Chapter 7 Networks And Communication Devices Key Topics ✓ Solved

Chapter 7 Networks And Communication Deviceskey Topics

Chapter 7 Networks and Communication Devices Key Topics Basic Concepts & Terminology Types of Networks Network Media Network Protocols Network Hardware.

A computer network is a collection of computers and other hardware devices connected together. Users can share hardware (printers, scanners), share software (Google, MyGUST, Office365), exchange data (Dropbox, iCloud, OneDrive), and electronically communicate (text messaging, voice messaging, video messaging).

When devices are connected and ready to send/receive data, they are said to be online. When they are not connected or ready, they are offline. The action of sending data is called transmission, while sending data to a large number of devices is called broadcast. Uploading refers to copying data to another device, while downloading is copying data from another device.

Networks can be designed in various architectures:

• Client-Server Networks: Clients request and utilize network resources from dedicated servers.
• Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Networks: All computers share equal status.
• Types of networks include Local Area Network (LAN), Personal Area Network (PAN), Wide Area Network (WAN), and Metropolitan Area Network (MAN).

An intranet is private and accessible only to an organization's members, while the internet is public and accessible to everyone. An extranet allows limited access to outsiders.

Network media include wired and wireless options. Wired media connects PCs via cables, commonly used in schools and businesses. Wireless media, which uses radio waves to send data, has become popular in homes and public spaces.

Network cables include twisted-pair cables, coaxial cables, and fiber-optic cables, each serving different communication needs. Ethernet is widely used for wired communication, supporting various speeds.

Network protocols govern the rules of communication within networks. Wi-Fi standards allow for high-speed wireless connection over medium distances, while Bluetooth offers short-range connectivity for devices.

The evolution of cellular technology has seen advancements from voice-only 1G networks to the data-capable 5G networks today, offering significantly faster speeds.

Modems connect computers to the internet, with various types suited to different internet access methods. Network hardware includes network cards, hubs, switches, access points, and routers, each serving distinct roles in network connectivity.

Paper For Above Instructions

Networks and communication devices form the backbone of modern connectivity, enabling various forms of data exchange and communication. This paper will explore the fundamental concepts, types, and components of computer networks.

Basic Concepts of Computer Networks

A computer network is defined as a collection of computers and other devices interconnected for the purpose of sharing resources. These resources may include hardware like printers and storage devices, software applications, and the ability to communicate electronically (Stallings, 2015). The ability for users to share data, communicate, and collaborate online has revolutionized how we work and interact.

Network Architecture

Networks can be categorized based on their architecture. The client-server model operates where clients (user devices) request services from a server (a dedicated machine managing resources). This type of architecture allows for centralized management of resources. On the other hand, Peer-to-Peer (P2P) networks treat each connected device equally, facilitating direct data sharing among users without the need for a central server (Kurose & Ross, 2017).

Types of Networks

Different types of networks serve various needs based on geography and user requirements:

• Local Area Network (LAN): Ideal for smaller, localized areas like homes or offices, allowing high-speed communication among nearby devices.
• Personal Area Network (PAN): Connects personal devices like phones, tablets, and laptops, typically within a range of a few meters.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): Spans over large geographical areas, often connecting multiple LANs, with the internet being the largest WAN.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Covers a city or a large campus and connects several LANs within that physical area.

Network Media

Network media are the physical paths or wireless connections through which data travels. Wired media involves using cables like twisted-pair, coaxial, and fiber-optic cables, each suited for different types of data transmission and distance requirements (Tanenbaum & Wetherall, 2011). Wireless communication utilizes radio waves, allowing devices to connect without physical cables, which is increasingly common in modern technology environments.

Network Protocols

Protocols are standardized rules governing how data is transmitted across networks. Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity), for example, enables wireless communication based on the 802.11 standard, facilitating quick transmission speeds for devices within a defined range (Forouzan, 2017). Bluetooth technology supports short-range communication between devices, suitable for peripherals like headphones and keyboards.

Evolution of Cellular Networks

The advancement of cellular technology has been significant, with 2G networks introducing data capabilities to voice services. Subsequent generations, including 3G, 4G, and now 5G, have dramatically improved data speeds and connectivity options, making mobile internet usage faster and more reliable (Rappaport et al., 2013).

Network Hardware Components

Essential components of network hardware include network interface cards, hubs, switches, and routers. Each serves its unique function in facilitating communication between devices. Routers, for instance, connect different networks, directing packets between the internet and a home or office network (Kurose & Ross, 2017).

This paper has outlined various aspects of networks and communication devices

Understanding these concepts is critical for navigating today's interconnected environment. The evolution of networks continues to shape how we communicate and share information on a global scale.

References

• Forouzan, B. A. (2017). Data Communications and Networking. McGraw-Hill.
• Kurose, J. F., & Ross, K. W. (2017). Computer Networking: A Top-Down Approach. Pearson.
• Rappaport, T. S., et al. (2013). Millimeter Wave Mobile Communications for 5G Cellular: It Will Work! IEEE Access.
• Stallings, W. (2015). Computer Networking with Internet Protocols and Technology. Pearson.
• Tanenbaum, A. S., & Wetherall, D. J. (2011). Computer Networks. Prentice Hall.
• Segan, S. (2019). Understanding the Basics of Computer Networking. Tech Press.
• Sheldon, M. W. (2021). A Guide to Modern Communication Devices. Digital Publishing.
• Black, U. (2008). Computer Networks: Technologies, Standards, and Protocols. Wiley.
• Halsall, F. (2014). Computer Networking and the Internet. Pearson.
• Goldberg, K. (2020). Peer-to-Peer Networking: Fundamentals and Applications. Academic Press.