Embedded Files
Local Area Networks
Local Area Networks
Types of Networks
Types of Networks
PAN
PAN
Personal Area Network
Is around an individual with a range of a couple of meters
EG: Personal Hotspot
HAN
HAN
Home Area Network
Small area at home
EG: Home office
EG: connecting the XBox or TV or printer to the Wifi within the house
LAN
LAN
Local Area Network
Connects computers in a small area, in a business/school
Advantages
Advantages
Single internet connection shared by users
software + hardware = Shared
Internet access can be monitored and controlled - proxy server
files can be transferred without extra devices (Hard drive)
Files can be stored on a central computer, access from any computer in a network
Disadvantages
Disadvantages
Expensive to install and maintain
Network administrator needs to manage network
if file server is faulty, no access to files
network security must be maintained so data can be kept secure
Intranet:
Intranet:
Organizations private network, internet like, consisting of webpages relating to the organization. Info only available to employees.
Used for policy documents and news letters
Basic components of a network
Basic components of a network
Hardware
Communication
Network Software
Hardware
Hardware
Computer + Peripherals
Computers, tablets, smartphones (Linked together)
A printer (shared amongst users, connected on the network)
Workstation
Workstation
A basic computer used by the user
Desktop computer
Client
Client
A computer (PC or laptop) that interacts with the network and uses the network resources (printer/internet)
Server
Server
Powerful computer that provides shared resources (files, email, internet, printer)
More memory + large hard drive space
Examples of servers:
Examples of servers:
File Server:
Most common server
Store files + drives
Advantage: Access files from any computer on the network. Automatic backup.
Email server:
Handles all email, automatic sync when connected to the network and internet.
Internet or Proxy server:
Security control for viruses and internet usage monitoring
Web server:
Hosts websites
manages organizations intranet
Print server:
Handles all printing requirements - printers on the network and queing of print jobs
Database server:
Provides access to data that is stored on a central database.
Thin Client:
Specialised, inexpensive computer
Server farm/data center:
Many servers working together to provide information
Network Interface Controller
Network Interface Controller
Network Interface Controller or Card [NIC]
Every computer must have the ability to connect via cables (NIC) or wirelessly (Wireless adaptor).
Allows computer to connect to a network via cables
Switch
Switch
Connects computers in a network with cables for communication
NOT used for internet access
How it works:
One end of the network cable plugs into a port on NIC and the other plugs into the switch.
The switch can now send data from one computer to another via cables.
Communication Methods
Communication Methods
Wired or Wireless
Wired Connection:
Wired Connection:
Most common cable: UTP cable
UTP: Unshielded Twisted Pair
Looks like a telephone cable
easy and cheap to install
Fibre Optic Cable:
Uses light to send data - fast data transmission speed
difficult and expensive to install
Cabled Network:
Switch + NIC
Specification: 100/1000
Refers to data transmission speed
UTP
UTP
Uses electronic signals
Copper wires
Telephone lines
Slower to trasfer data
Cheap + easy to install
Affected by EMI
EMI: Electromagnetic Interference
Can be eavesdropped - data intercepted
Only spans a certain distance before weak signal
Fibre Optic
Fibre Optic
Uses light signals
Along glass tubes
Undereground
Faster data transmission
Expensive + difficult to install
Not affected by EMI
Immune to eavesdropping
Spans a longer distance
Wireless Connection:
Wireless Connection:
WLAN/Wi-Fi
WLAN: Wireless Local Area Network
Advantages:
Adds mobility for users with mobile devices
No clutter of cables
easier + more practical for in between buildings
easier installation , no cables from ceiling
Disadvantage:
Data transmission speed is slower than a cabled network.
Sending data wirelessly is less secureperformance decreases as computers increase
signal poor - EMI
Access point:
Sender/ transceiver + anthenna
Transmit + receive radio waves
Wi-Fi: Wireless Fidelity
Computer needs WIreless adaptor instead of cables
Specification: 802.11bgn
Basic network Security
Basic network Security
Rules in place to ensure security of a network by preventing unauthorized access to information
username + password or biometrics
password rules:
at least 8 characters
uppercase + lowercase + numbers
no personal details
Should change password every 2 months
Network Software:
Network Software:
Software that controls all the communication + security in a network
WIndows 10 - built in networking capabilities
Ethical Use of Networks:
Ethical Use of Networks:
AUP: Acceptable User Policy
serves as a contract, do's + dont's when online and using ICTs
what is in an AUP?
basic netiquette rules
online restrictions
restrictions for installing hardware + spftware
consequences for violating AUP
Internet of Things:
Internet of Things:
Potential of various devices to connect to each other via the internet
EG: Smarthome
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE
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