peripherals
       • Computers on the network can be centrally managed