DATA COMMUNICATION A presentation for grade 9 on networks and the technologies that create them

In the world of computers, networking is the practice of linking two or more computing devices together for the purpose of sharing data, hardware and software. Networks are built with a mix of computer hardware and computer software. Networks can be categorized in several different ways. One approach defines the type of network according to the geographic area it spans. compnetworking.about.com What is a network?

Types of Networks  Local Area Network  Wide Area Network 1.a system for linking private telecommunications equipment, as in a building or cluster of buildings. 2.a system for linking a number of microcomputers, terminals, work stations, etc. with each other or with a mainframe computer in order to share data, printers, information, programs, disks, etc.; usually confined to one office or building. dictionary.infoplease.com A computer network that spans a relatively large geographical area. Typically, a WAN consists of two or more local-area networks (LANs). Computers connected to a wide-area network are often connected through public networks, such as the telephone system. They can also be connected through leased lines or satellites. The largest WAN in existence is the Internet.

 A school campus  Homes  An office building  A single department of an organization Where is a LAN used?

 When is a WAN WAN used?  To connect LANs  To provide links from an internal network to some system outside that campus/ site  To give voice, video and data networking capabilities to a large area  Why not use a LAN in these situations?  Too small  Limited number of connections  Small physical distance

Types of Cables  Twisted Pair Cables  Coaxial Cables  Fibre Optic Cables A type of cable that consists of two independently insulated wires twisted around one another. While twisted-pair cable is used by older telephone networks and is the least expensive type of (LAN) cable, most networks contain some twisted-pair cabling at some point along the network Coaxial cable is the kind of copper cable used by cable TV companies between the community antenna and user homes and..is also widely installed for use in business and..types of local area network. Fibre optics are long, thin strands of very pure glass about the diameter of a human hair. They are arranged in bundles called optical cables and used to transmit light signals over long distances. Computer.howstuffworks.com

 Twisted Pair  Coaxial  Fibre Optic Examples of each cable:

Wireless Data Communication Webopedia says it is “Any computer network where there is no physical wired connection between sender and receiver.”  More attractive  Less complex setup  Not confined to a specific physical space e.g. your desk  Less cost for setup DEFINITIONREASONS TO USE WIRELESS

Some Wireless Network Devices  USB Modem  Wireless Router  Satellites  Microwave Antennae  Wireless Access Point

Network LAN WAN Twisted Pair cables Coaxial cables Fibre Optic cables Terminology... Modem WAP Router Wi-Fi WiMAX Bluetooth Microwave signal