Computer Science

Chapter 1(The nature of technology: Understanding networks)

Notes
Topic: (1.1) Network Hardware
 What is a network?
A network consists of two or more computers that are linked in order to share
resources (such as printers and CDs), exchange files, or allow electronic
communications. The computers on a network may be linked through cables,
telephone lines, radio waves, satellites, or infrared light beams.
 What is a broadband network?
Broadband or high-speed Internet access allows users to access the Internet and
Internet-related services at significantly higher speeds than those available
through "dial-up" services. Broadband speeds vary significantly depending on the
technology and level of service ordered.
 Components of Network Hardware
 Servers and Storage
Server is the most important piece of a network which is famously known as
a computer. A server stores and send computer files and messages to users
and to devices like printers. The job of a server is to make sure the file goes
to the person or device that they are intended for.
For example; A server can receive an email from you and pass it on to
someone else.
There are different types of servers such as; file servers, print servers, and
email servers.
Servers have storage devices attached to them. The storage devices used by
servers are larger and faster than the ones in personal computers known as
PCs. This is because network storage is shared by many people who use
the network.
 Hubs and Switches
Hubs and switches are there to send the messages to the correct address.
Hub: When a hub receives a message, it sends it to all the computers that
are connected to it. Every computer checks the message and the computer
that the message is meant for keep it and the rest of the computers ignore
the message.
Switch: When a switch receives a message, it decides which computer that
the message is meant for. It sends the message only to that computer.
For example: If a hub is connected to 20 devices, it sends a message to all
20 devices where as a switch only sends the message to the device it is
meant for.
Advantages and Disadvantages: When a network is busy, the extra
messages a hub sends out can slow the network down. A hub is also less
secure than a switch. A hacker has more chance of stealing messages. A
switch is more expensive than a hub and is more difficult to set up. But it is
more secure and works faster.

 Routers and Modems

A router joins two networks together. Routers are usually used to connect a
LAN or a home network to the internet.
 When two networks are joined together, they sometimes use different ways
to send data. It is like two people talking in different languages. They
communicate is a translator works with them. A translator understands both
languages. A translator changes words from one language to the other. This
is the job of the modem in a network. It takes data sent by one network and
translates it into a form that can be understood by the second network.
 A wireless access point
Moden networks allow wireless connection. This means that devices like
laptop and tablets can connect to the network without having to use a cable.
A wireless connection needs a special piece of hardware called a wireless
access point (WAP).
A WAP is connected to the network by a cable. But computers can connect to
the WAP wirelessly, without a cable. Several computers can connect to a
single WAP. WAPs are put on ceilings or high on walls.
 A network interface card
A network interface card (NIC) allows a computer or other device to connect
to a network. Most devices come with a NIC fitted.
A standard desktop or laptop computer will be fitted with two NICs.
 One allows a network cable to be plugged in.
 The other allows a wireless connection.
NICs are fitted inside the computer case but you will see the network cable
socket on the outside of the case.
(ref. 6-
9)

Topic: (1.2) How a network fits together?

 Home network
An internet signal reaches your home through telephone or special
broadband cable. Internet connection that reaches your home, connect to a
device called a home router. A home router combines the main devices
needed for a network into single small case that sits on a desk or shelf. It has
four main components;
 Router- It connect your home to the internet.
 Modem- it converts the signals that pass along telephone or
broadband cables into digital data your home network can use.
 Switch- It makes sure that messages coming into your home are sent
to the correct computer.
 A wireless access point (WAP)- It lets you connect to the network
wirelessly, from anywhere in your home.
Aerials are black sticks that are connected to the WAP. Not all WAPs have
aerials, but aerials can improve the wireless signal.
 Local Area Network (LAN)
A local area network (LAN) is much bigger than a home network, but it
contains the same components just larger in size and quantity.
A LAN unlike a home network cannot be stored in a case, its equipment is
spread around the building. The equipment can be stored in cabinets that
either stand on the floor or are attached to walls.
 Connecting to LAN components
 Network components like servers and switches are connected by
cables. There are two types of cable that can connect to the internet;
copper cable and fibre-optic cable.
 Copper cable is the most common cable in a network. Networks
use twisted pair cable, made up of pairs of thin copper wires
twisted together. Data is sent along copper cables as pulses of
electricity.
 Fibre-optic cable is made up of thin strands of clear fibre. Data
is sent along fibre-optic cables as pulses of light.
Differences between Cables

Fibre-optic cable Copper cable

 Data can be sent faster.  Data is sent slower than the
 Travels as pulses of light. fibre-
 Expensive optic cable.
 Used at longer distance of  Travels as pulses of electrical
more than 100 m. signal.
 Cheaper
 Used at a distance of 100 m.

 The server room

Server room is the centre of a network. The room is air-conditioned because the
computer equipment makes a lot of heat. If it is not cooled down the equipment
may break down.
The server room contains all the servers in a network with hubs and switches. All
devices have to be connected to the hubs and switches in order to connect to
the network.
 The hub room
A hub room is set up close to the area of the network that is more than 100 m
away from the server room. A hub room does not contain servers instead it only
has hubs and switches. The hubs and switches in the hub room are connected to
the main server room using a fibre-optic cable, that means that the network can
be connected to the areas that are more than 100m away from the server room.
(ref. 10-13)