NETWORK

A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share
resources (such as printers and CD-ROMs), exchange files, or allow electronic
communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables,
telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.

There are three basic types of networks which includes the following:

Local Area Network (LAN)

Wide Area Network (WAN)

Local Area Network

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that is confined to a relatively small

area. It is generally limited to a geographic area such as a writing lab, school, or
building. Rarely are LAN computers more than a mile apart.

In a typical LAN configuration, one computer is designated as the file server. It

stores all of the software that controls the network, as well as the software that can
be shared by the computers attached to the network. Computers connected to the
file server are called workstations. The workstations can be less powerful than the
file server, and they may have additional software on their hard drives. On most
LANs, cables are used to connect the network interface cards in each computer.

Wide Area Network

Wide Area Networks (WANs) connect larger geographic areas, such as

Florida, the United States, or the world. Dedicated transoceanic cabling or satellite
uplinks may be used to connect this type of network.

Networking Devices
Consist of, but are not limited to non-local printers, workstations, servers,
webcams, data loggers, instruments, dial-in devices, and, in general anything that
requires an Ethernet connection. These devices are supported on a best-effort basis
limited by the staffing and equipment level available.

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 Hub is a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins
multiple computers together. Many network hubs
available today support the Ethernet standard. Other
types including USB hubs also exist, but Ethernet is
the type traditionally used in home networking.

Ethernet switch is a device that gathers the signals

from devices that are connected to it, and then
regenerates a new copy of each signal.

Bridge is a device filters data traffic at a network

boundary. Bridges reduce the amount of traffic on a LAN
by dividing it into two segments.

Routers are small physical devices that join multiple networks

together.

Network gateway is an internetworking system

capable of joining together two networks that use
different base protocols. A network gateway can be
implemented completely in software, completely in
hardware, or as a combination of both.

Modem is a contraction of the terms modulator and

demodulator. Modems perform a simple function:
They translate digital signals from a computer into
analog signals that can travel across conventional
phone lines. The modem modulates the signal at the
sending end and demodulates at the receiving end.

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Network interface is a device that connects a client computer, server, printer or

other component to your network. Most often, a network

interface consists of a small electronic circuit board that is
inserted into a slot inside a computer or printer. Alternatively,
some computers, printers, or other services include network
interfaces as part of their main circuit boards (motherboards).

Network firewall protects a computer network from

unauthorized access. Network firewalls may be
hardware devices, software programs, or a
combination of the two. Network firewalls guard an
internal computer network (home, school,
business intranet) against malicious access from the
outside. Network firewalls may also be configured to
limit access to the outside from internal users.

Direction: Identify what is being described in the following sentences and write your
answer on a separate sheet of paper.
1. It protects a computer network from unauthorized access.
2. Type of network that connect larger geographic areas, such as Florida, the
United States, or the world.
3. This is an internetworking system capable of joining together two networks
that use different base protocols.
4. It is consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share
resources (such as printers and CD-ROMs), exchange files, or allow
electronic communications.
5. They translate digital signals from a computer into analog signals that can
travel across conventional phone lines.
6. It is a device that connects a client computer, server, printer or other
component to your network.
7. A device filters data traffic at a network boundary.
8. It is a device that gathers the signals from devices that are connected to it,
and then regenerates a new copy of each signal.
9. It is a small, simple, inexpensive device that joins multiple computers
together.
10. Type of network that is confined to a relatively small area.

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 Now, that you are done with the introduction of network as well as the
networking devices, to enlighten your understanding and knowledge have some
more readings about it thru books and other resources. You should consider the
following topics for research:
1. Different types of Network Topology
2. Common networking tools

After the research, you can also deepen your understanding by watching a
video presentation using the URL below:
o http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-801/network-
devices/

o http://www.professormesser.com/free-a-plus-training/220-801/network-
topologies-3/

After the video presentation here are your tasks:

1. List down all the network devices and their advantages cited in the
video.
2. List down the different network topologies and their differences.

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MATERIALS, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT and TESTING DEVICES

The following tools and equipment are classified according to their functions
and uses.

Equipment and Tools Materials

Accessories
LAN Card Screwdriver(standard) Software applications
UPS Screwdriver(Philips) Network OS Software
Server Long nose pliers RJ 45
24 port-hub Mechanical pliers UTP Cat 5 cable
Modem Allen wrench Motherboard’s manual
Fax machine Multitester and installer
PC Video camera Crimping tools Sound device driver
USBExternalCD writer Soldering iron (30 watts) installer
USB scanner Wire stripper
USB printers LAN Tester
USB Flash Drive Anti-static wrist wrap
Device drivers/installers

LAN Card – is a network interface card. This is a

computer circuit board or card that is installed in a
computer so that it can be connected to a network.

