BRIDGEPORT HIGH SCHOOL

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTER NETWORKS AND WEB TECHNOLOGIES

Computer Network-this is a group of computing devices that are connected together so that
they can share data and resources. A network will also include devices such as printers, plotters,
hard drives etc. The computers in a network can:

 Access the same files held on a central hard disk

 Send files to shared printer
 Send files to each other

Server- one or more powerful computers which manage the activity on the whole network.

In many network servers are used. A file server access files that are held on the file server’s hard
disk.

Print server allows any of the computers in the network to use a printer.

Data communications-this refers to all the methods by which computers and other devices in a
network send data to each other either through cables or without cables (wirelessly).

Advantages of Networks

 Enable users to share hardware like scanners and printers. This reduces costs by reducing
the number of hardware items bought. For example, instead of buying several printers,
one good printer could be bought and linked into the network.

 Allow users access to data stored on other computers. This keeps everyone up-to-date on
the latest data, since it is all on the same media, rather than having to make copies of the
files, which are immediately out-of-date.

 Allow users to run programs that are not installed on their own computers, but, are
installed somewhere in the network. This reduces the effort for networks administrators
to keep programs configured correctly and saves much storage space.

Disadvantages of Networks

 Accessing anything across a network is slower than accessing your own computer.

 More complexity creates new problems to handle

 Less customization is possible for shared programs and folders.

 Everyone will have to follow the same procedures for storing and naming files so others
can find the right files.

Area Networks

Area networks link together a limited number of computer systems. There are three types of area
network:

1. Local Area Network(LAN)

2. Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
3. Wide Area Network (WAN)

LOCAL AREA NETWORK

This is a network of computers and peripherals such as printers that are connected by cables over
a fairly small area such as a home, school, laboratory or office building.

METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK

This is a computer network in a geographic area or region larger than that covered by a LAN.
A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) falls between a LAN and a WAN. It is large enough to
extend to an area like a city or campus. A MAN might therefore be owned and operated by a
single organization or a university, and accessed by students and other associated organizations.

WIDE AREA NETWORK

This is a network that connects computers over a wide area or even across the world. Instead of
normal computer cables, a WAN uses a number of different methods to connect the workstations,
including telephone lines, satellite links and broadband connections. Most WANs are private
networks that are run by organizations so that they can share business information.

A WAN lets the members of an organization share information between all their branches. They
can also work on the same files, such as a database, from anywhere in the country or even the
world. An example of a WAN is the Internet.

Mobile Network

This is a network of communication and computing devices where the last link is over a mobile
phone network.

Originally developed for mobile phone systems, mobile networks now carry data as well as voice
communication. Persons on the move with smartphones can now join a computer network.

Common Carrier-this is a company that offers communications services to the general public.

Mobile wireless standards

Technology
generation Expected download speed
1G Up to 2.4 kbps (Kilobits per second)
2G Up to 64 kbps
3G Up to 5 mbps (megabits per second)
4G Up to 25 mbps
5G 100 mbps to 20 gbps (gigabits pe second)

WIRELESS NETWORK TECHNOLOGIES

Wireless networks use no cables. In this type of network computing devices communicate using
electromagnetic (radio) waves on different frequencies. Examples of wireless network
technologies are:

 Wi-Fi-“Wireless Fidelity." refers to wireless networking technology that allows

computers and other devices to communicate over a wireless signal. These devices use a
built in Wi-Fi card to connect to a wireless router.

 Bluetooth is wireless technology that uses radio waves to enable communication

between bluetooth-compatible devices. It is used for short-range connections between
desktop and laptop computers, PDAs (like the Palm Pilot or Handspring Visor), digital
cameras, scanners, cellular phones, and printers etc.

 Hotspot-a public area or space where you can access wi-fi.

  Protocol- a set of rules or an agreed way to exchange or transmit data between devices.

INTRANET, EXTRANET AND INTERNET

1. Intranet-this is an internal or private network that can only be accessed within the
confines of a company, university, or organization. For example, hospitals,

2. Extranet-this is a private computer network where authorized persons within an

organization and selected partners outside the organization can access specific resources.
External partners access the company’s resources using the internet so an extranet is
more at risk and less secure than an intranet.

3. Internet-this is a public, globally accessible, wide area network providing information

and communication facilities. The internet offers services such as Internet gaming, e-
mail and the World Wide Web.

Level of privacy provided by Intranet, Extranet and internet

Characteristic Intranet Extranet Internet

Level of privacy Private: Only Private: Only Public: Anyone can
authorized employees authorized employees access
can access can access
Ownership Owned by a Maybe owned by one Not owned by anyone
particular or more collaborating
organization organizations
Information sharing Information can be Information can be Information can be
shared securely shared between shared by anyone
within an employees and across the world.
organization external colleagues

Functions of the basic components of a network

Wired vs. Wireless Network

1. Wired network-In this type of network computing devices communicate using physical
wires. Examples include:

 Twisted pair cable

 Optical fibre cable
 Coaxial cable
 Fibre-optic cable

The media used is dependent on the distance of the data to be transmitted. For short distance
communication, computers are linked by cables.

