Computer Networking Generally, telecommunication networks are Wide Area

Computer Networking Telecommunications Network. These networks provide connectivity to MANs

network that allows computers to exchange data. In and LANs. Since they are equipped with very high speed
computer networks, networked computing devices pass backbone, WANs use very expensive network
data to each other along data connections. Data travels equipment. WAN may use advanced technologies such
using a transmission medium called Network Cable. as Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM), Frame Relay,
Networking Hardware - The devices which are used to and Synchronous Optical Network (SONET). WAN may
connect two or more computers placed anywhere can be managed by multiple administrations.
be termed as Hardware for Networking. LAN (Local Area Network) - A computer network
Networking devices spanned inside a building and operated under single
There are many networking devices administrative. Usually, LAN covers an organization
1. LAN cards - A LAN (local area network) card offices, schools, colleges or universities. The resources
connects a computer to a network, whether local of such as printers, file servers, scanners, and internet are
foreign. It is connected to the computer mother board easily sharable among computers. LAN uses either
via serial port. Now days these are by default connected Ethernet or Token-ring technology. Ethernet is most
to the Mother Board. widely employed LAN technology and uses Star
2. Repeaters - Connectivity devices that topology, while Token-ring is rarely seen.
regenerate and amplify an analog or digital signal so as LAN can be wired, wireless, or in both forms at once.
to transfer it to far places. MAN (Metropolitan Area Network) - generally expands
3. HUB Multiport repeater containing multiple throughout a city such as cable TV network. It can be in
ports to interconnect multiple devices. They reduce the the form of Ethernet, Token-ring, ATM, or Fiber
strength of signal for every connected port. Due to this Distributed Data Interface (FDDI). Metro Ethernet is a
they are not used now days. service which is provided by ISPs. This service enables
4. Switches - Subdivide a network into smaller its users to expand their Local Area Networks. For
logical pieces. They can also amplify the signal. example, MAN can help an organization to connect all of
5. Routers - Multiport connectivity device. Their its offices in a city. MAN works in between Local Area
main purpose is to connect two or more network Network and Wide Area Network. MAN provides uplink
connection having different Network IDs. for LANs to WANs or internet.
6. Networking Hardware
a. Cables and connectors
Coaxial cables - These cables are used
to carry electrical signals b/w two or
more computers.
UTP - Unshielded Twisted Pair cables. It
is a set of three or four pair of wires,
with each pair twisted around each
other to prevent electromagnetic
interference.
Fiber optical cable - Fiber optic cable
carries light signal. These are used to
carry data at distant places, which
cannot be done by coaxial cables or
UTP. They are more secured, less loss in
signal strength.
b. Networking Tools
Crimping tool - this tool is designed for
the connections of the UTP cables with
the connectors by cutting, stripping,
deforming. Crimping was developed as
a high-quality, low cost replacement for
soldering process.
WAN (Wide Area Network) - covers a wide area which
may span across provinces and even a whole country.