NETWORKS AND

THE EFFECTS OF
USING THEM

CHAPTER 4
4.1 Networks
 OBJECTIVES
• The operation and purpose of a router including:
• connecting networks and devices to the internet
• storing computer addresses in a router
• routing data packets
• Common network devices Including: network interface
cards (NIC), hubs, bridges, switches
• The uses of wi-fi and Bluetooth
• Characteristics, uses and purpose of an extranet,
• intranet and the internet
• The differences and similarities between an extranet,
• intranet and the internet
• Local Area Network (LAN), Wireless Local Area
• Network (WLAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and
•
 Vocabulary
1) Network Interface Card (NIC): A hardware component that connects a computer to a network.
2) Media Access Control (MAC) Address: A unique identifier assigned to a NIC for network communication.
3) Internet Protocol (IP) Address: A numerical label that identifies a device on a network.
4) Data Packet: A small unit of data transmitted over a network.
5) Hub: A device that connects multiple computers in a network, broadcasting data to all connected devices.
6) Switch: A device that connects devices in a network and forwards data to the specific device it is intended for.
7) Bridge: A device that connects and filters traffic between two network segments.
8) Router: A device that directs data packets between networks, often connecting a local network to the internet.
9) Local Area Network (LAN): A network confined to a small geographic area, like an office or home.
10) Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN): A LAN that uses wireless communication methods like Wi-Fi.
11) Wide Area Network (WAN): A network that spans a large geographic area, connecting multiple LANs.
12) Wi-Fi: A technology that provides wireless access to a network using radio waves.
13) Bluetooth: A wireless technology for short-range communication between devices.
14) Cloud Computing: Storing and accessing data and applications over the internet rather than on local hardware.
15) Intranet: A private network accessible only to an organization’s staff.
16) Extranet: A controlled private network allowing external parties limited access to internal resources.
17) The Internet: A global network of interconnected computer networks.
18) Security Issues: Challenges in protecting network systems, including measures like passwords and anti-malware.
19) Electronic Conferencing: Using network technologies to conduct meetings and share information remotely.
 Networks
A network is two or more computers that are linked
together so that they are able to share resources.
These resources could be a printer, scanner, software or
even a connection to the internet . You can also share
data using a network . For example , a pupil database
in a school could be accessed from any computers
connected to the network .
• Media access control (MAC) address
• The media access control (MAC) address is a number which uniquely identifies a
device when it is connected to a network.
• The MAC address is sometimes referred to as the physical address because it
uniquely identifies a device.
• Internet protocol (IP) addresses
• Whenever a computer connects to the internet it is given an internet protocol (IP)
address. This is usually assigned to the computer by the internet service provider
(ISP).
 Network devices
To build a network , some or all of
the following network devices are
needed
• ROUTERS
• NETWORK INTERFACE CARDS (NIC)
• HUBS
• SWITCHES
• BRIDGES
 Network interface cards (NIC)
Before a computer can be connected to a network , it will need to have a network interface card.

Most modern computers have these when you buy the computer . These cards connect directly
to the motherboard of the computer and have external sockets so that the computer can be
connected to a network via cables.

Basically a NIC does the following :

▶ It prepares the data for sending .
▶ It sends the data .
▶ It controls the flow of data from the computer to the transmission media (metal wire, optical
fibre, etc.).
 Hubs
A hub is a simple device that does not manage any
of the data traffic through it . It is simply used to
enable computers on the network to share files and
hardware such as scanners and printers.

Data is transferred through networks in packets.

A hub contains multiple ports ( connection points )

When a packet arrives at one port, it is transferred

to the other ports so that all network devices of the
LAN can see all packets. Every device on the
network will receive the packet of data , which it will
inspect to see if it is intended for that device or not .
 Switches
Like hubs , switches are used to join computers
and other devices together in a network , but they
work in a more intelligent way compared to hubs.

Switches are able to inspect packets of data so

that they are forwarded appropriately to the
correct computer . Because a switch sends a
packet of data only to the computer it is intended
for , it reduces the amount of data on the network ,
thus speeding up the network .

A switch stores the MAC addresses of all devices

on the network. Each port on the switch
connected to a device will have
a matching MAC address (called a look-up table)
 Bridges
Bridges are devices that connect one LAN to another LAN that
uses the same protocol (communication rules). They are often
used to connect together
different parts of a LAN so that they can function as a single
LAN.
Often a large LAN is divided into a series of smaller LANs . If a
message is sent from one computer in a LAN to another computer in a
different LAN then the message needs to pass between the LANs using
a bridge .
The advantage in subdividing a larger network is that it reduces the total
network traffic as only traffic with a different LAN as its destination will
cross over the bridge . A bridge therefore usually has only two ports in
order to connect one LAN to another LAN .
Unlike routers, bridges cannot communicate with other external
networks, such as the internet.
 ROUTERS
Routers are used to route data packets from one network to another network, based on IP addresses.
It can do this because each router has its own IP address. Routers are used to join a LAN to the
internet.
Suppose, in Figure 4.9, computer C1 wishes to send data to
computer C10:

» Data packets are sent from C1 to R1.

