Networks

LANs (Local Area Networks)

Networking allows two or more computer systems to exchange information and share
resources and peripherals.
LANs are usually placed in the same building. They can be built with two main types
of architecture: peer-to-peer, where the two computers have the same capabilities, or
client-server, where one computer acts as the server containing the main hard disk and
controlling the other workstations or nodes, all the devices linked in the network ( e.g.
printers, computers, etc. ).
Computers in a I AN need to use the same protocol, or standard of communication.
Ethernet is one of the most common protocols for LANs.
r
A router, a device that forwards data packets, is needed to ^ «

link a LAN to another network, e.g. to the Net.

Most networks are linked with cables or wires hut new
Wi-Fi, wireless fidelity, technologies allow the creation of
WLANs, where cables or wires are replaced by radio waves .
To build a WLAN you need access points, radio- based
receiver-transmitters that are connected to the wired LAN,
and wireless adapters installed in your computer to link it to
the network .
Hotspots arc WLANs available for public use in places
like airports and hotels, hut sometimes the service is also m.
available outdoors ( e.g. university campuses, squares, etc.). Networks

B Network topology
Topology refers to the shape of a network.
There are three basic physical topologies.
Star: there is a central device to which all
the workstations are directly connected.
This central position can be occupied by a
server, or a hub, a connection point of the
elements of a network that redistributes
the data .
Bus: every workstation is connected to a
main cable called a bus.
a Ring: the workstations are connected
to one another in a closed loop
configuration.
There are also mixed topologies like the tree,
a group of stars connected to a central bus.
WANs (Wide Area Networks) The three basic network topologies
WANs have no geographical limit and may connect computers or LANs on opposite
sides of the world . They are usually linked through telephone lines, fibre-optic cables
or satellites. The main transmission paths within a WAN are high-speed lines called
backbones.
Wireless WANs use mobile telephone networks.
The largest WAN in existence is the Internet.
0.1 Read rhe information opposite and correct the following statements.
1 LANs link computers and other devices that are placed far apart.
-
2 In a client server architecture, all rhe workstations have the same capabilities.
3 The word protocol refers to the shape of the network.
4 Routers are used to link two computers.
5 Access points don’t need to be connected to a wired l.AN.
6 Wireless adapters are optional when you are using a WLAN.
7 Hotspots can only be found inside a building.
8 The Internet is an example of a LAN.
9 Wireless WANs use fibre and cable as linking devices.

0.2 Use the words in the box to complete the sentences.

L.AN nodes hub backbones
WLAN peer-to-peer server

1 All thePCs on a .. are connected to one , which is a powerful

PC with a large hard disk that can be shared by everyone.
2 The style of networking permits each user to share resources such as
printers.
3 The star is a topology for a computer network in which one computer occupies rhe
central part and the remaining are linked solely to it .
-
4 At present Wi Fi systems transmit data at much more than 100 times the rate of a dial -
-
up modem , making it an ideal technology for linking computers to one another and to
rhe Net in a
5 All of the fibre-optic of the United States, Canada and Latin America
cross Panama.
6 A joins multiple computers ( or other network devices ) together to form a
single network segment, where all computers can communicate directly with each other.

0.3 Read these descriptions of different physical topologies of communication networks and match
them with the terms in B opposite.
1 All the devices are connected to a central station ,
2 In this type of network there is a cable to which all the computers and peripherals are
connected.
3 Two or more star networks connected together; the central computers are connected to
a main bus.
4 All devices ( computers, printers, etc. ) are connected to one another forming a
continuous loop.

0.4 A network administrator has set up a new network in a school. Which topology has she chosen?

We have decided to install computers in all the departments but

we havent spent a lot of money on them. Actually, only the one
in the staff room is really powerful (and expensive! ). They all have
common access to the Net and share a laser printer. The teachers
In this school have built up a general fie of resources kept in the
main computer to which all the others in the network have access.

