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Module 2.2 : Network Basics, Setting up a small network, Connecting to the…
Module 2.2 : Network Basics
Personal are network (PAN)
the peripheral devices are usually only able to connect to one computing device at a time, while the computing device itself can host a number of simaltaneous connections.
Disadvantages: Range of a few metres; data transmission can be slow; peripheral devices usually paired with only one computing device at a time.
In a PAN one computing device connects to one or more peripheral devices, usually wirelessly.
A PAN is a network organised around an individual or a couple of individuals with a range of a few metres.
A PAN is a network organised around an individual or a couple of individuals with a range of a few metres.
advantage: its advantage is to automate connections between mobile devices.
disadvantages or limitations of a PAN: limited range, data transmissions may be slow
Home area network
A Home Area Network (HAN) is a small network within a home environment that connects devices such as computers, printers, tablets, smartphones, smart TV's and gaming devices.
A HAN has the following main advantages:
-Users can access and share their data from any computing device in the home.
Every device- computer, printer, smartphone, tablet, etc. - that connects to the internet must have its own unique IP (internet protocol) address. The word 'protocol' means 'rule for communication'.
An internet connection can be shared by all the computing devices in the home.
The internet is is a large worldwide computer network, consisting of computers and networks that are linked using communication media. The communication media can include telephone lines, fibre cables, undersea cables, satellites, cellular technology and microwave.
A HAN does not really have any disadvantages- having more than one computing device connected in a network is always better than no network. Note, however, that if the HAN is set up wirelessly, security could be an issue and needs to be addressed (using passwords etc.). If this is not done, anyone near to ( in range of) the network could access your files and even use your internet connection.
To connect a computer or other internet-enabled device to the internet, an internet Service Provider and an internet connection are needed.
Connection methods
Every computing device in the network either must be wireless-enabled (i.e. have built-in wireless adaptors) to connect to the network wirelessly, or must have a Network Interface Controller (NIC) to connect to the network via a cable.
(A NIC does not need to be obtained separately, as it is usually built into the device.)
Devices in a network can be connected wirelessly or with cables.
Bluetooth is the most common means of connecting devices in a PAN. In a HAN, both wired and wireless connection methods are used.
With a
wired connection
, cables are used to connect computers and other devices in the network. One end of the network cable plugs into the network port (attached to the NIC) of the computer, while the other end plugs into a port on the switch or router. The type of cable used is mainly UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair).
Hardware:
hardware in a small network includes the computing devices themselves-desktops, laptops,tablets and smartphones- as well as other hardware that can be shared such as printers
a switch is a device used to connect computers in a network (such as a HAN) with cables so that communication can occur between the computers but it is not used for internet access
A router is a device that allows one or more computers or devices to connect to networks such as internet. Most routers today include a built-in switch which allows other computers and devices in the HAN (including for example a printer) to connect to the router, thereby allowing these devices to communicate with each other and also to share the internet connection.
The following additional devices are needed for communication between devices in a HAN and connection to the internet:
Internet Service Provider
An Internet Service Provider (ISP) is a company that has a permanent, fast connection to the internet. These companies sell internet access and services to individuals and organisations for a monthly fee. This fee is dependents on the type of access that is chosen.
Examples of South African ISPs are MWEB, TelkomSA, MTN, Cell C, Vodacom, Afrihost and Telkom Mobile.
Internet connection
-Wired connection - ADSL or Fibre ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a permanent digital connection to the internet using a telephone line. The connection is split into two channels, one for making normal phone calls and one for connecting to the internet. Fibre is one of the exciting developments in fast internet connection for homes and businesses. Data is transmitted along thin glass fibre tubes, making it faster than the electrical transmission over copper cables used in ADSL. Fibre to the Home (FTTH) is the rolling out fibre cables to homes and small businesses for internet connectivity.
Wireless connection- Cellular technology It is also possible to connect to the internet wirelessly. This method offers internet connectivity without having to have an ADSL or fibre line installed, and also provides mobile access while you are on the move. 3G and 4G (LTE) are the generations of cellular technologies currently in use. A 3G or 4G dongle can be used on a computer or laptop to connect it to a cellular network provider foe internet access. You can also use a smartphone or a tablet with its data bundle as a personal hotspot to connect another smartphone, tablet or a computer to the internet.
Setting up a small network
Connecting to the internet