LOCAL AREA NETWORKS
Module 2.1
TYPES OF NETWORKS
Classified according to the area that they cover
PAN - Organised around an individual
HAN - Network in a home environment
LAN - Small area, generally in one building
Internet - Worldwide computer network
Intranet - Organisation’s private network
BASIC COMPONENTS OF A NETWORK
Hardware
Computers and Peripherals → Client → Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone
Computers and Peripherals → Server → File, Email, Internet/Proxy, Web, Print and Database Servers
How do you know you are connected to a network?
Presence of extra (logical) drives such as U: V: and T:
Presence of other computers in Network
Access to devices (e.g. printers) not directly attached to the computer
Indicator showing network activity in the notification area
Network Interface Controller
NIC - To connect device to network via cable
Wireless adapter and NIC - Both built into device
Switch
To connect computers in a network - So communication can occur
Module 2.1
TYPES OF NETWORKS
Classified according to the area that they cover
PAN - Organised around an individual
HAN - Network in a home environment
LAN - Small area, generally in one building
Internet - Worldwide computer network
Intranet - Organisation’s private network
BASIC COMPONENTS OF A NETWORK
Hardware
Computers and Peripherals → Client → Desktop, Laptop, Tablet, Smartphone
Computers and Peripherals → Server → File, Email, Internet/Proxy, Web, Print and Database Servers
How do you know you are connected to a network?
Presence of extra (logical) drives such as U: V: and T:
Presence of other computers in Network
Access to devices (e.g. printers) not directly attached to the computer
Indicator showing network activity in the notification area
Network Interface Controller
NIC - To connect device to network via cable
Wireless adapter and NIC - Both built into device
Switch
To connect computers in a network - So communication can occur
