 Part 1: The definitions of networking -Network -Standalone -LAN -WAN -Clients -Server -Clients/Server Networks -Peer to Peer Networks Part 1NetworkStandaloneLANWANClientsServerClients/Server NetworksPeer to Peer Networks  Part 2: LAN (going in depth) -Advantages and disadvantages of LAN -The types of cabled LAN -The most essential piece of hardware for lan… The Ethernet cable -The difference between Ethernet and cross-over cables -LAN Topologies Part 2Advantages and disadvantages of LANThe types of cabled LANThe most essential piece of hardware for lan… The Ethernet cableThe difference between Ethernet and cross-over cablesLAN Topologies  Part 3: Continuation… -Advantages of some topologies -Wireless LAN (WLAN) -WAN -Data transmission Part 3Advantages of some topologiesWireless LAN (WLAN)WANData transmission CONTENTS

NETWORK A network is a collection of hardware components and computers connected by communication channels that allow sharing of resources and information.

STANDALONE A computer software that can work offline and does not need a computer connection. An example of a standalone device can be a TomTom (GPS)

LAN Local area network usually known as LAN, is a computer network that connects computers in a limited area such as a home, school, computer laboratory or office building using network media

WAN A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a telecommunication network that covers a broad area. Business and government entities utilize WANs to relay data among employees, clients, buyers, and suppliers from various geographical locations. In essence this mode of telecommunication allows a business to effectively carry out its daily function regardless of location.

CLIENTS A client is an application or system that accesses a service made available by a server. The server is often (but not always) on another computer system, in which case the client accesses the service by way of a network. The term was first applied to devices that were not capable of running their own stand-alone programs, but could interact with remote computers via a network. These dumb terminals were clients of the time-sharing mainframe computer.

SERVER In the context of client-server architecture, a server is a computer program running to serve the requests of other programs, the clients. Thus, the "server" performs some computational task on behalf of "clients". The clients either run on the same computer or connect through the network.

CLIENT/SERVER NETWORKS A computer network in which one centralized, powerful computer (called the server) is a hub to which many less powerful personal computers or workstations (called clients) are connected. The clients run programs and access data that are stored on the server.

PEER TO PEER NETWORKING Peer-to-peer also known as P2P, it refers to a computer network in which each computer in the network can act as a client or server for the other computers in the network, It allows the sharing of files with a main or client server. P2P networks can be set up Fo a home business and the internet.

AdvantagesDisadvantages -Workstations can share peripheral devices like printers. This is cheaper than buying a printer for every workstations. - Networks are difficult to set up and need to be maintained by skilled technicians. - Workstations do not necessarily need their own hard disk or CD-ROM drives, which makes them cheaper to buy than stand-alone PCs. - If server develops a fault, users may not be able to run the application programs. - Users can communicate with each other and transfer data between workstations very easily. - A fault in the network can cause user to lose the data. - One copy of each application package such as a word processor, spreadsheet etc. can be loaded onto the file and shared by all user. -If the network stops operating then it may not be possible to access various computers ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF LAN

The 3 types of LAN Cables are Coaxial cable, Optical fibre cable and twisted pair, where as Optical fibre is is the fastest by using the reflection of light to transfer data. THE 3 TYPES OF CABLED LAN OOOOO! SHINY!

The most essential thing for LAN is the Ethernet cable. This cable connects all of the clients together without this piece of hardware LAN is useless. There are different LAN cables such as; Cat3, Cat5, Cat5e, Cat6, Cat7 and the crossover cable. The Cat series of cables are just different versions of the default Ethernet cable each one is faster in its ways. The cross over cable allows two clients to connect directly without interference, this cable cannot be used in replacement for a normal Ethernet cable. In a cross over cable the wires are switched around on each end. THE MOST ESSENTIAL PIECE OF HARDWARE FOR LAN… THE ETHERNET CABLE

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ETHERNET AND CROSS-OVER CABLE Cross-over CableEthernet Cable

LAN has different Topologies like -Bus(Logical Ethernet) -Hub and Spoke (Star) -Hybrid (Bus and Star) -Point to Point (Serial) -Point to multipoint (Frame Relay) -Ring (FDDI, Token ring) Those are the different types of LAN topologies all following a different method. LAN TOPOLOGIES

Two advantages for Bus topologies are -It is easy to handle and implement. -It is best suited for small networks. Some advantages and disadvantages of star topologies are Advantages Due to its centralized nature, the topology offers simplicity of operation. It also achieves an isolation of each device in the network. Disadvantage The network operation depends on the functioning of the central hub. Hence, the failure of the central hub leads to the failure of the entire network. ADVANTAGES OF SOME TOPOLOGIES

Links two or more devices to a wirelessly transmitted HUB where the devices will connect to the internet through the HUB. WIRELESS LAN (WLAN)

WAN is mostly used in Businesses allows The relaying of Data among the clients, buyers and employees. This mode of telecommunication allows for a wide broad of efficiency to be carried out. WAN

Data transmission is the physical transfer of data (a digital bit stream) over a point-to- point or point-to-multipoint communication channel. Examples of such channels are copper wires, optical fibres, wireless communication channels, and storage media. The data are represented as an electromagnetic signal, such as an electrical voltage, radio wave, microwave, or infrared signal. DATA TRANSMISSION