Scribd
Upload
13 views22 pages

2 - 1 Local Area Networks

Uploaded by

dequaviontaviousquandale
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
13 views22 pages

2 - 1 Local Area Networks

Uploaded by

dequaviontaviousquandale
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 22

Local area

networks
1 Module 2.1
2 Contents
 Types of networks
 Basic components of a networ
k
 Advantages and disadvantage
s of a LAN
 Basic network security
 Ethical use of networks
 Test and improve
3 Types of networks
Classified according to the area that they cover

 PAN – organised around an individual

 HAN – network in a home environment

 LAN – small area, generally in one building

 Internet – worldwide computer network

 Intranet – organisation’s private network


4
Basic components of a
network – Hardware

Computers and peripherals

Client

desktop laptop tablet smartphone


5
Basic components of a
network – Hardware

Computers and peripherals

Server

internet /
file email web print database
proxy
server server server server server
server
6

? 


Presence of extra
(logical) drives such as
U:, V: and T:
Presence of other
How do you computers in Network
 Access to devices (e.g.
know you are printers) not directly
attached to the computer
connected to a  Indicator showing
network? network activity in the
notification area
7
Basic components of a
network – Hardware

Network Interface
Switch
Controller

Wireless To connect
NIC – to computers in a
adapter and
connect device network – so
NIC – both
to network via communication can
built into
cable occur
device
Basic components of a
8
network
Basic components of a
9
network –
Communication methods
WLAN advantages compared to LAN
 Easier to install
 Easier and more practical between buildings
 Easy to add or move computers
 Adds mobility – users with mobile devices
 Avoids clutter
10 Basic components of a
network

Communication methods

Cables Wireless

UTP Wireless
Fibre optic Wireless access
(Unshielded enabled /
cable points
Twisted Pair) wireless adaptor
11 Basic components of a
network
UTP cable Fibre cable

• Only spans certain distance – • Spans much longer distances


signal loss • Immune to ‘eavesdropping’
• Can be ‘eavesdropped’ on • Not affected by electrical
• Affected by electrical sources sources
• Uses electrical signals to • Uses light signals to transmit
transmit data data
• Faster data transmission than
UTP cable
12 Basic components of a
network
Data transmission speed
Rate at which data is transferred over the
media used
E.g. 100 Mbps / 1000 Mbps

 Maximum speed depends on cabling and devices


(switches and NICs)
 802.11 specification – wireless adapter
(802.11g and 802.11n – different speeds)
 WLAN is slower than a cabled LAN
Basic components of a
13
network –
Network software
Software that controls communication and security
in a network

Most operating systems have built-in networking


capabilities

For larger networks ‘Server’ editions of the


operating system are installed on the servers
Advantages and
14
disadvantages of a LAN
15 Advantages of a LAN

 Files stored on central  Single internet connection


computer – users access from shared by users
any computer in network
 Easier to keep software up to
 Files transferred without use of date
devices
 Software can be demonstrated or
 Software shared by users broadcast to other computers
 Hardware shared by users  Internet access monitored and
controlled
 Security in network controlled
16 Disadvantages of a LAN
 Can be expensive to install and  Network security must be
maintain maintained
 Network administrator  If file server faulty, no one can
often needed to manage access their files

Additional potential disadvantages


if wireless (WLAN)
 Security can be compromised – easier for
unauthorised persons to gain access
 Performance can decrease as number of
computers connected increases
 Signal loss or interference due to electrical
interference
17 Basic network security
Rules to ensure the security of a network –
preventing unauthorised access to information and
network misuse

 Access to confidential files must be restricted

 In a school situation – important that learners do not have


access to tests before they are written

 A username and password are used to gain access to


network resources

 Choose a password known only to you

 Keep your password secret!


18 Choosing and managing passwords
 At least 8 characters long
 Mixture of upper and lowercase letters, numbers and special
characters
 Do not use anything that is easy to guess about you
 Do not use passwords that follow a pattern on the keyboard
such as ‘asdf’ or ‘1234’
 Change password every 2 months or so
 Do not use same password for more than one site

Example of a good password


Q1w2E3R4t%y
19 Ethical use of networks
 Need for acceptable, ethical practices
 Acceptable Use Policy (AUP) outlines the rights and
responsibilities of users, especially in networked
environments
 AUP lists what users may and may not do on the
network
 Designed to protect both the user and the business /
organisation / school when using ICT facilities
20 What should be included in AUP

 Basic netiquette rules

 Restrictions on what may be accessed online

 Restrictions on amount of data downloaded from internet

 Importance of responsible ethical / legal / safe practices

 Details on where and when portable storage devices may be used

 Restrictions on installing hardware and software

 Procedures for victims of identity theft, malware, cyber-bullying,


cyber-stalking
 Consequences of violating conditions set out in AUP
21
Test and improve
Use summary for your revision
22 Written module activity

You might also like