» R1 checks the IP addresses and notes the data packets are
not intended for any devices on Network 1.
» The data packets are then forwarded onto the internet (R0).
» The IP address (in the header of the data packet) matches
that of R4; this ensures that each data packet is eventually
forwarded to R4.
» R4 recognizes that the IP address of each data packet refers
to Network 4, and forwards them to S4 which then directs each
data packet to C10.
 ROUTERS
Each computer linked to the internet is given a number which is called its IP ( Internet
Protocol ) address . An IP address looks like this: [Link] and is unique for each
device while linked to the internet.
When data is transferred from one network to another the data is put into packets. The
packets contain details of the destination address of the network it is intended for .
Computers on the same network all have the same first part of the Internet Protocol
address and this is used to locate a particular network .

Routers are hardware devices that read the address information to determine the final
destination of the packet . From details stored in a table in the router , the router can
direct the packet onto the next network on its journey . The data packet is then received
by routers on other networks and sent on its way until finally ending up at the final
destination network.
 ROUTERS
Routers can be used to join several wired or wireless networks together . Routers are usually a
combination of hardware which act as gateways so that computer networks can be connected to
the internet using a single connection .

At the back of the router you will see some sockets into which Ethernet cables can be
connected. You can connect part of your network to the router using cables rather than
wirelessly.
 THE USE OF Wi-Fi and BLUETOOTH
There are two main technologies that allow wireless communication between computers and
other devices
Both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth offer wireless communication between devices. They both use electromagnetic
radiation as the carrier of data transmission.

Wi - Fi
Wi-Fi enables computers and other devices to communicate wirelessly with each other.
Areas where the internet can be accessed wirelessly using Wi - Fi are called access points or hotspots
and they can be found in many public places , such as coffee shops, hotels , airports , etc.
The range of a Wi - Fi depends on the type of wireless router being used and also if there are such
obstacles as walls in the way of the signal .
For a home network, the ranges of Wi-Fi are typically 50m indoors and 100m outdoors.
 THE USE OF Wi-Fi and BLUETOOTH
Advantages of wireless communication:

▶ Provided you with a wireless signal, you can work in hotels, outside, in coffee shops, etc.
▶ You are not confined to working in the same place. For example , you can work on trains ,
buses and even some aircraft provided there is a signal .
▶ Fewer / no trailing wires to trip over .
▶ It is easier to keep a working area clean if there are not as many wires in the way . There
are no network wires so there are no costs for their installation .
 THE USE OF Wi-Fi and BLUETOOTH

Disadvantages of wireless communication:

▶ The danger of hackers reading messages .

▶ There are areas where you cannot get a wireless network .
▶ There is some evidence that there may be a danger to health .
▶ Limited signal range .
 THE USE OF Wi-Fi and BLUETOOTH
BLUETOOTH
Bluetooth is a wireless technology used to exchange data over short distances. It makes use of
radio waves. The range of Bluetooth depends on the power of the signal and can typically be
from 5m to 100m.
Here are some uses for Bluetooth:
▶ Wireless communication between input and output devices . If you have a wireless keyboard and mouse then they
could use Bluetooth . Printers can be controlled wirelessly from a computer using Bluetooth.
▶ Communication between a wireless hands - free headset and a mobile phone . These are the sort people can use
while they are driving .
▶ Creating a small wireless network where the computers / devices are near to each other and where the small
bandwidth is not a problem. For example , creating a small home wireless network .
▶ Transferring appointments , contacts , etc. , between a computer and a mobile device such as mobile phone or
tablet.
▶ Communication using a games controller . Many games consoles use Bluetooth .
 SETTING UP A NEW NETWORK
Setting up and configuring a small network :
To set up and configure a small network is easy. Here are the steps you generally need to take.

▶ Choose an Internet Service Provider (ISP), pay them a subscription charge and get a
router, often provided by the ISP (which might include wireless access point).
▶ Connect the router to the telephone line or cable point . ( In some countries , this is
connection to a satellite link).
▶ Connect any cabled devices to the router using wires between the ports on the router and
the Network Interface Card on the device .
▶ Connect any wireless devices - e.g laptops, tablets, printers using wireless network. You
will need to open settings in your operating system on each device to create a new
connection.
▶ You usually need the passcode given to you by the ISP to do this . You will need a browser
on each device to access the internet.
 OTHER ESSENTIAL PARTS OF A NETWOK
WEB BROWSER SOFTWARE
A web browser is a program that allows web pages stored on the internet to be viewed. Web
browsers read the instructions on how to display the items on a web page which are written in a
form called HTML ( Hypertext Markup Language ).

