Networks

Networks

1. Hardware

   • Router
     • So that all of the devices can connect to a central point in a local area network. Most routers will have WiFi and Ethernet connections.
     • Most routers can connect you to a wide area network (such as the Internet) as it has a modem built in.
     • They allow you to share resources such as your internet connection, printers and files across different devices.
   • Switch
     • So that all of the devices can connect to a central point on a local area network.
     • Switches can connect to other switches and routers to build large local area networks (like a school).
   • Ethernet cable
     • So that you can connect your device to a router, switch or another computer. They allow high data transfer speeds across your local area network of up to 1000Mbps.
   • Network interface card
     • Any device which connects to a LAN or a WAN must have a network interface card! The card will connect your device to a switch, router or a wireless access point.
     • In portable devices a network interface card will be wireless. Desktop PCs will normally have a network interface with an Ethernet port and an antenna to connect wirelessly.
   • Wireless access point (WiFi range extender)
     • This is commonly known as a WiFi range extender. They are used to connect portable devices to your local area network.
     • Wireless access points are used to improve the signal in places where the router cannot reach. These are commonly seen in large buildings, coffee shops and public transport such as trains.
   • Server
     • A server is really just a powerful computer which controls the network!
     • For example, all of the computers in school connect to the server as this allows you to login to any computer. It can also backup your files and manage the security of the network. All of your files will be stored on the server
     • Websites and cloud storage is stored on a web server. Your computer connects to this using a wide area network.
   • Modem
     • A modem is used to connect you to a wide area network such as the Internet. Your router normally has this built in so that many devices can share the same internet connection.
   • Peripherals
     • These are any devices which connect to your computer system.
     • Other peripherals such as speakers, a keyboard and a mouse may connect to your computer system’s WPAN using bluetooth.
     • A peripheral such as a printer or a scanner can connect to a local area network if they have a network interface card.

2. Network Types

   • Local Area Network (LAN)
     • A local-area network (LAN) is a computer network that spans a relatively small area. Most often, a LAN is confined to a single room, building or group of buildings, however, one LAN can be connected to other LANs over any distance via telephone lines and radio waves.
   • Wide Area Network (WAN)
     • A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local-area networks (LANs). Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites
   • Wide Personal Area Network (WPAN)
     • Wireless transmission over a short distance. For example, Bluetooth is widely used to provide wireless connectivity from a cellphone to a headset or vehicle audio system

3. Connection Types