NETWORK

NETWORK

1. Local Area Network [LAN]

   • Hardware needed to connect your devices into a LAN
     • Router
       • Connects all of the devices together.
     • Ethernet cable
       • A wired connection to the router / switch.
       • Advantages
         • More secure compared to wifi.
         • Faster data transfer speed compared to wifi.
       • Disadvantages
         • Shorter range compared to Wi-Fi
         • Cabling costs more money unlike wifi.
         • It can't be used for portable devices unlike WI-Fi
     • Wireless Access Point [WAP]
       • A networking hardware device that allows a Wi-Fi device to connect to a wired network.
     • Switch
       • Connects you to the internet.
     • Network Interface Card
       • A computer hardware component that connects a computer to a computer network.
     • Wi-Fi
       • Advantages
         • Can be used for portable devices unlike an ethernet cable.
         • It has a longer range compared to an ethernet cable.
         • It can connect more devices unlike an ethernet cable
       • Disadvantages
         • Slower data transfer speed compared to an ethernet cable.
         • Can be less secure if not encrypted unlike an ethernet cable that you connect directly to your device
   • Devices connected over a small geographical area.
   • Advantages
     • You can share peripherals.
     • You can share data such as files/documents.

2. WAN [ Wide Area Network]

   • Ways to connect to a WAN
     • Radio Waves
   • Advantages

3. WPAN[ Wireless Personal Area Network

   • Ways to connect to WPAN
     • Bluetooth