A web browser allows the user to find information on websites and web pages quickly and it
does this through:
● Entering a web address (URL) .
● A web / internet portal
● Key word searches.
● Links
● Menus.

Web browser software includes email software that allows you to send and receive email.
 OTHER ESSENTIAL PARTS OF A NETWOK
ACCESS TO AN INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER
Connecting directly to the internet is very expensive and only suitable for large companies and
organisations. Most people connect to the internet via an organization called an internet service
provider. This is an organization that supplies the connection to the internet as well as providing
services including:

▶ Storage on their server , where you can store your website.

▶ Email facilities.
▶ Instant messages where you can send short messages to your friends when they are online ▶
Access to online shopping.
▶ Access to news , sport , weather , financial pages , etc. When you establish a network
connection with an ISP and pay their subscription charge they generally supply you with a
wireless router.
 OTHER ESSENTIAL PARTS OF A NETWOrK
This will enable you to link devices wirelessly , thus forming a network that will allow users to :

▶ Share internet access.

▶ Share access to hardware devices such as printers and scanners.
▶ Share access to files held on different computers.
 THE INTERNET
The internet is a huge group of worldwide networks joined together . Each of these networks
consists of lots of smaller networks . When you connect to the internet your computer becomes
part of the largest network in the world .
Advantages of the Internet
▶ Huge amounts of information can be accessed almost anywhere .
▶ Improved communication systems - this includes the use of text messages , emails , instant
messaging , etc.
▶ Changes in the way we shop - many people prefer to shop online .
▶ VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) - enables cheap international phone calls to be made using the
internet rather than having to pay for calls using a mobile or landline telephone. VoIP allows voice
data to be transferred over the internet and allows phone calls to be made without the need to
subscribe and pay for a phone service.
▶ Can help people with disabilities to be more independent - because they can order goods and
services online .
 THE INTERNET
Disadvantages of the Internet

▶ Misinformation - there are many bogus or fake sites so you need to check the information you
obtain carefully or use only reliable sites.
▶ Cyber ​crime - we have to be extremely careful about revealing personal information such as bank
and credit card details.
▶ Increased problems due to hacking and viruses.
▶ Bad people or criminals look for children using the internet .
 INTERNET VS. WWW
There is a difference between the internet and the World Wide Web
(WWW). The internet is the huge network of networks . It connects
millions of computers globally and allows them to communicate with
each other . The World Wide Web is the way of accessing the
information on all these networked computers and makes use of web
pages and web browsers to store and access the information.
 INTRANETS
An intranet is a private network that is used inside an organization and makes use of web pages,
browsers and other technology just like the internet. Schools and colleges use intranets and
they can hold all sorts of information from teaching resources , information about courses and
adverts , to student personal records and attendance details . Parts of an intranet can be made
available to anyone in the organisation, while parts that contain personal details can be made
available only to certain people. Restriction to certain parts of the intranet is achieved by using
user - IDs and passwords.

The advantages in using an intranet :

▶ Intranets are ideal in schools because they can be used to prevent students from accessing
unwanted information .
▶ Only information that is relevant to the organization can be accessed ; This prevents
employees from accessing sites that are inappropriate or which will cause them to waste
time.
 INTRANETS
The differences between an intranet and the internet

