Module 2.1
Local Area Networks
PAN: personal area network- organized around an individual with a
range of a few meters.
HAN: Home area network- small network within a home environment &
the internet.
LAN: Local area network- network which connects computers in a small
area such as a school, university or company office in a building.
INTRANET: organizations private network- internet like environment
consisting of web pages relating to the organization’s business.
BASIC COMPONENTS OF A NETWORK:
Hardware:
Includes the computer & devices linked in the network.
Workstation: Referred to a desktop computer connected to a network.
Client: Computing devices that use network resources
Servers: Powerful computers that provide resources.
- File servers: stores files for client use, can be accessed by any
computer on network.
- Email servers: Handles emails of the organistaion.
- Interent or proxy srever: Allows security control for viruses and
interent usage monitoring.
- Print servers: Handles printing reqirements.
- Database: provides acess to data stored in a central database.
NIC: Network user interface card- connects computers to a
cabled network and allows computers to communicate with the
network.
Switch: Device that connects computers in a network with
cables, to enable communication between them (not used for
internet connection).
COMMUNICATION METHODS:
Computers and other devices in a network must be connected by some sort of
communication method.
, WLAN: used to indicate that at least part of the network is wireless.
A WLAN has advantages compared to a LAN:
Installation is easier as there are no cables.
Computers are easily moved as points are not fixed.
Adds mobility for people with mobile devices.
Less chance of accidental damage (people tripping over wires etc.)
Wired connection:
Most commonly used cable to connect computers in a LAN Is a UTP
(unshielded twisted pair cable), which is easy and cheap to install.
Fiber is mainly used as a backbone.
The difference been fiber and UTP:
- Fiber has a lot faster data transmission than UTP cables.
- Fiber cables has a further range of distance than UTP.
- Fiber cables are immune to EMI (electromagnetic interference)
and eavesdropping.
Wireless connection:
Wireless access points connected to a cabled network.
Number of access points determined by size of the network.
NETWORK SOFTWARE:
- Controls communication and security in a network.
- Most desktop operating systems have built in networking capabilities.
- Server editions and extra options.
Advantages of a LAN:
Files are stored on a central computer allowing user access from any
computer in the network.
Files can be transferred without the use of devices such as portable
hard drives.
Software applications can be shared by users.
Security in the network can be controlled, ensuring users only have
access to certain files and applications.
A single internet connection can be shared by users.
Easier to keep anti-viruses up to date as It can be done from one central
computer.
Local Area Networks
PAN: personal area network- organized around an individual with a
range of a few meters.
HAN: Home area network- small network within a home environment &
the internet.
LAN: Local area network- network which connects computers in a small
area such as a school, university or company office in a building.
INTRANET: organizations private network- internet like environment
consisting of web pages relating to the organization’s business.
BASIC COMPONENTS OF A NETWORK:
Hardware:
Includes the computer & devices linked in the network.
Workstation: Referred to a desktop computer connected to a network.
Client: Computing devices that use network resources
Servers: Powerful computers that provide resources.
- File servers: stores files for client use, can be accessed by any
computer on network.
- Email servers: Handles emails of the organistaion.
- Interent or proxy srever: Allows security control for viruses and
interent usage monitoring.
- Print servers: Handles printing reqirements.
- Database: provides acess to data stored in a central database.
NIC: Network user interface card- connects computers to a
cabled network and allows computers to communicate with the
network.
Switch: Device that connects computers in a network with
cables, to enable communication between them (not used for
internet connection).
COMMUNICATION METHODS:
Computers and other devices in a network must be connected by some sort of
communication method.
, WLAN: used to indicate that at least part of the network is wireless.
A WLAN has advantages compared to a LAN:
Installation is easier as there are no cables.
Computers are easily moved as points are not fixed.
Adds mobility for people with mobile devices.
Less chance of accidental damage (people tripping over wires etc.)
Wired connection:
Most commonly used cable to connect computers in a LAN Is a UTP
(unshielded twisted pair cable), which is easy and cheap to install.
Fiber is mainly used as a backbone.
The difference been fiber and UTP:
- Fiber has a lot faster data transmission than UTP cables.
- Fiber cables has a further range of distance than UTP.
- Fiber cables are immune to EMI (electromagnetic interference)
and eavesdropping.
Wireless connection:
Wireless access points connected to a cabled network.
Number of access points determined by size of the network.
NETWORK SOFTWARE:
- Controls communication and security in a network.
- Most desktop operating systems have built in networking capabilities.
- Server editions and extra options.
Advantages of a LAN:
Files are stored on a central computer allowing user access from any
computer in the network.
Files can be transferred without the use of devices such as portable
hard drives.
Software applications can be shared by users.
Security in the network can be controlled, ensuring users only have
access to certain files and applications.
A single internet connection can be shared by users.
Easier to keep anti-viruses up to date as It can be done from one central
computer.
