Section A
Network Classification
A description of the different area networks that are provided such as pan, nan, lan, man, and wan.
PAN (personal area network) – is the interior connection of personal digital devices within a range of about 30 feet and without the use of wires or cables. It’s usually used to transmit data from a computer to a PDA, a cell phone, and a portable printer.
NAN (neighborhood area networks) – provides connectivity within a limited geographical area, usually spread over several buildings. This network is becoming famous by coffee shops and computer hobbyists.
LAN (local area network) – is a data communications network that connects personal computers within a very limited geographical. School computer labs and home networks are examples of LANs.
MAN (metropolitan area network) – is a public high speed network capable of voice and data transmission within a range of about 50 miles. Internet service providers, cable television companies, and local telephone companies are example of people who use MAN networks.
WAN (wide area network) – covers a large geographical area and usually consists of several smaller networks. The internet, nationwide banks, and multi location superstores are classified as WANs.
LAN Standards
LAN technologies are standardized by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) project 802. An IEEE designation number such as IEEE 802.3 is sometimes used to refer to a network standard in articles and advertisements. The most popular LAN standard used today is Ethernet technologies and use compatible WI-FI standards in applications that require wireless access.
Network Devices
Node- each connection point on a network
Network Interface Card- this is needed to connect to a lan
Networked peripheral- is any device that contains network circuitry
Network attached storage- a device that connects directly to a net work
Network topology
The study of network topology recognizes five basic topologies:
- Bus topology
- Star topology
- Ring topology
- Tree topology
- Mesh topology
Bus
In local area networks where bus technology is used, each machine is connected to a single cable. Each computer or server is connected to the single bus cable through some kind of connector. A terminator is required at each end of the bus cable to prevent the signal from bouncing back and forth on the bus cable.
Star
In local area networks where the star topology is used, each machine is connected to a central hub. In contrast to the bus topology, the star topology allows each machine on the network to have a point to point connection to the central hub.
Ring network topology
In local area networks where the ring topology is used, each computer is connected to the network in a closed loop or ring. Each machine or computer has a unique address that is used for identification purposes. The signal passes through each machine or computer connected to the ring in one direction. Ring topologies typically utilize a token passing scheme, used to control access to the network.
Tree
Is a blend of star and bus topology. Multiple star networks are connected into a bus configured by a backbone.
Section B
Homepna
HomePNA is one of the leading wired home networking technologies and the choice of major service providers worldwide. The HomePNA is home networking specifications for distributing entertainment and triple play data over existing coax cables and phone wires.
Ethernet
Ethernet is a family of frame-based computer networking technologies for local area networks (LANs). The name comes from the physical concept of the ether. It defines a number of wiring and signaling standards for the Physical Layer of the OSI networking model, through means of network access at the Media Access Control protocol (a sub-layer of Data Link Layer), and a common addressing format.
Ethernet is standardized as IEEE 802.3. The combination of the twisted pair versions of Ethernet for connecting end systems to the network, along with the fiber optic versions for site backbones, is the most widespread wired LAN technology. It has been in use from around 1980[1] to the present, largely replacing competing LAN standards such as token ring, FDDI, and ARCNET.
Section C
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is an open wireless protocol for exchanging data over short distances (using short length radio waves) from fixed and mobile devices, creating personal area networks (PANs). It was originally conceived as a wireless alternative to RS-232 data cables. It can connect several devices, overcoming problems of synchronization Bluetooth makes it possible for these devices to communicate with each other when they are in range. Because the devices use a radio (broadcast) communications system, they do not have to be in line of sight of each other.
Wi-Fi
A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a personal computer, video game console, mobile phone, MP3 player or personal digital assistant can connect to the Internet when within range of a wireless network connected to the Internet. The coverage of one or more interconnected access points called a hotspot can comprise an area as small as a few rooms or as large as many square miles covered by a group of access points with overlapping coverage. In addition to private use in homes and offices, Wi-Fi can provide public access at Wi-Fi hotspots provided either free of charge or to subscribers to various commercial services. Organizations and businesses such as airports, hotels and restaurants often provide free hotspots to attract or assist clients
Wi-Fi Equipment
Wi-Fi setup
