Networks

Networks

1. LAN (Local Area Network)

   • Devices connected over a small area
   • Connecting to a LAN
     • Ethernet
       • Wired Connecton
       • Advantages
         • Fast data transfer speed
         • Larg range
         • Cannot be hijacked
       • Disadvantages
         • Is really expensive
         • Portable devices cannot connect
     • Wifi
       • Wireless connection
       • Advantages
         • Can be encrypted
         • Can be used by smartphones
         • Able to connect many devices
       • Disadvantages
         • Not as secure as ethernet
         • Shorter range but can be extended
         • Data travels slower
   • Hardware needed to connect your devices into a LAN
     • Ethernet Cable
     • Wireless Access Point
     • Switch
     • Network Interface card
     • Router

2. WAN (Wide Area Network)

   • Devices connected over a large area
   • Connecting to WAN
     • GPRS
       • Advantages
         • The range is almost the whole of the UK
       • Disadvantages
         • Slow data transfer speed
         • Quite expensive

3. WPAN (wireless personal area network)

   • Devices connected to an individual workspace in which all the connections are wireless
   • Connecting to a WPAN
     • Bluetooth
       • Advantages
         • Up to 7 devices can be paired together
         • Has an alright data transfer speed
         • It is wireless
       • Disadvantages
         • Has a short range