ICT IGCSE Aysha Eiman Akmal

4- Networks and the effects of using them

Nowadays, most computers are connected together to form something commonly known as a network.
NETWORKS
A network is two or more computer connected together. Networks range from small ranges , such as home/school network
that only comprises a few networks to larger networks. The largest network is internet. Every single computer has a media
access control (MAC) address as an identification.

Network devices
Modems were used before the days of broadband internet connections, by connecting the computers through telephone lines.
The problem was that they were analogue.
Hub is a “dumb device”, because if it receives a message, it sends it to all computers on the network, meaning a hub is not
secure.
Switch are more secure than hubs. Unlike hubs, switches check the data packet received, work out its destination
address/addresses (by using the MAC address) and send the data to only the appropriate computer/computers.
Bridge is a network device that usually connects two different parts of a LAN.
Routers allow data packets to be routed between different networks, such as joining a LAN to a wide area network (WAN)
LAN (Local Area Network) are small networks connected together.

Firewall
Device of software, that is placed between the computer and the rest of the network, where the hackers are. It is placed
between LAN and the internet connection to protect it from hackers out on the internet.

Wi-Fi
A system which allows you to connect to a network or computer through wireless communication. This is done by using radio
waves

Bluetooth
An example of a wireless personal area networking (WPAN) technology, using radio waves to transfer data over distance of
between 1 and 100 metres.

TYPES OF NETWORKS
LAN
Local area networks (LAN) are usually confined to just one building
WAN
Wireless area network (WAN) is used with computers or networks located at a long distance geographically from each other.
WLAN
Wireless local area network (WLAN) is just like LAN, but there are no wires or cables involved.

ACCESSING THE INTERNET

Device Advantages Disadvantages
Laptops More portable and small in size Processors may be slower than those of
Bigger screens than phones and tablets desktop computers
Can be difficult to navigate with a touch
pad
Desktops Stable internet connection Not portable due to its big size
Input devices make navigation easier Has to be always connected to a power
supply
Tablets More portable Signal strength depends on location\
Smartphones Limited battery Life

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ICT IGCSE Aysha Eiman Akmal

NETWORK COMMUNICATION
Faxes
Fax is short for facsimile. There are two types of faxing: manual faxing and electronic faxing.
E-mail
Electronic mail allow to send attachments, such as music and videos
Video Conferencing
A communication method that uses both video and sound.
Audio Conferencing
A communication method that uses sound only
Web Conferencing
Also known as webinar, internet is used to permit conferencing to take place.

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