DS Unit 05: Networks and the Internet

Network
A network is a group of (two or more) computer systems linked together.

Types of Computing Networks

Network Types According to Connection

Wired: If the data transfer between networking components is made over a data cable, this kind of
connection is called a wired connection. “Ethernet cable” is the most common type of networking
cable. “Fibre-optic cables” are now being used as they offer better connectivity over greater distances
and a faster speed.

Wireless: If the data transfer between networking components is made wirelessly via digital radio
signals, this kind of connection is called a wireless connection. “Access point” is the name of the
device that distributed wireless network signals.

Cloud: Cloud means Internet. If the data transfer between networking components is made over the
Internet, this kind of connection is called a cloud connection. “Modem” is the name of the device that
allows Internet connectivity.

Network Types According to Range

Personal Area Network (PAN): The smallest type of network, consisting of the connected devices
that are in close proximity to an individual. A typical PAN could be wirelessly connecting a phone and
printer to one laptop.

Local Area Network (LAN): A network that is limited to a small area such as an office or a
commercial establishment. A LAN is usually set up to help the sharing of resources, whether it is
giving access to a central store of data in an office, sharing a printer at home or sharing internet
access in the school.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): A network that covers a larger geographical area. This type of
network can cover a big campus or an entire city. Examples of MANs include governments that
provide free Wi-Fi access to residents in a city, or municipalities that connect traffic lights or parking
meters to a single network. A future use of MANs will be the road infrastructure used by autonomous
vehicles.

Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that covers a country, continent or even the whole globe. An
examples of a WAN could be: all branches of a bank in a country connected over the Internet. Each
branch is a LAN. When connected they become a WAN.

Network Types According to Hierarchy

Networks can be classified as using either a peer-2-peer or client-server architecture.

Client-server network: Contains a server hierarchy where the server may control or provide services
for the clients. (e.g. a corporation network). Server is a computer which shares its resources with
client computers and serves them with various functions. Client is a computer that requests a server's
resources or functions.

Peer-2-peer (P2P) network: Every computer is considered an equal. (e.g. a home network)

Components of Networks
In addition to the commonly recognized components of a network, such as the modem, wireless
access point (WAP), client and server, there are several other elements that should be familiarized
with.

Router: A device that connects a network to other network(s). (Not to be confused with modem! Some
of our modems at home are referred to as “routers”, which is inaccurate. Those devices are combining
a modem and a router in one device.)

Switch / Hub: Hub is a networking device that broadcasts data to all devices on the network. Similarly,
switches are network devices that connect more than one ethernet devices. Switch is a more
advanced and faster technology compared to hub. Instead of a hub, most local area networks use
switches.
Network interface card (NIC): A device that is responsible for converting data into a digital signal and
communicating this data to a network.

Interoperability
Interoperability allows different digital technologies or systems to connect and exchange data with
one another without restrictions. Computer networks display interoperability as many different devices
of various brands can communicate with each other over networks.

Network Security
Authentication

Authentication means establishing a user’s identity beyond reasonable doubt. A simple example of
authentication is a user login to a network. The user must provide information about one of the
following: “something you have”, “something you know”, “something you are”.

Two Factor Authentication

Two factor authentication is a method of improved security where the user needs to combine at
least two authentication methods in order to gain access.

Something you know: Password, Pin Number, Phone Pattern

Something you have (a physical object): Physical Key, Phone, Credit Card, Security Token

Something you are (biometrics): Facial Recognition, Fingerprint, Handprint, Retinal Scan, DNA
Patterns, Keystroke Timing, Voice Print, Signature

Firewall & Proxy Server

Firewall: A network security system that blocks and controls the incoming and outgoing network traffic
based on predetermined security rules.
Proxy Server: A server that forwards data packages and requests to the relevant recipients according
to the security rules.

Both devices (or sometimes software) control the network traffic and accomplish their tasks according
to predetermined rules.

VPN (Virtual Private Network)

A VPN connection enables users to send and receive data across shared or public networks as if their
computing devices were directly connected to the private network.

Through a VPN, en employee can benefit from Intranet resources even though she/he is not located
within the LAN. This is an ideal technology to use if employees need to work from home or if they are
away for a business trip.

Bandwidth & Data Compression

Bandwidth is the data transfer speed over a network. Bandwidth is expressed in bits per second
(bit/s).

1000 bit/s = 1 kbit/s

1000 kbit/s = 1 Mbit/s
1000 Mbit/s = 1 Gbit/s

Data Compression: Using various algorithms, data may be compressed before being transferred over
a network. This method reduces the size of data packages to be transmitted. Reducing the size of a
package, reduces the time required to transmit it across the network.
Net Neutrality
Net neutrality is the concept of an open, equal internet for everyone, regardless of device, application
or platform used and content consumed. According to this idea, all users and their data should receive
equal services. Service providers should not restrict access, slow down access speeds or block
content for some users to serve their own interests.