1. Transfer of data in ICT systems
Using ICT networks

2. Basic elements of an ICT network
There are four basic elements of an ICT network.
These are:
communication devices
network software
data transfer media
network standards and procedures

3. Communication devices
A network interface card:
prepares data for sending over the network
sends the data
controls the flow of data from the computer terminal to the transmission medium

4. Communication devices
A hub:
is used to join computers in a network
allows the connection of cables
allows the sharing of files and Internet access

5. Communication devices
A switch:
is a similar device to a hub but more intelligent
can look at a packet of data to decide where it should go
reduces the number of packets of data on a network, which speeds the network up

6. Communication devices
A router:
can be wired or wireless
is used to join several networks together
is often used to connect several computers in the home to the Internet

7. Networking software Network software consists of:
network operating systems – specialist operating systems designed specifically for networks
network management software – used to help a network manager run a network by keeping track of software, keeping software up-to-date, installing software security patches, helping to manage the help-desk, etc.

8. Data transmission medium
The medium/method by
which the data is transmitted
in a network can be:
metal wire
fibre optic cable
wireless

9. Standards and protocols
communication software manages the flow of data across the medium
it also establishes certain rules, called protocols, by which computers can communicate
standards are needed so that all network devices work in a similar way