Networks - Hardware and commercial usage

Networks - Hardware and commercial usage

1. An ICT network consists of:

   • Routers
     • Wired or wireless
     • joins several networks together
     • Used to connect several computers in the home
   • Switches
     • More intelligent than a hub
     • Sends packets of data/info
     • Speeds up network
   • Hubs
     • Joins computers in a network
     • Can use cables
     • Can share files

2. Data transfer media

   • Data can be transferred by:
     • Metal wire
     • Fibre optic cables
       • Fastest method
     • Wirelessly
     • Network interface card
       • prepares data to send over the network
         • Sends the data
       • Controls the flow of data

3. Gateway:

   • Links a LAN & WAN
   • Joins together 2 networks
     • Use different base protocols

4. Bridges

   • Joins two networks
     • Use the same base
   • Links LAN & LAN/WAN & WAN

5. POS - Point of sale systems

   • AKA till/cashier
     • Automatically record stocks
   • Hardware:
     • Bar code reader
     • Touch screens
     • Swipe card readers
     • Chip and Pin readers

6. Networks:

   • Advantages
     • Share hardware
     • Software installed in one place
     • Cheap - save money on software
   • Disadvantages
     • Network manager needed - expensive
     • Servers & cables expensive