1.3.2

1.3.2

1. Modes of connection

   • Wired
     • Ethernet
     • Wired connections are reliable and not usually subject to interference. However, they limit mobility - a wired device usually has to stay in place.
   • Wireless
     • WIFI
     • Bluetooth
     • Wireless connections use radio waves to carry signals. These signals are limited in range (usually up to 50 metres), but are subject to magnetic interference - they can also be blocked by walls. However, they are ideal for mobile devices as a device can connect to a network as long as it is in the range of a wireless access point.
   • Encryption
     • Files that are encrypted have been altered using a secret code and are unreadable to unauthorised parties.

2. IP and MAC addresses

   • IP
     • Internet Protocol - A set of rules for communicating over the internet. IP can also stand for intellectual property.
   • MAC address
     • Media access control - each unique piece of hardware on a network has a MAC address.

3. Standards

   • An agreed way of doing things.

4. Protocol

   • TCP
   • HTTP
     • HTTPS
     • Hypertext Transfer Protocol - governs communication between a webserver and a client. HTTPS (secure) includes secure encryption to allow transactions to be made over the internet.
   • FTP
     • File Transfer Protocol - governs the transmission of files across a network and the internet.
   • POP and IMAP
     • Post Office Protocol and Internet Message Access Protocol - govern retrieving emails from email servers. POP is an older implementation, largely replaced by IMAP.
   • SMTP
     • Simple Mail Transfer Protocol - governs the sending of email over a network to a mail server.

5. Layers

   • Post Office Protocol and Internet Message Access Protocol - govern retrieving emails from email servers. POP is an older implementation, largely replaced by IMAP.