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.
   • 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.
   • 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).
   • 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.
   • 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.
   • 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.
   • 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.

2. Network Types

   • WPAN
     • A personal area network - a network for interconnecting devices centered around an individual person's workspace - in which the connections are wireless.
   • LAN
     • 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.
   • WAN
     • A data network, usually used for connecting computers, that spans a wide geographical area. WANs can be used to connect cities, states, or even countries.

3. Connection Types

   • Ethernet
     • Fastest connection
     • Not portable
   • GPRS
     • Portable
   • Bluetooth
   • WI-FI

4. ·

   • Ethernet