EGH208 IoMT: Connectivity Technology

Objective Overview

• Understand local area networks (LANs), network topologies, access methods, and identify network devices and accessories.

Network Fundamentals

• Networks facilitate data exchange, information sharing, communication, and data organization.
• Key terms include Data Node, Client, Server, Peer, Network Adapter, Hub, Switch, Router, and Transport Media Protocol.

Local Area Network (LAN)

• A LAN is a network of computers confined to a small geographic area, such as a single building.
• Enables sharing resources through cabled or wireless connections.

Network Devices

• Hub: Basic device allowing communication between devices; sends data to all connected devices but limits simultaneous sending/receiving.
• Switch: Identifies recipients using MAC addresses, allowing simultaneous communication between devices.
• Router: Connects multiple networks, like a home network to the Internet.
• Wireless Access Point (WAP): Connects wireless devices to a wired network; supports various devices, including smartphones and tablets.

Network Connections

• Network Adapter (NIC): Hardware enabling data transmission from a computer.
• RJ45 Patch Cable: Used for connecting devices via copper-based twisted-pair wiring.

Data Transfer Concepts

• Serial Data Transfer: Transfers one bit at a time in a single-bit stream; can be bi-directional based on connection type.
• Data Transfer Rate: Maximum bits per second (bps) transmitted over a network, indicated in lowercase 'b' (e.g., 10Mbps).

IP Addressing

• An IP address uniquely identifies a device on a network; typically in IPv4 format like 192.168.1.1.
• Composed of Network ID and Host ID.

Virtual LAN (VLAN)

• A VLAN groups hosts as if connected on one switch regardless of physical location for efficient communication.

Network Topologies

• Bus: All devices connected linearly via one cable.
• Star: Each device is individually wired to a central device (hub/switch).
• Ring: Devices connect in a closed loop, each linked to two others.
• Mesh: Every device connects to all others; offers fault-tolerance and multiple data pathways.
• Tree: A hybrid topology with hierarchical connections.

Ethernet Standards

• Standards regulated by IEEE, most notably IEEE 802.3, for data transmission between network devices.
• Varied versions (802.3i, 802.3u, etc.) support differing data rates ranging from 10Mbps to 10Gbps.

Ethernet Communication

• Ethernet frames encapsulate data packets; frames include address info for data routing by switches.

Centralized and Distributed Computing

• Mainframe: Central powerful computer with connected terminals for data processing; limited processing power at terminals.
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networking: Distributes workloads among computers and allows for resource sharing without a central server.

Client/Server Model

• Involves servers that provide centralized services (file, print, database) and clients that request services.
• Examples of server-based systems include Windows Server 2016 for servers and Windows 10 for clients.

Distributed Computing Systems

• Allow multiple clients to work together with their processing power; scalable and avoids single points of failure.
• Examples of file sharing networks include Napster, Gnutella, and technologies utilizing P2P like Skype and VoIP.

This quiz covers key concepts in local area networks (LANs), including network topologies, access methods, and essential network devices and accessories. Gain an understanding of how networks facilitate data exchange and their fundamental components.