▶ Internet stands for INTERnational NETwork , whereas intranet stands for INTernal Restricted
Access NETwork .
▶ An intranet contains only information concerning a particular organization that has set it up ,
whereas the internet contains information about everything .
▶ Intranets are usually only used by the employees of a particular organisation, whereas the
internet can be used by anyone .
▶ With an intranet , you can block sites which are outside the internal network using a proxy
server .
▶ Intranets are usually behind a firewall, which prevents them from being accessed by
hackers.
▶ An intranet can be accessed anywhere with correct authentication .
 EXTRANETS
An extranet is a private network controlled by a company or organization that has restrictions
so that it is accessible not only to its own staff but also to its partners/vendors/suppliers. Note
the difference with an intranet which is only internally accessible to staff who work within the
organization.
Advantages of an extranet :
▶ Processes can be automated - for example , the system can automatically place orders with
suppliers when customer stock falls below a certain level.
▶ Enables the organization that owns the extranet to share information with other organisations it deals
with.
▶ Improves customer service since customers are provided with more information about orders such as
delivery information , answers to queries , etc.
Disadvantages of an extranet :
▶ They can be expensive to implement in terms of hardware, software and training costs .
▶ There are security concerns because you grant outsiders access to your system and internal databases .
 E-COMMERCE
E - commerce the electronic buying or selling of products or services online using the internet.
It makes use of a range of technologies such as electronic funds transfer and supply chain
management .
Advantages and disadvantages of e-commerce:
Advantages Disadvantages
Lower costs for starting the business. Lack of personal touch when conducting business.
Customers can place orders at any time and on any day. Customers are sometimes suspicious as to the quality of
goods supplied.
Easier to deal with customers and suppliers internationally. Security issues as the credit card details of customers
could be used to commit fraud
Can standardise the ordering of stock with suppliers . It is hard for customers to know if an ecommerce website
is genuine.
Fewer employees are needed
 TYPES OF NETWORK
THE TWO TYPES OF NETWORK LAN and WAN
There are two types of network: a local area network (LAN) and a wide area network (WAN). Basically a WAN is
much bigger than a LAN and is spread over different sites . A LAN, however, is within one site or building.
This table gives you the main features of each type of network .

LAN WAN
Confined to a small area Covers a wide geographical area ( e.g. between cities,
countries and even continents)
Usually located in a single building In lots of different buildings and cities , countries.

Use cables, wireless, infra-red, and microwave links which Uses more expensive telecommunication links that are
are usually owned by the organization. supplied by companies (e.g. satellite links).
Less expensive to build as equipment is owned by the More expensive to build as sophisticated communication
organization which is cheaper than renting lines and systems are used involving rental of communication lines.
equipment.
 WLAN
WLAN
WLAN stands for wireless local area network and means a LAN where the computers are able to
communicate with each other wirelessly. WLAN is the type of network you have in your home where
several computers are all able to access the internet wirelessly at the same time.
A WLAN allows users to move around an area and yet still stay connected to the internet.

▶ A cabled LAN uses either wired cables or optical fibre cables to send and receive data over the
network .

▶ A WLAN provides links that are wireless between computers and other devices on the network such
as printers and scanners.
 WLAN
Advantages and disadvantages of a WLAN compared to a cabled LAN.
Advantages of a WLAN :
▶ It is cheaper as there is less cabling needed .
▶ It is very easy to link devices such as printers and scanners to the network .
▶ You can work anywhere in the building in range of the wireless signal.

Disadvantages of a WLAN :
▶ There may be areas in a building where the radio signal is too weak .
▶ There are security problems as the radio signals could be intercepted by hackers .
▶ Wireless signals are not as reliable as wired cables and the data transfer speeds are not as
high .
▶ There can be interference from other electrical and electronic equipment used in the same
building and this can disrupt the wireless signal “Microwave oven”
 TYPES OF COMPUTERS TO ACCESS THE INTERNET
Many different devices can be used to access the internet and each has its own advantages and disadvantage.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a smartphone to access the internet

Advantages Disadvantages
Can access the internet anywhere there is WiFi or a mobile Not easy for parents to police.
signal.
You can stay connected while moving around. Trimmed down websites used with smartphone may not
give the information required.
Device is very portable and you are likely to have access to Small screen and keyboard are hard to use.
it more than other computers.
 TYPES OF COMPUTERS TO ACCESS THE INTERNET

Advantages and disadvantages of using a tablet to access the internet

Advantages Disadvantages
Lighter and more portable than laptops and desktops. Smaller screens compared to laptops and desktops can
make them harder to use.
Larger screens compared to smartphones makes them On-screen keyboard is more difficult to use compared to
easier to use. the keyboard on a laptop or desktop.
Easier to use when standing up compared to a laptop or Using in an awkward position, may lead to health
desktop. problems.
 TYPES OF COMpUTERS TO ACCESS THE INTERNET

Advantages and disadvantages of using a laptop to access the internet

Advantages Disadvantages
Portable compared to a desktop computer. Not as portable as a smartphone or tablet because of its
size and weight.
Almost full-sized keyboard is easier to use compared to Screen and keyboard are attached and this can lead to
those on a tablet or smartphone. backache.
Fairly large screen makes reading web pages easier. Touchpads are harder to use compared to a mouse when
there is no flat surface available.
Can be used when a flat surface is not available.
 TYPES OF COMPUTERS TO ACCESS THE INTERNET

Advantages and disadvantages of using a desktop to access the internet

Advantages Disadvantages
Full-sized keyboard and mouse are easier to use Large and heavy so not portable

You can view the full versions of a website rather than a Hard to use while standing up.
trimmed down version for a tablet or a smartphone.
Screen and keyboard are adjustable so there are fewer
health problems.
Large screen means text easier to read.