Technology in Action PDF Textbook

The learning objectives are: 7.1 Describe computer networks and their pros and cons. 7.2 Explain the different ways networks are defined. 7.3 Describe the types of transmission media used in networks. 7.4 Describe the basic hardware devices necessary for networks....

The learning objectives are: 7.1 Describe computer networks and their pros and cons. 7.2 Explain the different ways networks are defined. 7.3 Describe the types of transmission media used in networks. 7.4 Describe the basic hardware devices necessary for networks. 7.5 Describe the type of software necessary for networks. 7.6 Summarize the broadband options available to access the Internet. 2 Additional learning objectives are: 7.7 Summarize how to access the Internet wirelessly. 7.8 Explain what should be considered before creating a home network. 7.9 Describe how to set up a home network. 7.10 Describe the potential problems with wireless networks and the means to avoid them. 7.11 Describe how to secure wireless home networks. 3  A computer network is simply two or more computers that are connected via software and hardware so that they can communicate with each other. Each device connected to a network is referred to as a node. A node can be a computer, a peripheral such as a printer or game console, or a network device such as a router. 4  There are several benefits to having computers networked: Sharing an Internet connection: A network lets you share the high-speed Internet connection coming into your home. Sharing printers and other peripherals: Networks let you share printers and other peripheral devices. Sharing files: You can share files between networked computers without having to use portable storage devices to transfer the files. Common communications: Computers running different operating systems can communicate on the same network. The major disadvantage of networks is the setup time. 5  The following terms help us understand how data moves through networks. Data transfer rate (bandwidth) is the maximum speed data can be transmitted. Throughput is the actual speed data is transferred. Data transfer rate and throughput are usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and gigabits per second (Gbps). 6 Networks can be classified by distance. A personal area network (PAN) is used for communication among devices close to one person. A local area network (LAN) is a network in which the nodes are located within a small geographical area. A home area network (HAN) is a specific type of LAN located in a home. A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a large network designed to provide access to a specific geographical area, such as an entire city. A wide area network (WAN) spans a large physical distance. 7 Networks can be classified by levels of administration. In a client/server network, a client is a computer on which users accomplish tasks and make requests, whereas the server is the computer that provides information or resources to the client computers. In a peer-to-peer (P2P) network, each node connected on the network can communicate directly with every other node on the network. 8 Networks can be classified by the protocols used. Ethernet Developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). This applies to wireless and wired networks. The ability of current devices to use earlier standards in addition to the current standard is known as backward compatibility. 9  In order to function, all networks must include: A means of connecting the nodes on the network—cables or wireless technology. Special hardware devices that allow the nodes to communicate with each other and to send data. Software that allows the network to run. 10  Transmission media establish a communications channel between the nodes on a network. They can be either wireless or wired. 11  Wired networks can use the following media: UTP cable: twisted copper wires surrounded by a plastic jacket. Coaxial cable: single copper wire surrounded by layers of plastic. Fiber-optic cable: plastic or glass fibers. 12  Each node needs a network adapter. An integrated network adapter is referred to as a network interface card. A broadband connection requires a modem, which translates the signal into digital and back again. Data is sent in bundles called packets. Network navigation devices facilitate and control the flow of data. A router transfers packets of data between two or more networks. A switch acts like a traffic signal on a network. 13  Because home networks are P2P networks, they need operating system software that supports P2P networking. As opposed to P2P networks, the nodes on a client/sever network don’t communicate directly with each other; rather, they communicate through a centralized server. Communicating through a server is more efficient in a network with a large number of nodes, but it requires more complex software. Therefore, servers on client/server networks have specialized network operating system (NOS) software installed. 14  One of the main reasons for setting up a network is to share an Internet connection. Some businesses and large organizations have a dedicated connection to the Internet, but other businesses and homeowners purchase Internet access from Internet service providers (ISPs). ISPs might be specialized providers. Broadband is the preferred way to access the Internet, but in some situations cellular or dial-up access might be necessary. 15  Broadband is often referred to as high-speed Internet. This high rate of access is in contrast to dial-up Internet access. The standard wired broadband technologies in most areas are cable, DSL, and fiber-optic service. Satellite Internet is used mostly in rural or mountain areas. 16  To access the Internet wirelessly at home, you need to establish WiFi on your home network by using a router. When away from home, you can find a mobile hotspot. Mobile broadband connects you to the Internet through 4G or 5G access. You must have a wireless Internet service provider. An Internet connectivity plan is known as a data plan. 17  One of the first things you should do to evaluate your network is list all the devices you’re using. For a home network to run most efficiently and to provide the fastest experience, it’s best that all network nodes use the latest Ethernet standard. If your router is provided by your ISP and it’s an older standard, you should consider having your ISP provide you with a new router. 18  Apple has designed routers that are optimized for working with Apple computers. Windows machines can also connect to an AirPort router, so it’s a great choice for households with both Apples and PCs. The AirPort Express router can be used for home networks to support devices running iOS, macOS, and Windows. A switch acts like a traffic signal on a network. 19  There are specialized home networking devices. Network-attached storage (NAS) devices are specialized devices designed to store and manage network data. NAS devices provide centralized data storage and access. Home network servers are specialized devices designed to store and share files across the network. A network-ready device (or Internet-ready device) can be connected directly to a network through either a wired or wireless connection. 20  The maximum range of Wi-Fi 4 or Wi-Fi 5 wireless devices is about 350 feet. As you go farther away from your router, the speed (throughput) decreases. Walls, floors, and large metal objects (such as refrigerators) are the most common sources of interference with wireless signals. Place an access point in the location where the original Wi-Fi signal becomes weaker. Use a wireless range extender to repeat or amplify the wireless router signal. 21  There are various issues and methods for securing your wireless network: Use encryption and security protocols. Change network name service set identifier (SSID). Disable SSID broadcast. Change the default password. Create a passphrase. 22  Additional methods for securing your wireless network: Implement media access control. Limit signal range. Keep router firmware up to date. Disable remote access. 23 By accessing your router, you can configure the security protocols available on your router and change the SSID. 24 25