There are many different ways to create network connections:
-Cables (wires) -Telephone lines
-Radio signals -Modems
-Wireless (Wi-Fi) -Satellite Disks
Reasons we use networks:
- Easily share files and data.
-Communicate with other network users through e-mail, instant messaging, video-conferencing.
-Store data centrally (using a file server) for ease of access and back-up.
-Keep all of our settings centrally so we can use workstation.
Hub
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/8/5/38857673/5387599.jpg?175)
A Hub is a device that connects a number of computers together to make a Local Areas Network (LAN). You can also "daisy chain" hubs and this allows even more computer to join a network.
However, hubs are not very intelligent and if it recieves a mesage, it sends the information to every computer on the network, meaning hubs are not very secure and easily hacked.
However, hubs are not very intelligent and if it recieves a mesage, it sends the information to every computer on the network, meaning hubs are not very secure and easily hacked.
Switch
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/8/5/38857673/7176784.jpg?250)
A network switch is a device that also joins lots of different computers with one LAN. Switches are almost identical to Hubs; are more intelligent. This is because they have the ability to inspecting data packets and this means they can determine the source (where it came from) and destination (where it is wanted/needed to go) and forward them to the desired places.
Router
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/8/5/38857673/242415.jpg?169)
A router transfers data from one network to another. It forwards data packets to their destinations on the most efficient route. So, when a data packet arrives, the router will read the data packet’s destination address and send it along the least congested path, which will obviously be fastest.
Modem
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/8/5/38857673/5827651.png?185)
A modem was used before broadband to connect to the
internet using telephone lines. However, telephone lines were created to carry analogue signals (voices) and not digital data. So, a modem was used to convert digital data into analogue data and vice versa. Bridge
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/8/5/38857673/3252778.png?161)
A bridge joins two networks together. But, a bridge is not as capable as a router; is less expensive. Also, both of the networks must be using the same protocol (rules).
Network Card
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/8/5/38857673/3923336.png?143)
A network card is needed in any computer which is connected to a network. Some computers , such a laptops, need two network interface cards (NIC) for wired and wireless connections.
Server
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/8/5/38857673/1893056.png?138)
A server is a network or device on a network which manages network resources. Some examples are:
File server: a computer and storage device dedicated to storing files. Any user on the network can store files on the server.
Print server: a computer that manages one or more printers.
Network server: a computer that manages network traffic.
Database server: a computer system that processes database queries.
However servers cannot perform other tasks other than server tasks. This means servers are dedicated devices.
File server: a computer and storage device dedicated to storing files. Any user on the network can store files on the server.
Print server: a computer that manages one or more printers.
Network server: a computer that manages network traffic.
Database server: a computer system that processes database queries.
However servers cannot perform other tasks other than server tasks. This means servers are dedicated devices.
Proxy Server
![Picture](/uploads/3/8/8/5/38857673/4104092.png?205)
Usually used to share an internet connection, a proxy server is use dto share resources. Other computers can request web pages by the proxy server, which will find the page and pass it back to the device that asked for it. They can monitor internet usage and, with certain installations, block websites due to inappropriate content. Here are some uses:
Schools use proxy servers to block offensive content.
They can be used to protect anonymity on the Internet. Every server connected to the internet will have an IP address. Using the proxy server means that the main server for the network being protected is anonymous to all the other servers on the internet.
Schools use proxy servers to block offensive content.
They can be used to protect anonymity on the Internet. Every server connected to the internet will have an IP address. Using the proxy server means that the main server for the network being protected is anonymous to all the other servers on the internet.