Subject: ICT
Topic: Network Components
Wide Area Networks (WANs)
• A WAN is formed by connecting multiple LANs (Local Area Networks) through
devices like routers or modems. WANs often cover large geographic areas, such
as a city, country, or the world.
• Common use: The Internet is a global WAN that connects billions of devices.
• Internet Service Provider (ISP): To connect to the Internet, companies or
individuals use an ISP, which provides internet access.
Network Devices
Modems (Modulator-Demodulator)
• A modem converts a computer's digital signal to an analog signal for
transmission over telephone lines and vice versa.
Types:
• Dial-up modems: Operate at 60 kilobits per second, considered very slow today.
• Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) modems: Faster than dial-up,
operating at up to 11,000 kilobits per second. They allow simultaneous
telephone use and internet access.
• Cable modems: Provide internet access using the same cable as TV services.
Network Hubs
• A hub connects multiple computers or devices within a network and sends the
same data to all connected devices, regardless of whether they need it. Hubs
can lead to network congestion when there is a lot of traffic.
•
Switches
• Switches are more efficient than hubs. They only send data to the device it is
intended for by learning the MAC address of connected devices. This reduces
unnecessary traffic and improves network performance.
Bridges
• A bridge connects two LANs that use the same communication protocol,
allowing devices on different LANs to communicate. It forwards data only to the
target workstation, making communication more efficient.
Routers
- Function: Routers connect different networks and direct data between them. They
assign IP addresses to devices and ensure data is sent to the correct destination based
on the device's MAC address. Routers also help connect LANs to the Internet.
