Networks

Networks

1. Hardware

   • Router : The reason why we have routers in our houses so the devices in our house can connect to a local area network
   • 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.
   • Networks 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.
   • 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.
   • Peripherals : These are any devices which connect to your computer system. A peripheral such as a printer or a scanner can connect to a local area network if they have a network interface card. Other peripherals such as speakers, a keyboard and a mouse may connect to your computer system’s WPAN using bluetooth.
   • 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.

2. Network Types

   • LAN : A network in your home
   • WAN : Networks connected over a large geographical area
   • WPAN : A connection between a device and a peripherals
   • GPRS (General packet radio service) : Uses mobile communications to connect to the internet or transfer data.
   • WiFi Allows devices to connect to the Internet or communicate with one another wirelessly within a particular area.
   • Bluetooth : Commonly used for connecting two devices together wirelessly over a short range.
   • Range : The distance in which devices can be connected together.
   • Data transfer speed : How fast data can be sent and received from one device to another.
   • Ethernet : A system for connecting a number of computer systems to form a local area network.

3. Security

   • Firewall : It stops any unwanted data installed to our phone or mobile device. Also the firewall controls witch programmes can send or receive data. Furthermore it stops intruders getting into your data.
   • Anti malware software : It scans your mobile device for any unwanted software like viruses. Also it quarantines malware so that it doesn’t spread to other files or computers. Furthermore, it scans all downloads and email attachments before you open them
   • Passwords : It works by you typing a user and password you will remember and you don’t tell anyone the user or password. Also it Needs to be at least 8 characters long.  Should include uppercase, lowercase, numbers and Symbols (e.g. ! $ @ -).  Stops unauthorised users from accessing your account/profile and changing/deleting/stealing your files.
   • Encryption : Cryptography is split into two ways of changing the message systematically to confuse anyone who intercepts it: these are codes and ciphers. Many people believe, and use, the word code to mean the same thing as cipher, but technically they are different.