QUARTER 4

LESSON 2: COMPUTER NETWORKS

Learning Outcome: Identify the different types of Network

What I Need to Know

Students will be able to:

• Define network.
• Identify the different types of networks.
• Know the use of hardware devices of a network.

What is It

A computer network consists of two or more computing devices that are connected in order to
share the components of your network (its resources) and the information you store. The most basic computer
network (which consists of just two connected computers) can expand and become more usable when additional computers
join and add their resources to those being shared. It is a collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices,
peripherals, or other devices connected to one another to allow the sharing of data. An excellent example of a network is
the Internet, which connects millions of people all over the world.

What are the Different Types of Computer Network?

1. Local Area Network

A LAN is a computer network which spans over a small geographical area such as
home, building, office, etc. In LAN, computers are placed relatively close. Since
computers are located within small distance, they do not need special devices and
cables to connect with each other.

2. MAN (Metropolitan area networks)

A MAN is a computer network which connects two or more LAN networks within same
city. When due to distance connecting two LANs is not possible, MAN network is used. It is
larger than LAN but smaller than WAN. It deploys special devices and cables to connect the
LANs.

3. WAN (Wide Area Network)

WAN is a computer network which spans over a large geographical area such as state,
region, country etc. WANs are typically used to connect two or more LANs or MANs
which are located relatively very far from each other. To provide connectivity,
this network uses special devices, cables and technologies
4. CAN (Campus Area Network)

Same as MAN network, but it is limited to a university or an academy. This network

is usually setup for educational activities such as classroom updates, practices labs, emails,
exams, notifications, polls, etc.

5. HAN (Home Area Network)

A home area network (HAN) is a network contained within a user's home that connects
a person's digital devices, from multiple computers and their peripheral devices to
telephones, VCRs, televisions, video games, home security systems, smart appliances, fax
machines and other digital devices that are wired into the network.

Networking Hardware Vocabulary

Networking hardware includes all

computers, peripherals, interface cards and
other equipment needed to perform data-
processing and communications within the network.

Bridges

A bridge is a device that allows you to segment a large network into two smaller, more efficient networks. If you are adding
to an older wiring scheme and want the new network to be up-to-date, a bridge can connect the two.

A bridge monitors the information traffic on both sides of the network so that it can pass packets of information to the
correct location. Most bridges can "listen" to the network and automatically figure out the address of each computer on
both sides of the bridge. The bridge can inspect each message and, if necessary, broadcast it on the other side of the
network.

Firewalls

A firewall is a networking device that is installed at the entrance to a LAN when connecting a network together, particularly
when connecting a private network to a public network, such as the internet. The firewall uses rules to filter traffic into and
out of the private network, to protect the private network users and data from malevolent hackers. Firewalls are either
hardware or software, depending on their intended use. A firewall used to protect a network is a hardware device that
should be installed in the network between the router and the network.
 Hub

A hardware device that contains multiple independent but connected modules of network and internetwork
equipment. Hubs can be active (where they repeat signals sent through them) or passive (where they do not repeat
but merely split signals sent through them).

Modems

It is a hardware component that allows a computer or another device, such as a router or switch, to connect to
the Internet. It converts or "modulates" an analog signal from a telephone or cable wire to digital data (1s and 0s) that
a computer can recognize. Similarly, it converts digital data from a computer or other device into an analog signal that
can be sent over standard telephone lines.

Network Interface Cards

The network interface card (NIC) provides the physical connection between the network and the computer
workstation. Most NICs are internal, and they are included in the purchase of most computers. Network interface
cards are a major factor in determining the speed and performance of a network. It is a good idea to use the fastest
network card available for the type of workstation you are using.

Repeaters

Since a signal loses strength as it passes along a cable, it is often necessary to boost the signal with a device called a
repeater. The repeater electrically amplifies the signal it receives and rebroadcasts it. Repeaters can be separate devices
or they can be incorporated into a concentrator. They are used when the total length of your network cable exceeds
the standards set for the type of cable being used.

Routers

This is a device that connects any number of LANs. Routers are the traffic directors of the global internet. All routers
maintain complex routing tables which allow them to determine appropriate paths for packets destined for any
address. Routers communicate with each other, and forward network packets out of or into a network.

Switches

A switch is a device that provides a central connection point for cables from workstations, servers, and peripherals. Split
large networks into small segments, decreasing the number of users sharing the same network resources and bandwidth.
It helps prevent data collisions and reduces network congestion, increasing network performance.

Workstations1

Computers that humans use are broadly categorized as workstations. A typical workstation is a computer that is
configured with a network interface card, networking software, and the appropriate cables. Workstations do not
necessarily need large storage hard drives, because files can be saved on the file server. Almost any computer can serve
as a network workstation