SECTION 1 - COMPUTER NETWORKS AND WEB TECHNOLOGIES

Types of Networks
A network is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices, peripherals, or
other devices connected to one another to allow the sharing of data and other resources. An
excellent example of a network is the Internet, which connects millions of people all over the world.
Local Area Networks (LAN), Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN), Wide Area Networks (WAN)
and Mobile Networks are all types of networks.

Local Area Networks (LAN)

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a computer
network that interconnects computers within a limited
area such as a residence, school, laboratory,
university campus or office building.  In Nevis, E. C.
Computer Institute, Charlestown Secondary School,
Gingerland Secondary School, Nevis International
Secondary School, the Ministry of Education and
Nevis Co-operative Credit Union are examples of
LANs.

Metropolitan Area Networks (MAN)

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) is a
computer network that interconnects users
with computer resources in a
geographic area or region larger than that covered by even
a Large Local Area Network (LAN) but smaller than
the area covered by a Wide Area Network (WAN). An
example of a Metropolitan Area Network is one that covers
a town or city. In Nevis, Government Offices, NASPA,
NEVLEC, FLOW, TDC and S. L. Horsfords are examples
of MANs.

Wide Area Networks (WAN)

A Wide Area Networks (WAN) is a computer network that
spans a relatively large geographical area such as a
country or several countries. Typically, a WAN consists of
two or more Local-Area Networks (LANs). Computers
connected to a wide-area network are often connected
through public networks, such as the telephone system.
They can also be connected through leased lines or
satellites. Many technologies are available for wide area
network links. Examples include circuit-switched
telephone lines, radio wave transmission, and optical
fiber. An example of a Wide Area Network is the Internet.

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Mobile Networks
A mobile network or cellular network is
a communication network where the last
link is wireless. The network is distributed
over land areas called "cells", each
served by at least one fixed-
location transceiver, but more normally,
three cell sites or base transceiver
stations. These base stations provide the
cell with the network coverage which can
be used for transmission of voice, data,
and other types of content. A cell typically
uses a different set of frequencies from
neighbouring cells, to avoid interference
and provide guaranteed service quality
within each cell. The most
common example of a cellular network is
a mobile phone (cell phone) network.
A mobile phone is a portable telephone
which receives or makes calls through a
cell site (base station) or transmitting
tower. Radio waves are used to transfer signals to and from the cell phone.

Concept of Mobile Network as Radio-based Common Carrier

Radio Technology (Carrier). Simply put, the “radio technology” is the wireless signal
your phone uses. This also determines with what companies and where a phone will work. In the
United States the big choice is between CDMA (Sprint and Verizon) and GSM (T-Mobile and
AT&T).
Overview of Mobile Networks from 2G to Current
Mobile (cellular) networks have evolved rapidly as analog voice gave way to digital voice, and now
routinely include data services and streaming digital video, all delivered to the mobile device or user
equipment over an IP network. Although not directly part of 4G or the Long Term Evolution (LTE) of
mobile networks, some background on the 3G mobile architecture and the 3G packet gateway, or
gateway GPRS support node (GGSN), is necessary. This is because the Packet Data Network
Gateway (P-GW) in the LTE architecture is still expected to internetwork and interoperate with 3G
(and often even older) architectures and devices.

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The major generations of mobile network architectures are:
 “1G” - The first generation; of course, no one called this type of mobile network “1G” because no
one knew there would be subsequent generations. It supported analog voice bandwidths and did
not support GPRS data.
 2G - Once mobile networks proved popular, the next step digitized the radio signal (which added
capacity and was spectrally more efficient) and added some rudimentary data capabilities through
the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) standard. Phone conversations were
now digitally encrypted and text messaging (short message service, or SMS) began, although it
would take years before most devices supported such messages. Enhanced mobile networks
added digital services such as GPRS or Enhanced Data Rates for GSM Evolution (EDGE).
Many mobile networks are still some form of 2G networks. The gateway GPRS support node
(GGSN) was included in these advanced architectures.
 3G - The many flavors of 2G networks led to the formation of the 3G Partnership Project (3GPP)
to standardize the next generation of mobile networks. The universal mobile
telecommunications system (UMTS) was standardized by the 3GPP and is widely used around
the world. Today, many cell phones are GSM/UMTS hybrids. The latest UMTS release is called
High Speed Packet Access (HSPA and HSPA+), offering higher bit rates.
 4G and LTE - The fourth generation of mobile networks is defined by the International
Telecommunication Union (ITU) as 4G. The 3GPP has also created a standard to provide a
context for the “long-term evolution” of mobile networks (LTE) and LTE Advanced.
As time goes by, the designations 3G and 4G have become more marketing terms than
architectural standards.

Wireless Networks Technologies

Wireless networks are computer networks that are not connected by cables of any kind. The use of
a wireless network enables enterprises to avoid the costly process of introducing cables into
buildings or as a connection between different equipment locations. Examples of wireless networks
are Bluetooth, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) and Hotspots.

Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless communication technology that
allows devices such as mobile phones, computers, and peripherals
to transmit data or voice wirelessly over a short distance. It is an
open wireless technology standard for transmitting fixed and mobile
electronic device data over short distances. Bluetooth was introduced
in 1994 as a wireless substitute for RS-232 cables.Bluetooth
communicates with a variety of electronic devices and creates
personal networks operating within the unlicensed 2.4 GHz band.
Operating range is based on device class. A variety of digital devices
use Bluetooth, including MP3 players, mobile and peripheral devices

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and personal computers. In contrast to other wireless technologies, Bluetooth equips its network
and devices with high-level services like file pushing, voice transmission and serial line emulation.