Server – is a part of a network. It is a special

computer that users on the network can access to
carry out a particular job.

Port hub /Port – is a connector on the back of a

computer or other device. A port is either a serial port
or a parallel port.

Modem - (Modulator-Demodulator) The modem is

a device that allows a given computer to share data
or otherwise a device which let computers exchange
information

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Scanner- it is an input device that read text or
illustration printed on paper, translates the
information into a form that a computer can use

Flat Screw Driver – is used to drive or fasten

negative slotted screws

USB – Universal Serial Bus, a hardware interface

for low-speed peripherals such as the keyboard,
mouse, joystick, scanner, printer and telephony
devices.

Printer - is a piece of hardware that produces a

paper copy (also known as ‘hardcopy’) of the
information generated by the computer.

RAM – Random Access Memory, is a primary

memory. This memory is used inside the
computer to hold programs and data while it is
running.

BIOS – Basic Input / Output System, chip that

controls the most basic functions of the computer
and performs a self-test every time you turn it on.

Flash drive– RAM that can retain data without

electrical power. It is widely used for BIOS chips
and for digital camera and digital music storage

Video Camera - camera using videotape: a

camera that records onto videotape

Long nose Pliers – is used for holding, bending

and stretching the lead of electronics component or
connecting wire.

Soldering Iron – is used to join two or more metal

conductors with the support of soldering lead
melted around it.

Desoldering Tool – is used to unsolder unwanted

parts or component in the circuit with the support
of soldering pencil

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 Philips Screw Driver- is used to drive or fasten
positive slotted screws

LAN Tester- for RJ11,12,45 & BNC w/ Remote

Unit This ergonomic tester is designed to test most
network cable wiring. You can either conduct an
auto or manual test.

UTP – Unshielded Twisted Pair, is a popular type

of cable used in computer networking that consists
of two shielded wires twisted around each

Using Testing Tools and Equipment

A. Direction: Identify the following tools and materials, give their uses.

1.

2.

3.

4.

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LESSON2. INSTALL EQUIPMENT / DEVICES and SYSTEMS

This lesson is designed to give you the proper procedures used in installing
devices and operating system of a personal computer, alongside with it is the basic
computer configuration set up. At the end of this lesson you should be able to:

a) Apply OHS procedures in installing devices, systems, networking devices, and

peripherals;
b) Comply with the requirements in installing devices,/systems, networking devices,
and peripherals;
c) Install computer systems, networking devices and peripherals in accordance with
job requirements;
d) Perform variations in installing devices and systems in accordance with
customer/client’s requirements;
e) Obtain approval from appropriate personnel before implementing contingency
procedures;
f) Respond to unplanned events or conditions in accordance to established
procedures; and
g) Check the quality of the work undertaken in accordance with the established
procedures.

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

Personal Protective Equipment - It refers to protective clothing, helmets, goggles,

or other gear designed to protect the wearer's body or clothing from injury by
electrical hazards, heat, chemicals, and infection, for job-related occupational safety
and health purposes.

PPE can also be used to protect the working environment from pesticide
application, pollution or infection from the worker (for example in a microchipfactory).

It is important that students and teachers during their laboratory period should
be required to use personal protective equipment. Some of these are:

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 Goggles A large spectacles, with
shields around the rims, for protecting
the eyes from dust, excessive light,
wind, etc.
Rubber Sole A special type of shoes
used to prevent electrical shock and for
waterproofing and insulating purposes.

Apron A garment worn over the front

of the body as a protection for one’s
cloth.

Face Mask A covering for the face to

prevent the inhaling or absorbing dust
and other chemicals

Gloves The covering material with a

separate sheath for each finger used
for hand protection.

Anti-Static and Safety Precautions

The little shock you experience while you are walking across a carpeted floor
or when you touched a door knob, table, counter or even another person is a result
of static electricity. Static electricity is the discharge of electricity between two
objects with different electrical potential. Humans can't feel a static shock until it is
several thousand volts strong, but it takes less than 30 volts to fry a sensitive
computer component, such as a stick of RAM or a processor.

That's why computer technicians and home computer builders have to guard
their computers against the deadly ravages of static electricity, as well as take steps
to avoid injury.

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