Networks

Types of Networks

  • Local Area Network (LAN): a network covering a small geographical area, such as a home, office or group of buildings like a school.
  • Wide Area Network (WAN): a network that covers a large geographical area which can span across cities, countries, or even the world. The Internet is the largest WAN.
  • Personal Area Network (PAN): a network for interconnecting devices centred around an individual person’s workspace — typically within a range of 10 meters.

Network Topology

  • Star topology: Each device on the network has a separate cable that connects to a central hub. If one cable or device fails, the others continue to work.
  • Bus topology: All devices are connected to a central cable, known as the bus. If the bus fails, the entire network goes down.
  • Ring topology: Each device is connected to two other devices, forming a circular network. Data travels in one direction.

Network Protocols

  • Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP): a suite of communication protocols used to interconnect network devices on the Internet.
  • HyperText Transfer Protocol (HTTP): the foundation of any data exchange on the Web.
  • File Transfer Protocol (FTP): a standard internet protocol for transmitting files between computers on the Internet over TCP/IP connections.

Network Hardware

  • Router: a device that forwards data packets along networks. A router is connected to at least two networks, commonly LANs or WANs or a LAN and the ISP’s network.
  • Switch: a hardware device that filters and forwards packets between LAN segments.
  • NIC (Network Interface Controller): a hardware component that connects a computer to a network.

Network Security

  • Firewall: a network security system that monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
  • Encryption: the method by which information is converted into secret code that hides the information’s true meaning.
  • Password protection: one of the most common ways to protect data’s security.
  • Biometrics: advanced security technology that uses the unique biological traits of an individual to identify them.

The Impact of Networks

  • Communication: Networks facilitate easy and fast communication and collaboration.
  • Resource sharing: Networks allow sharing of resources like printers or software, reducing cost and improving efficiency.
  • Remote access: Networks enable users to access their files remotely. This connectivity can also allow businesses to operate continuously if needed.