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)

Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) - a local area network that
uses high frequency radio signals to transmit and
receive data over distances of a few hundred feet;
uses Ethernet protocol. WiFi, wireless local area
network, WLAN. It is a technology that uses radio
waves to provide network connectivity. A Wi-
Fi connection is established using a wireless adapter
to create hotspots - areas in the vicinity of a
wireless router that are connected to the network and allow users to access internet services.
You can connect your desktop computer, laptop, notebook, tablet, IPod and mobile phone to a
hotspot.

Hotspot
A hotspot is a specific location that provides Internet
access via a wireless local area network (WLAN). The
term is generally synonymous with a Wi-Fi connection. A
network that creates a hotspot primarily includes a
modem and wireless router. The radio frequency (RF)
waves sent by the wireless network extend in different
directions from its centralized location. These signals
become weaker as they travel, either further from the
central location or due to interference. Hotspots can be
found in airports, ferry terminals, train stations, bus stops, Internet Cafes, supermarkets and
shopping malls.

Levels of Privacy in Networks

Intranet
An intranet is a private network that can only be accessed by authorized users. The prefix "intra"
means "internal" and therefore implies an intranet is designed for internal communications.
For example, a business may create an intranet to allow employees to securely share
messages and files with each other. Business such as banks would use an Intranet.

Extranet
An extranet is a controlled private network allowing customers, partners, vendors, suppliers
and other businesses to gain information, typically about a specific company or educational
institution, and do so without granting access to the organization's entire network.
An extranet is often a private part of a website. Business like call centers use an Extranet.
Advantages of Intranet
a. Commercial or confidential data is kept secure within the organization
b. Emails remain private and may also be encrypted
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Disadvantages of Intranet
a. Requires upgrades and could have software incompatibility problems
b. Security features can be inadequate

The Internet
The Internet, sometimes called simply "the
Net," is a worldwide system of
computer networks -- a network of
networks in which users at any one
computer can, if they have permission (via
a user name and password), get
information from any other computer
(and sometimes talk directly to users at
other computers). The Internet carries
many network services, most prominently
the World Wide Web, including social
media, electronic mail, mobile applications, multiplayer online games, Internet telephony, file
sharing, and streaming media services. The Internet includes commercial, educational,
governmental, and other networks, all of which use the same set of communications protocols. It is
global communication accessed through the Web and is the largest network of networks. Nobody
actually owns the Internet. All businesses in general use the Internet.

TWO WAYS IN WHICH YOU CAN CONNECT TO THE INTERNET

 Wired
 Wireless
Wired Method
o Dial-Up which is the oldest method of connecting to the internet; the modem dials the ISP and
establishes a connection. That would be done after you have entered your username and a
password.
o DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) which is a high-speed Internet service similar to cable Internet. It
provides high-speed networking over ordinary phone lines using broadband modem technology
Wireless Method
o Wi-Max: WiMAX, short for Worldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access, is the next
generation of high speed wireless internet and is built to deliver commercial grade internet
services such as voice, streaming video and data.
o Wi-Fi: The Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a high speed internet connection, as you have learned, it
is found in most devices.
Advantages of the Internet

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E-mail: E-mail (short for electronic mail) is an online correspondence system. With e-mail, you can
send and receive instant electronic messages which work like writing letters. Your messages are
delivered instantly to people anywhere in the world, unlike traditional mail that takes a lot of time.
Access Information: The Internet is a virtual treasure trove of information. Any kind of information on
any topic under the sun is available on the Internet. The ‘search engines’ on the Internet can help
you to find data on any subject that you need.
Disadvantages of the Internet
Personal Information: If you use the Internet, your personal information such as your name,
address, etc. can be accessed by other people. If you use a credit card to shop online, then your
credit card information can also be ‘stolen’ which could be akin to giving someone a blank check.
Pornography: This is a very serious issue concerning the Internet, especially when it comes to
young children. There are thousands of pornographic sites on the Internet that can be easily found
and can be a detriment to letting children use the Internet.

When computers communicate with each other, there needs to be a common set of rules and
instructions that each computer follows. A specific set of communication rules is that governs this
activity is called a protocol.

The World Wide Web (WWW), or simply Web is a way of accessing information over the medium of
the Internet. It is an information-sharing model that is built on top of the Internet.
Information that travels over the Internet does so via a variety of languages known as protocols
(These are rules governing how data is transferred over networks).
The Web uses the Hyper Text Transfer Protocol (HTTP) protocol, only one of the languages
spoken over the Internet, to transmit data.
The Web also utilizes browsers, such as Internet Explorer or Firefox, to access Web documents
called Web pages that are linked to each other via hyperlinks. A hyperlink is a link from a hypertext
document to another location, activated by clicking on a highlighted word or image. Web documents
also contain graphics, sounds, text and video.

PROGRESS QUIZZES: (34 marks)

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1. Define the following terms: (4 marks)
a. Internet b. Protocol c. Intranet d. Extranet

2. What does the following abbreviations stand for and their purpose? (10 marks)
a. WI FI b. HTML c. WWW d. HTTP e. WIMAX

3. Give the advantages of the Internet. (2 marks)

4. What is the purpose of wireless broadband? (1 mark)

5. Name an organization that uses the following: (3 marks)

a. Intranet b. Internet c. Extranet

6. Give the disadvantages of the Internet. (2 marks)

7. Name TWO (2) devices that uses wireless broadband. (2 marks)

8. Give the advantages of the Intranet. (2 marks)

9. Who owns the Internet? (1 mark)

10. Give the disadvantages of the Intranet. (2 marks)

11. Give an advantage of an extranet. (1 mark)

12. Define the following terms: (4 marks)

a. Web page b. Hotspot c. Hyperlink f. Search engines