Networks

Networks

1. Hardware

   • Router
     • It has a wifi or ethernet connection. Most routers can connect you to a WAN and they allow device to connect to a central point
   • Switch
     • They help build large LAN's by connecting to other switches and routers so you can connect to central point of a local area network
   • Ethernet cable
     • They can allow high speed data transfer across your LAN of up to 1000mbps. They also let you connect your device to switches, routers and also other PC's
   • Network interface card
     • All devices must have one in order to connect to a LAN or WAN. Pc's usually have an ethernet with it and an antenna to connect wirelessly, whereas portable devices usually have wireless ones
   • Wif extender
     • This improves the range of signal to places that are further away. It does this by bouncing the signal into those areas
   • Server
     • A server is a powerful computor that controls the network. Things like cloud storage is stored and made on a server
   • Modem
     • A modem is used to connect you to a wide area network, like the internet. Most routers have built in modems so multple devices can share the same internet connection.

2. Network types

   • LAN
     • LAN (local area network) is when devices are connected over a small geographical location. These are usually set up in one house, building or school.
   • WAN
     • A WAN (wide area network) is when networks are connected over a large geographical location. These are usually across as little as 1000 meters, all the way to the whole world, like the internet.
   • WPAN
     • A WPAN (wireless personal area network) is when two or more devices are connected wirelessly

3. Connection types

   • WiFi