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Networks

The document provides an overview of computer networks, explaining their definition, uses, advantages, and disadvantages. It details components such as network interface cards (NIC), MAC addresses, IP addresses, data packets, hubs, switches, bridges, and routers, along with comparisons between these devices. Additionally, it discusses wireless communication technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, highlighting their features, advantages, and differences.

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Mofammere Lendokohle
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2 views

Networks

The document provides an overview of computer networks, explaining their definition, uses, advantages, and disadvantages. It details components such as network interface cards (NIC), MAC addresses, IP addresses, data packets, hubs, switches, bridges, and routers, along with comparisons between these devices. Additionally, it discusses wireless communication technologies like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, highlighting their features, advantages, and differences.

Uploaded by

Mofammere Lendokohle
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Networks

 What is a network?
 Interconnection of two or more computers to share resources, such as printers, software or data.
A network can be wired or wireless.
The internet is the largest network.
 What do networks do or what are they used for?
 Networks allow; file sharing, printer sharing, data sharing and other resources.
Advantages of using networked computers
 Fewer printers are needed
 Work can be accessed from any computer
 Software can be shared or updated more easily
 All computers can access the internet through one connection
Disadvantages of using networked computers
 Greater risk of hackers
 Greater risk of viruses
 Costly to implement due to network equipment
 Slow printing if the print queues are long
Network interface card (NIC)
 It allows a device (computer) to connect to a network by turning binary (1 and 0s) into an electrical
signal.
 A NIC is usually integrated into the motherboard on most computers.
 Each NIC has a unique cod called media access control (MAC) address.
Media access control (MAC) address or physical address.
 The MAC address is a 48 bits number which uniquely identifies a device connected on a network.
 The MAC address constitute the manufacturers code and device serial number.
 Very useful when trouble shooting a network as they do not change.
Example of MAC address
MM-MM-MM –DD-DD-DD
Manufacturer’s code device serial number

Internet protocol (IP) addresses

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Networks

 A unique address assigned to a device by an internet service provider (ISP) each time the device
connects to the internet.
 Internet protocols define the rules for communicating through a network by its users.
 The IP address identifies the location of every users device on a network.
 The IP address changes whenever a device changes its location or connects from a different
location.
 Two IP versions are currently being used; IPV4 (32 bits) and IPV6 (132 bits)
IPV4 address 254.25.28.77 IPV6 -132 bits A8F8:FFF0:0FFF:3021:2085:66F8:F0FA

Data packets
 Data sent from a sender to a receiver is usually split up and transmitted in the form of packets.
 Each data packet is transmitted separately from sender to receiver.
 A data packet has a header which contains the following:
o The senders IP address,
o The receivers IP address,
o The sequence/packet number,
o The packet size,
o Number of packets that make up the message.
 This sent data hops through the router and is moved to the receivers IP address.
Hubs and Switches
A hub is a hardware device that allow other devices to connect together to form a LAN.
 A hub transmits a received data packet to all devices on a network which often lead to network
traffic.
 Hubs are not very secure, since data packets are sent to all devices on the network
 Hubs create unnecessary traffic leading to reduce bandwidth.
 A hub cannot communicate beyond the LAN
If PC1 want to message to PC3, the hub will send it to all other computers instead of just to PC3

A switch is a smart version of hub, it stores the MAC addresses of all devices connected to its ports on a
look-up table.
 A switch matches the MAC address of an incoming data packet to the destination device using a loo-
up table and sends it to the desired destination MAC address.
 Switches are more secure than hubs, and do not waste bandwidth as in hubs.
 Switches cannot communicate beyond the LAN
A switch allows PC1 to send data packets to just PC3, by making use of the MAC address of destination
PC

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Networks

Comparison between hubs and switches


Hubs Switches
Used to connect devices in a LAN Use to connect devices in a LAN
Cannot communicate outside the LAN Cannot communicate outside the LAN
Uses data packets Uses data packets
Sends data packets to all computers on network Send data packets only to desired device
No look-up table used during data transfer Uses a look-up table to match the destination
address
No MAC address used during transfer Use MAC address to identify device

Bridges
 Bridges are network devices used to connect two LANS together that use the same communication
protocols (rules).
 They are also used to connect different parts of a LAN for them to function as a single LAN

Routers

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Networks

 Routers are used to join LAN to the internet.


 Each router has its own IP address which enables it to send/receive data packets between different
networks devices based on their IP addresses.
 Routers use a routing table to store the IP addresses of all devices in their network and connected
on the networks.
 When a router receives a data packet, it inspects it to determine the destination IP address,
 The data packet is either sent to its local hub/switch or transmitted to another network till it reaches
the correct destination.
 The router makes use of the routing table containing addresses of all devices on the network to
route data packets from device in a network.

 Every device connected to the internet has an assigned IP address.


 Web pages have unique IP addresses and domain names
 Web pages are stored on web servers.
 Routers only store IP addresses of the devices, the MAC addresses are stored by the switches on the
local network.
 Routers send received data packets to switch/hub on the local network which then redirect them to
the destination devices.

Comparison between bridges and routers


bridge Router

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Networks

Transfers data packets Transfers data packets


Connects two or more LANs together Connects a network to the internet
Scans and uses a devices MAC address Scans and uses devices IP address
No routing table use Uses a routing table to find direct data to the
right device
Connects networks that use the same protocols Connects networks with different protocols
Has just two ports Has multiple ports

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks


They both enable wireless communication between devices
No cable involved, data is carried by electromagnetic radiations from device to devices.

Key Wi-Fi features and uses:


Operating full-scale networks
Faster data transfer
Offers better transfer bandwidth (range) and security,
Can transfer files between devices 100m apart.

Bluetooth features and uses:


Transfer data between devices close to each other (<30m apart)
Slow data transfer
Low-bandwidth applications such as sharing of small file sizes
Uses key encryption to create a secure wireless personal area network (WPAN).

Main advantages of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth networks


Cheap and reduces network cost, especially cabling cost.
Easy to connect multiple devices to share resources,
Reliable and easy transfer of files,

Comparison between Wi-Fi and Bluetooth


Wi-Fi network Bluetooth network

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Networks

No cables involved, wireless data transfer No cables involved, wireless data transfer
Data transfer is affected by obstacles like walls Data transfer is affected by obstacles like walls
Faster data transfer rate, up to 31 Slow data transfer rates just up to 3
Mbytes/second Mbytes/second
Longer transfer range, up to 100 metres Range is only about 30 metres
Allows multiple devices to connect depending on Only a maximum of 8 devices can connect in
router used. most cases.

Compare and contrast Bluetooth and Wi-Fi


Similarities
Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi allow several devices to be connected
They both make use of wireless communications
Both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi use radio frequencies for communication
Both make use of security when sending data

Differences
Wi-Fi has faster data transfer rate than Bluetooth
Wi-Fi has a greater range of transmissions compared to Bluetooth
Wi-Fi can be broadcasted
Bluetooth has more communication channels
Wi-Fi connects more devices

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