Networks And the effects of

Using them
4.1 Networks
This lesson will cover :
1. Types of network( LAN , WLAN , WAN , WIFI & Bluetooth Network ).
2. Network Hardware ( Network interface card , Hub , switch , Router ,
Modem , Bridge ) .
3. IP Address & MAC Address .
4. Setting up a small network .
5. Internet , Intranet & Extranet .
What is a Computer Network?
A network is two or more computers, or other electronic devices,
connected together so that they can exchange data & Share
resources .
Advantages of using network
• Easily share files and data.
• Share resources such as printers and Internet connections.
• Communicate with other network users (e-mail, instant messaging,
video-conferencing, etc.)
• Store data centrally (using a file server) for ease of access and back-
up.
Disadvantages of computer network
• Viruses can spread across the network very easily and quickly .
• Greater risk of hackers .
• If part of network fails ( server) this can cause the
whole network to break down .
• Print queues can be long.
 Types of computers that make up network
Server
Powerful computers that :

1.Providing central storage

Clients
2. Sharing devices
Normal computer
3.Providing network security
as a PC OR Laptop
Types of Network
Four types of computer networks :

1. LAN ( Local area Network ) usually located in single room or small building using cables .

2. WLAN (Wireless local area network ) similar to LAN’s but they connect computers
together wirelessly instead of using cables .

3. WAN ( Wide area network ) made of computers or networks that are connected over a
large geographical area .

4. WPAN ( Wireless Personal Area Network ) Devices connected to each other using radio
waves instead of cables between 1 and 100 meters distance .
Types of Networking devices
There are different devices that used to build a network :
a. Hubs
b. Switch
c. Bridge
d. Router
e. Cables
f. Network interface card
Hubs and a switch
• A Hub and a Switch both connect a number of computers together to
form a LAN.
Difference between hub & Switch :
Hub Switch
Sends data packets to all the Devices Sends data packets to specific
on the network which causes network computers on the LAN using device
traffic. unique MAC addresses.

Poor Security More secure

Very slow because of unnecessary data Faster because the amount of

flowing around . unnecessary data reduced .
Hubs
 Switch
When the server sent a
message to specific device
The switch checks its MAC
address table for the
destination address .
MAC address table
contains a list of all active
ports and then send the
message to it .
Switch table
Device MAC
address
Server 001
Client 002
Client 003
Client 004
Printer 005
Bridge
Bridge are device used to connect one LAN to another LAN , that uses
the same protocol ( communication rules) .
 Router
• Router : enable data packet to be
routed (sent) between different
networks .
• Routes data from one network to
another based on IP address .
• It used to connect a LAN( Local
Area Network ) to a WAN (wide
area network ) .
• They can direct data between
networks by the best/fastest
route .
Router Function
• The job of the router to inspect data packets sent from one
computer, or any network connected to it.
• The router (passes the message) to a switch or another router until
the data packet gets to its destination.
• The router uses the IP address (Internet Protocol address) to route
the message to an appropriate switch.
• The switch will then use the MAC address to locate the device on the
network.
Network Interface Card
• Used to connect individual computer / devices to a network .
• Its usually part of the device hardware and contains the MAC address .
• Network interface cards have ports which allow network cables to be
plugged in and connect the computer to the network .
Network cables
• Wires that plugged into a computer wired network
interface card and connect it to the network .
• The wires can be either copper or Fiber optic .
• Fiber optic offers higher data transfer rate & better
security .

Advantages of using network cables instead of wireless:

1. Faster data transfer rate .
2. More secure than wireless network
 Data Packets
A file has to be broken up into small chunks of data known as data packets in
order to be transmitted over a network.
The data is then re-built once it reaches the destination computer.

Data packets usually contain the following information :

• Some form of header identify the data packets
• Sender IP address
• Receivers IP address
• How many data packets make up the whole message
• The identity number of each packet
MAC (Media access control) Address
• MAC Address is used to ensure the physical address of computer. It
uniquely identifies the devices on a network .
• MAC address is assigned by the manufacturer .
• Each device has a unique MAC address which not change .
IP Address
• IP ( Internet Protocol ) is a unique number that assigned by ISP
(Internet service provider) .
• Used to connect devices to the internet .
• It usually written in the form of (192.168.11.10)
• IP Address it usually used in the routing operations , as it identifies a
network connection .
• The IP Address changes each time you connect to the network .
Describe the details of computer addresses
that are stored by a router ?
• Stores IP addresses
• IP address is a unique identifier set up by network manager/ISP
• Can change but should match the network it’s on
• IP address consists of 4 numbers separated by full stops
• Stores MAC addresses
• 6 pairs of hexadecimal digits
• MAC address is usually hard coded by manufacturer, never changes
Extra video resources
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1z0ULvg_pW8
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mad4kQ5835Y