Networks

By Tilly Gooding

What are networks?

Networks are electronic device( computer ,
ipad , phone ect ) that are connected to each
other so they can exchange data.
Networks connections are typically cables
connecting them together but they can be
created be using radio signals ( wireless Wi-Fi )
, but for very long distances via satellite .

A hub
A hub is a device that connects multiple
computers together in one network . This
makes local areas networks (LAN) this allows
them to share data packets .
You can also daisy chain hubs to allow even
more computers to join the network .

Switch
A switch is a small hardware device that joins
multiple computers together to make local
area network ( LAN ) .
Networks switches appear nearly identical to
network hubs but a switch contains more
intelligence and a bit more expensive than
hub .

A router
A router Is a network device that connects
together two or more networks .
Its commonly used by joining a home network
(LAN) to the internet (WAN).
When the data packet arrives the router
reads the data packets destination address ,
looks up all the ways to get to that address ,
checks on how busy each path is at the
moment and sends the packet along the least
conguest ( fastest ) path.

Modem
Before the days of broad band internet
connections most computers were connected to
the internet via the telephone lines (dial-up).the
problem with this is that it can only carry voices
which are analogue signals . They are not
designed for digital data .
The answer to this was to use a device to join
the digital computer to the analogue telephone
line , this device was known as a Modem .

Bridge
A bridge joins to networks together so as far
as data packets are concerned it looks like a
large network .
A bridge is less expensive as a capable as its
less expensive but both networks have to use
protocol (its a rule) .

Network card
Every computer need to be connected to a
network it needs an network interface card
(NIC)
Most modern computers have these devices
built into their mother board but in some
computers you have to add an expansion card
a some circuit board .
Some computers have them wired connection
and one fore wireless .

server
There are many different types of server this
includes
File server a computer and storage device
dedicated to storing files
Print server a computer that manages one or
more printers .
Network server- a computer that mangaes
network traffic .
Database server a computer system that
processes data base queries .

Proxy server
A proxy server is a setup to share a resource ,
usally an internet connection .
Works as a buffer between the internet and a
network.
Proxys servers use to monitor internet usage
Additional software can easily be installed or
block certain websites .