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

Mail

Web

Virtual

Domain name server (DNS)

Database

Hybrid

Application

Proxy