2. Wireless network-this type of network uses radio waves instead of physical cables as the
transmission medium. For communication over long distances, wireless technology is
used. Examples include:

 Bluetooth
 Microwave
 Radio
 Satellite
 Wi-fi
Most networks use a combination of wired and wireless technologies. A wired transmission
medium carries data directly from none point to another whereas a wireless medium broadcasts
the data, which is carried to all devices within its range.

Wired Transmission Media

These are the mechanisms by which computing devices are connected together. They can be the
physical hardware (cables) or wireless media (infrared, wi-fi, microwaves, satellites, mobile
networks).

Physical wired network transmission media

1. Twisted pair- This cable consists of eight copper wires twisted in pairs to reduce inference,
enclosed in a plastic covering.

Advantages

 The telephone network links the entire world; therefore, data can be transmitted to virtually
any place in the world.

 Cheap.

Disadvantage

 Subject to interference.

2. Coaxial Cable- consists of a single copper core surrounded by a metal shield to reduce
interference and all enclosed in a plastic covering. These were used during the 1980s to early
1990s but are hardly ever used in modern networks.

Advantages

 Non-susceptible to interference.
 Transmits faster than twisted pairs.
 Can accommodate digital and analog signals.

Disadvantage

 Heavy and bulky.

 Needs booster over distance.

3. Fibre Optic cable-consists of flexible fibres with a glass core; they carry information using
light. This is a very fast and reliable form of data transmission. These cables are now widely
used in telephone systems.

Advantages
 Smaller and lighter
  Faster (matches the speed of light)
 No interference
 An abundance of raw material to manufacture medium
 Able to bend light around corner

Disadvantages
 Expensive
 Hard to install and modify

Wireless transmission Media

1. Radio-are the most common form of wireless transmission. They are used as the main means
of communication for cellphones and also in many small LANs.

2. Satellite-this is a communication device orbiting in space that relays and amplifies radio
telecommunications signals to and from remote locations. Many airplane flights offer Wi-Fi
connection to their passengers; this can be achieved only through use of satellite
communication.

3. Infrared-works the same way as Wi-Fi but at a different frequency. It is used in remote
controls for televisions (remote) and other domestic devices. The signal has a very much
shorter wavelength than radio, It is occasionally used in computer systems for example when
controlling robots. However the signal cannot travel very far and also needs clear space for
the signal to travel.

4. Microwave-uses a signal with a shorter wavelength than radio. It can be used over distances
of up to 50km, but it cannot get round or through objects in its way.

Network hardware connection devices

1. Hub-this is a multiport device that connects many computing devices together. It is placed at
the centre of a network. When a hub receives data, it sends it out to all the devices connected
to it. Each device checks network messages and accepts data addressed to it.

1. Router-an intelligent network device that connects two networks together. The term internet
router refers to the device that home users and small offices use to connect their LAN to the
internet. It is usually a combined hub and router in one device. Acting as hub it allows all
your computing devices to be attached to each other, wired or wirelessly. The router is also
connected to the internet, usually via a telephone line and it joins your local network to the
internet.
2. Switch- is a special kind of hub. A switch works out which device data is for and only sends
it to that device. A switch is more expensive to buy and operate but is faster and more secure.

3. Modem-is an abbreviation for modulator-demodulator, a device that converts signals from

analogue to digital and vice-versa. A modem allows computers to exchange information
through telephone lines.

Network Interface Cards and Network Adapters

Any device that wants to connect to a network needs a network interface card or a network
adapter.

1. Network Interface Card (NIC)-is a computer hardware component installed in a device into
which a network cable maybe plugged. A wireless network interface card communicates
wirelessly and has an antenna instead of a port that accepts a cable.

2. Network Adapter-is a converter that adapts/extends a USB port in order for it to function
like a Network Interface Card or a wireless Network Interface Card. A network adapter is
needed if the computing device does not have a built-in networking component.

Network Software

A network ls not Just about hardware such as hubs and routers. It also needs software to operate
successfully. The main software required in a LAN are:

1. Network operating system The operating system installed on network computers must
support operations such as network printing and sharing files. Networks are now so common
that these functions are built into most standard operating systems such as Microsoft
Windows.

2. Network management software This is utility software that allows a network administrator
to:

 Set up and manage users and devices on the network

 Monitor use of the network
 Fix problems
 Distribute software.

Network Servers

A network server is a combination of hardware and software. Its job is to provide a service to a
network and its users. Examples of network servers are:

 Network server- manages all the data being sent across the network to ensure it reaches
the right users.
 File server - manages how files are saved and retrieved to and from networked disk
drives.
 Print server-provides printing services across the network.
Network Protocols

A protocol is a set of rules that tell us how an activity will take place. Network protocols are the
rules that determine how data will be shared across networks. If a manufacturer of hardware or
software makes sure their product abides by the agreed network protocols, then it will work with
other hardware and software on that network. The most important protocols are:

 Ethernet-the set of rules that state how network hardware is joined together with cables.

 Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/ IP)-the rules that state how data is
sent between network hardware devices along cables.

Key Web Technology Concepts

1. World Wide Web-the World Wide Web (WWW, commonly referred to as the ‘web’ is a
graphical easy to use system of inter-linked files on the internet.

2. Webpage-a file that can be displayed on the World Wide Web.

3. Website-a collection of web pages that belong together.

4. Protocol is a common set of rules and instructions that each computer follows during data
communication

5. Hypertext Mark-up Language (HTML)-this is a simple programming language used to

create web pages. HTML contains codes for hyperlinks, and allows you to place images and
sounds on a webpage. Webpages created in HTML are stored as files with filenames ending
with .htm or .html.

6. Web browser-is a software package that interprets HTML code and displays them as
webpages. It allows users to view and explore information on the World Wide Web.
Examples of web browsers are Internet Explorer, Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome and
Apple Safari.

7. Web server- A webserver is a computer that stores websites and makes them available on the
internet. All websites are stored on web servers.

8. File Transfer Protocol (FTP)-this is the special language two computers use when copying
or moving files between them.

9. Hypertext Transfer Protocol-is a protocol used to request and transmit files especially web
pages and web page components over the internet or other computer network.

10. A domain name is a unique name that identifies a website eg courts.com. The website
domain name serves as an address, which is used to access the website. When you visit a
website, the domain name appears in the address bar of the web browser.

All domain names have a domain suffix, such as .com, .net, or .org. The domain suffix helps
identify the type of website the domain name represents. Examples

.com domain names used by commercial website.

.org used by non-profit organizations.
.gov used by government institutions
.net used by internet organizations
.edu used by educational institutions

11. Uniform Resource Locator (URL)-this is a web address of any file that can be downloaded
from the internet. URLs are sometimes referred to as web addresses. A URL consist of
several parts:
 Using an example URL:
http://www.example.com/products/cape-maths.hmtl

URL part Function

http:// This part tells the browser to download the file using
the Hypertext Transfer Protocol
www Tells the browser that it is a webpage
example.com This part is the domain name for the website. Domain
names are purchased from a domain name register
/products/ This describes where the document is stored
cape-maths This is the document’s name
.html This is the file name and indicates that the document
was created using the Hypertext Mark-up Language

12. Upload- Process of reading data from a user’s computer storage and sending it to another
computer via communication channels. When you upload a file, you put it on to a computer
system that ls connected to the internet so that other people can access it.

13. Download- Process whereby programs or data are transferred via communications channels,
from a computer and stored on media located at the user’s computer. When you download a
file, you copy it onto your own computer from the internet.

The importance of mobile communications technology

This section looks at how the powerful combination of smartphones and mobile networks is
impacting on education, commerce and journalism

Mobile networks in education

In education, public school students are increasing able to access services via mobile networks.
Mobile networks are well suited to the education sector, providing access to streaming content
from services like TeacherTube, YouTube, and Khan Academy, and providing syllabi as
enhanced ebooks from the Caribbean Examinations Council.

Mobile networks used with mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets are playing
an increasing role in education. They enable learning away from the traditional classroom
environment where teacher and students don’t need to be in the same room or even the same
country. When learning moves away from the classroom and onto a network, eBooks replace
physical books, e-assessment replaces paper-based testing, video conferencing replaces face-to-
face tutor communication and collaborative working online with shared documents replaces
collaborative group working in the classroom.

Mobile networks in commerce

E-commerce or electronic commerce has been about for many years and involves trading
products and services via the internet and other computer networks. Examples include banking,
retail, insurance and advertising.

Mobile commerce (m-commerce) has developed from e-commerce and involves using
computing devices connected to the internet via-mobile networks to carry out e-commerce. The
advantage of m-commerce is improved portability and flexibility. Typical commercial
applications that use mobile networks include:

 Mobile banking-checking your bank balance, paying directly using a smartphone,

managing your accounts etc

 Mobile buying and selling-shopping can now be done on the move using your mobile.

 Mobile tickets, boarding passes and vouchers- printed tickets are replaced an electronic
version containing a machine-readable barcode or QR code.
Mobile networks in journalism

Journalism is one of the first professions to reap the benefits of the new mobile network
technology as it has developed with mobile devices such as smartphones, laptops and tablets.
The use of mobile networks and smartphones allows a journalist to file a report on the go when a
big story breaks. Camera applications allow the capture of video and still photographs, word
processing apps allow words to be added to the story, and audio apps allow for the capture of
interviews for radio stations and podcasts. This content is then transmitted back to the editor in
the office using mobile network communication.