Network

Network

1. Hardware

   • Modem
     • It is used to connect you to WAN such as the internet. It is built so that many devices can share the same internet connection.
     • WAN
   • WiFi Range Extender
     • They are used to connect portable devices to your LAN. Used to improve the signal in places where the router cannot reach. Commonly seen in large buildings, coffee shops and public transport such as trains.
     • LAN
   • Switch
     • So that all of the devices can connect to a central point on a LAN. They can connect to other switches and routers to build large LAN.
     • LAN
   • Ethernet Cable
     • LAN
     • 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 Interference 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.
     • LAN
   • Server
     • A powerful computer which controls the network. Websites and cloud storage is stored on a web server. Your computer connects to this using a WAN.
     • LAN
   • Peripherals
     • WPAN/ LAN
     • These are any devices that connect to your computer system. A printer/ scanner can connect to a LAN if they have a Network Interference Card. Other peripherals such as keyboards, mice etc may connect to your computer system’s WPAN using bluetooth.

2. Advantage of using a Network

   • Advantage of using a Network may include being able to share your files or any7 peripherals such as printers, headphones etc with people/ friends. Additionally, you can make files/ use apps on a computer and then be able to access the same files on a different computers without losing anything only if it's in the network. You can also share files easily between users and be able to communicate through email and instant messangers

3. DIsadvantage of using a Network

   • Disadvantage of using a Network may include the hardware required to make the Network effective very expensive especially in big businesses or big houses with loads of people. You may also risk having your data hacked or be infected by viruses if not having a safe firewall. Additionally, you may need to contact an expert to set up the Network and it may be expensive; if it breaks you also need to make them fix it