5.2 Types and applications of networks, hardware and software, and the functions of Internet of Things
Types of networks
Types of hardware
The Internet of Things
Operating systems
Point to point network (P2P)
Point to multiple network (P2M)
Local area network (LAN)
Wireless local area network (WLAN)
Metropolitan area network (MAN)
Wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN)
Personal area network (PAN)
Wireless personal area network (WPAN)
Wide area network (WAN)
Virtual private network (VPN)
Peripheral component interconnect network card
Universal serial bus network card
Network interface device
Network cabling
Network interface card
Digital subscriber line
Router
Fiber optic cabling
Switch
Multitasking/Time-sharing OS - Enables the use of a single computing resource for multiple uses at the same time
-Involves the processor carrying out multiple tasks at a time e.g. a user using the internet and using a word processing package
-The programs being used are either waiting, runnable or running
-The OS schedules the processes to be executed by the CPU (when top change between the processes based on their waiting, runnable, running status)
-As the OS facilitates multi-tasking, several applications can be stored in the RAM at the same time
-Complex to set up
Real time OS - An RTOS switches between tasks rapidly giving the impression that programs are being executed at the same time. It aids the management of different hardware resources and hosts the applications that run
-Typically used for imbedded applications e.g. systems within another application e.g. a car management system
-Data is processed as soon as it is received by the processor
It is high performance - fast response time and based on user requirements
-Priority scheduling - will process high priority assigned tasks first
-Higher security and reliability standards - used for critical systems e.g. aircraft controllers
-It will always produce the same output if the same input is used. This is known as determinism.
Batch OS - Collects programs and data together in a batch before processing
-Processes batches of data at regular intervals
-No user interaction required
-Batch processing carried out when least demand for processing power e.g. at night on weekends
-Can be set to run at specific times e.g. at the end of the month for a payroll system
-Batches processed on a first come first served basis
Mobile OS - This is the software platform mobile devices are run on. It determines the functions and features available of the device such as texting, email and synchronising with apps and other devices.
Types of mobile operating operating systems include:
-Android OS (Google)
-iPhone OS/iOS (Apple)
-Windows mobile (Microsoft)
Types of Cabling
Unshielded twisted pair
Shielded twisted pair
Coaxil
DSL
Key terms
Kernel - The primary interface between hardware and the processes of a computer. It manages process and memory, disk storage and low-level networking
Middleware - Software that bridges the gap between applications and other tools or databases. It sits between an operating system and the applications that run on it
Application software
Anti-spyware
Anti-malware
Anti-virus
Web browser
Firewall
File management utility
Productivity suites
Wireless access points
Repeater access point
Bridges
Root access point
Workgroup bridge
Copper
Fibre optic
Search engine
Network utilisation
Passive sensors
NIC
Active sensors
NID
Uniform resource locator
PC INC
Hyperlinks
USB
Sensor
Network cabling
Edge computing
Digital subscriber line
Fibre optic cabling
Ethernet
Propriety software
Open source
Sensors types
Use of sensors
Analogue
Automatic number plate recognition
Speed camera
Traffic signals(controls)
Water level monitors
Transport navigation
Smart air monitors
Smart meters
Digital
M2M (machine to machine)
Machine learning
Industrial control system (ICS)
Human machine interface (HMI)
Supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA)
Distributed control system (DCS)
Programmable logic controllers (PLC)
Types of Servers
Web
Virtual
Domain name server (DNS)
Database
Hybrid
Application
Proxy