Chapter 6: Networks

Chapter 6: Networks

1. 6.1.1.1 Define Computer Networks

   • Networks are systems that are formed by links.
     • For example, roads that connect groups of people together create a physical network.
   • Connections with your friends create your personal network. Websites that allow individuals to link to each other’s pages are called social networking sites.
   • People use the following networks every day:
     • Mail delivery system
     • Telephone system
     • Public transportation system
     • Corporate computer network
     • The Internet
   • Networks share information and use various methods to direct the manner in which information flows.
   • Copper cabling
     • Uses electrical signals to transmit data between devices
   • Fiber-optic cabling
     • Uses glass or plastic fiber to carry information as light pulses
   • Wireless connection
     • Uses radio signals, infrared technology, or satellite transmissions

2. 6.1.1.2 Features and Benefits

   • The benefits of networking computers and other devices include lowered costs and increased productivity.
     • Require Fewer Peripherals
       • Each computer on the network does not need to have its own printer or backup device. Multiple printers can be set up in a central location and shared among the network users.
     • Increase Communication Capabilities
       • Networks provide several different collaboration tools that can be used to communicate between network users. Online collaboration tools include email, forums and chats, voice and video, and instant messaging.
   • Avoid File Duplication and Corruption
     • A server manages network resources. Servers store data and share it with users on a network. Confidential or sensitive data can be protected and shared with the users who have permission to access that data.
   • Lower Cost Licensing
     • Application licensing can be expensive for individual computers. Many software vendors offer site licenses for networks, which can dramatically reduce the cost of software.
   • Centralize Administration
     • Centralized administration reduces the number of people needed to manage the devices and data on the network, reducing time and cost to the company. In
   • Conserve Resources
     • Data processing can be distributed across many computers to prevent one computer from becoming overloaded with processing tasks.

3. 6.2.1.1 LANs

   • Data networks continue to evolve in complexity, use, and design
     • A LAN can be made up of multiple local networks.
       • A LAN can be as small as a single local network installed in a home or small office.
       • A LAN can be as small as a single local network installed in a home or small office.

4. 6.2.1.2 WLANs

   • A Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a LAN that uses radio waves to transmit data between wireless devices.
   • In a WLAN, wireless devices connect to access points within a specified area. Access points are typically connected to the network using copper cabling.

5. 6.2.1.3 PANs

   • A personal area network (PAN) is a network that connects devices, such as mice, keyboards, printers, smartphone, and tablets within the range of an individual person.
   • Bluetooth is a wireless technology that enables devices to communicate over short distances.
   • A Bluetooth device can connect up to seven other Bluetooth devices. This technical specification is described by the IEEE 802.15.1 standard.

6. 6.2.1.2 WLANs

   • A Wireless LAN (WLAN) is a LAN that uses radio waves to transmit data between wireless devices. In a traditional LAN, devices are connected together using copper cabling.
   • wireless devices connect to access points within a specified area.
   • Access points are typically connected to the network using copper cabling.

7. 6.2.1.4 MANs

   • A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a network that spans across a large campus or a city.
     • The network consists of various buildings interconnected through wireless or fiber optic backbones.

8. 6.2.1.5 WANs

   • A wide area network (WAN) connects multiple smaller networks such as LANs that are in geographically separated locations.
   • he most common example of a WAN is the Internet. The Internet is a large WAN that is composed of millions of interconnected LANs.
   • WAN technology is also used to connect corporate or research networks.