I did everything on google docs so I hope it all looks fine on your computer :D

I inserted links below but didn’t do any specific citation form because you never specified the format, I hope
that is ok :)
A - 2.1
compare LAN vs. WAN

LAN (Local Area Network) WAN (Wide Area Network)

- Can connect only a local area
- High speeds, up to 1000 mbps
- Examples include the network in an
office building, home internet, etc.
- Simpler device components
- Less problems since the systems are not
as complex as those of a WAN
- Costs relatively less than WAN for a
variety of reasons
- Less congestion in general
- Usually is individually managed, either
by a person or an organization
- LANs can be connected together into a
WAN if necessary
- Covers large areas (eg. countries)
- Relatively lower speed to LAN, 150 mbps
- Includes technologies like the internet
or private networks
- Uses more complicated technology
- Connects many systems and is therefore
more prone to faults
- Higher costs for tasks like maintenance,
setup, telecommunication lines
- Tends to have more congestion
- No specific owner and management is
distributed along the network

A - 2.2
Describe these basic components of a network

workstations
- Workstations are a type of computer made for more demanding tasks that regular computers
cannot usually handle
- Eg. 3d rendering, audio-visual processing, animation, computer-aided design
- They cost up to 3 times as much as a regular computer
- Typically more durable than normal computers
- Have various failsafes to prevent the loss of functions or data
- Eg. mirrored drives, error-correcting code
- Often have solid state drives (SSD) which are faster and break down less easily
- Higher quality graphics processing unit (GPU) which requires less work from the CPU
- More processor cores which can help boost the computer’s performance as long as the
software/programs allow for it
server
- A server is a type of computer used to process requests and send information in a network
- Technically software used to process information, but often refers to the physical computer
hardware because durable and fast hardware is needed specifically for many servers

The various different types of servers: (include but are not limited to)
- Web servers
- Most common and well-known type of server
- Allow information to be transferred over the internet and accessed by browsers (the
client program)
- Web servers are also used for cloud storage/online backups
- Have a wide variety of versatile uses
- Email servers
- Allows computer to send and receive emails
- A browser could serve as an email client for web-based emails
- FTP servers
- FTP stands for file transfer protocol
- Allows for file transfers between computers
- Accessed using FTP programs that connect to the file sharing server
- Identity servers
- They allow for login/security roles
- Print servers
- Allow users on the network to print to the same printer

network interface cards (NIC)

- Allows computers to be connected to networks/other computers
- A computer usually has one built in but they can be added
- Not necessarily the only component needed for connection (eg. also router)
- Have different speed ratings and bandwidths that can limit your connection

- Wireless
- Connect using Wi-Fi
- Have antenna that help it pick up the signals
- Wired
- Have a port for wired connection cables (Ethernet)
- Often flatter than wireless NICs due to not having antennas
- USB
- Not technically network cards, they are normal USB devices called “network adapters”
routers
- A router creates a network between computers
- This network is then joined to the internet by a modem
- Router protects devices from being directly connected to the Internet

modems
- Modem → modulator-demodulator (referring to telephone
connections)
- A modem connects the router (and local network) with the internet
- Modems usually have an Ethernet cable connecting to the method of internet provision
- Sometimes, routers and modems are combined
- This is now common with many internet service providers

hubs switches
- Hubs connect computers within a LAN - Essentially a faster version of a hub
together - Determines the computer that needs
- Send the received information to all the information and sends it accordingly
computers on the network - More expensive than hubs
- Can cause collisions when there
is more data/devices
- Fairly inexpensive
- Much less common/popular due to their
inefficiencies
- Modems often have built-in hubs/switches now due to technological advancements
A - 2.3
Compare the following types of data transmission

Copper Cable Fibre Optics Wireless

- Uses electrical signals - Thin transparent - Uses antenna,

passed through the material (often satellites, and
cable to transfer glass/plastic) used to electromagnetic waves
information transfer data in the to transmit
form of light information

- Already wired in many - Requires installation - Improving to 4G

different places so less - Less susceptible to technology and soon
expensive electromagnetic 5G (provided by some),
- However, interference this is faster with every
expensive to - Not fire hazard generation
purchase - Faster than both - Can cost significantly
- Best for rural areas copper cable and less than fibre optics
where installation and wireless transmission - Depends on proximity
proximity are issues - Speed of to wireless provider
- Less secure than fibre photons vs. - Slows down with more
optics electrons users, in populated
- Susceptible to - Less signal loss over areas, or in places
corrosion large distances where signal is difficult
- Bend adequately - Consumes less energy to receive
- High security - Relatively much easier
- Do not bend well to install
- Fibre optics are often complementary to wireless systems
Bibliography
1. https://www.diffen.com/difference/LAN_vs_WAN
2. https://www.autodesk.com/redshift/pc-versus-workstation/
3. https://www.lifewire.com/servers-in-computer-networking-817380
4. https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-a-server-definition-lesson-quiz.html
5. https://www.lifewire.com/definition-of-nic-817866
6. https://www.howtogeek.com/234233/whats-the-difference-between-a-modem-and-a-router/
7. http://www.differencebetween.net/technology/hardware-technology/difference-between-hub-and-
modem/
8. https://www.lifewire.com/differences-between-routers-switches-and-hubs-817707
9. https://smallbiztrends.com/2015/08/fiber-optic-copper-wireless-internet-transmission-methods.html
10. https://www.multicominc.com/training/technical-resources/copper-vs-fiber-which-to-choose/
11. https://www.techwalla.com/articles/differences-between-optical-fiber-and-wireless-communication
12. https://www.fieldnation.com/insights/pros-and-cons-of-fiber-optics