A BACAic
Write a list of the advantages and disadvantages of
using networks. “ When l was a student , wireless data
transmission meant passing notes in class. "
 cell
Mobile phones
Mobile phones: definition and technology 1
Mobile phones, or cellular phones, are devices rhat enable
communication to all types of Telephones while moving over a wide iJ
area called the coverage area.
The term 'cellular’ comes from the fact that the phone calls arc
m. i
made through base stations, communication towers or antennas, i
which divide the coverage area into cells. As you move from cell rtt

to cell, the calls are transferred to different base stations belonging

to the same or a different telephone company. This capability of
mobile phones is called roaming. The phone is said to be out of antenna and transce
range when it cannot communicate with a base station. Cells and base stations

B A brief history
I BrE: mobile phone
1G, First Generation phones started in the 1980s when Motorola [ AmE: cellular phone
introduced the first hand - held phones. They used analogue technology
and the main drawback was the small number of channels rhat could be used at a time.
I In the 1990s, 2G mobiles introduced digital transmission methods that converted voice into
binary information, increasing the number of channels, the speed of transmission between
.
the phone and the base station and enabling a reduction in size The most common standard,
GSM, Global System for Mobile communications, started to be used at this stage. One of
the features of this technology is the use of SIM cards, a type of smart card that contains the
user’s information, the connection data and the phonebook . It also enables the user to change
service provider without changing the handset.
3G phones offer a high -speed data transfer capability. Some of these phones are called smart
phones and combine PDA capabilities with the usual functions of a digital phone. The new
communication standard, UMTS, Universal Mobile Telecommunications System, enables the
multimedia transmissions that are becoming common nowadays.
New standards are being developed that will open the way to new 4G phones with an
emphasis on multimedia, real-time television and radio.

Features and functions

Mobiles have become an essential part of our lives and there are many uses for them.

I've bought a new mobile with VAy mobile has programmable

B/ue tooth, a wireless technology, to | t'/ M ring tones, so I can personalize my
connect my phone to other devices phone s melodies or sounds, and
'

at home or in my office. It also has changeable faceplates, which make

WAP. Wireless Application Protocol . the front look different. I used to
which enables access to the wireless just send 5A15 (short message
.
Web and an integrated PDA, a service ), short text messages. Now I
digital assistant, where I keep my can also take and send pictures with
appointments and sales records. -
the built in digital camera.'
V.
"
; ,

"
W1
m I’m very concerned about safety

f
Tm mad about music, so / love V: in the car. That’s why I bought a
having a mobile which integrates
radio and AVP3, the most usual -
hands free kit, so I can drive and
talk on the phone without taking
music file format on the Web. I Can jy
4§ risks
download music from the Net and
listen to it on my mobile.
ith
* Kv
.‘In '
This mobile also has a speakerphone:
I can talk without holding the
handset. I also use it when I want
several people to participate in the
call.'
29.1 Complete this text about basic principles of mobile telephony with words from A
opposite.
Mobile phones, also called ( 1 ) , or cell phones for short,
need a network of towers or antennas to transmit calls. In a cellular system, a city
is divided into smaller sections or (2) where the (3)
... usually occupy a central position. When you are outside your service
provider’s (4) area, your telephone may become out of ( 5)
unless your telephone allows ( 6 ) , i.e. the ability to use another service
provider’s network.

29.2 Read B opposite and decide if these sentences are True or False. If they are false, correct them.
1 1G phones had a slower transmission speed than 2G.
2 2G phones introduced analogue technology.
3 GSM started to be used in the 80s.
4 Smart phones can be used for other purposes, e.g. as a personal digital assistant.
5 People won’t be able to watch live TV on 4G phones.
6 SIM cards enable users to keep important information.
7 UMTS, the standard used in 3G phones, has made video phones a commercial reality.

-
29.3 Read C opposite and match the CNFT.com phone reviews ( 1 5 ) to the descriptions of users who
might be interested in them ( a-e ).
3 Tit is model is the best
1 This is the best multimedia 2 This is the best smart phone for SMS addicts,
phone, with a 1.3- mcgapixel phone, with wireless with a QWERTY
digital camera, TransFlash support ( Bluetooth and keyboard and multiple
card slot, Bluetooth and an Wi- Fi ), WAP and email. messaging options.
MP3 player.
IT i 1 7 '

0m 5 This phone is the best for

4 This is the best status-symbol L |
phone, with a striking
F jH £ -
teens, with an eye catching

design, beautiful display and ir S

.j
; •
<
;•; pop- up display, vibration
feedback for game playing,
speakerphone; it’s a world programmable ring tones
phone. Hands-free kit included. and changeable faceplates.

a People who love talking,

playing games and d People who want email i
unusual ring tones and to surf the Web
J

b People who prefer C Phone users who love taking e Mobile phone fanatics
writing to phoning pictures and watching videos, who travel a lot and want
and music lovers to make an impression
..... J
.

Mobiles can be very annoying for people around you if you don't follow certain rules.
In addition, they may be harmful for your health. Access the Professional English in Use
ICT website at www.cambridge.org/elt/ict. Then do the activity Are you a responsible mobile user?