UNIT 4
NETWORKING HARDWARE DEVICE
Computer networks: A collection of computing devices that are connected in various ways in order to communicate and share resources.
However some connections are wireless, using radio waves or infrared signals
Benefits of networks: sharing hardware or software & centralise administration and support
TYPES OF NETWORKS:
LAN: Local Area Network, a network that connects a relatively small number of machines in a relatively close geographical area
WAN: Wide Area Network, a network that connects two or more local-area networks over a potentially large geographical area
Serve a department within an organisation
Example: Hospital, school, office, etc.
A network that uses a long-range telecommunication links to connect 2 or more LANs/computer house in different places far apart; towns, state, countries
Examples: Internet
Network Interface Card: Provides the hardware interface between the network and the computer
Modems: Used to connect computer or a network to the internet
Switch: handles messages by inspecting the address of the device which they should be sent
Bridge: Allows two dissimilar networks to send messages from one to the other
Router: Provides a link between two or more network
Hubs: a network has a central point to which all the signals from individuals computer are sent
Gateway: A group of computers that are in close proximity to each other to be networked
Network cables: wiring and signalling in a LAN
DATA PROTECTION ACT
Biometric: Retinal scans; Uses unique pattern on a person’s retina blood vessels. The retina blood vessels absorbs light more readily than the surrounding tissue and easy to identified in appropriate lighting.
Biometric: palm/finger print; Biometric authentication method based on the unique pattern of various characteristics of people’s palm/finger. Taken by a scanner or CCD and can be used for criminal, forensic or commercial applications.
Biometric: Face scan; Identify people by mapping their facial features. Face scans can aid forensic investigation and used to identify dead or unconscious individuals at crime scene
Magnetic stripe Read by swiping past a magnetic reading head. Magnetic stripe cards are commonly used in credit cards, identity cards, and transportation tickets
Smart Card Read by swiping past a magnetic reading head. Magnetic stripe cards are commonly used in credit cards, identity cards, and transportation tickets
Passport A plastic card with a built-in microprocessor, used typically to perform financial transactions.
Physical Token a small hardware device that the owner carries to authorize access to a network service. The device may be in the form of a smart card or may be embedded in a commonly used object such as a key fob.