4.1.
Networks
• Understand how a router works and its purpose
• Understand the use of other common network devices,
including: network interface cards, hubs, bridges,
switches, modems
• Understand the use of WiFi and Bluetooth in networks
• Understand how to set up and configure a small
network
• Understand the characteristics and purpose of
common network environments, such as intranets and
the internet
Network is which computer systems
are connected together in some way.
These systems can be either a few
computers or devices.
It can be either many computers or
internet.
4.1.1. NETWORK DEVICES
Modem converts a computer's digital signal into an
analogue signal for transmission over an existing
telephone line and the process is known as modulation.
It also converts analogue signals from a telephone line
into digital signals, to enable the computer to process
the data and it is known as demodulation.
Hubs are hardware devices those
are often used to connect together a number of devices to
form a LAN (Local Area Network).
The main task is to take any data packet received at one
of its port and broadcast (spread, bring out) it to every
computer in the network.
• Not Secure
• Efficient method of
data distribution.
Like hubs, switches distribute data packets to devices
together to form a LAN. Unlike a hub, they checks the data
packet received and works out its destination address
and sends the data to the appropriate computer(s) only.
A switch uses MAC (Media Access Control) addresses to
forward data to other specific hosts in the network.
Bridges are often used to connect together different parts
of a LAN that since sending out every data packet to all
possible destinations. But it can quickly flood larger
networks with unnecessary traffic.
Bridges are devices that connect one LAN to another LAN.
Routers enable data packets to be routed between the
different networks. For preventing unnecessary traffic,
they are used to communicate with other networks such
as the internet .
A router would typically have an internet cable plugged
into it and several cables connecting to computers and
other devices on the LAN.
The router will forward the traffic based
on the destination according to internet
protocol (IP).
The router's main function is to transmit internet and
transmission protocols (set of rules) between two
networks and also allow private networks to be
connected together.
Bridge focuses on MAC address while Router focuses
on internet protocol (IP) address.
A gateway is a network point (or node) that acts as an
entrance to another network. It is a key point for data
on its way to or from other networks. If a network node
needs to communicate outside its network, it needs to
use a gateway.
A gateway can be implemented
completely in software, hardware,
or a combination of both.
All networks will have boundaries
(limits) so that all communication
within the network is conducted
using devices such as switches or
routers.
A Network Interface Card (NIC) is
needed to allow a device to
connect to a network (for example,
the internet).
It is usually part of the device
hardware and frequently contains
the MAC address generated at the
manufacturing stage.
Network cables is used to connect
devices that can be either copper or
fiber optics. Computer systems
generally use Wi-Fi but network
cables have some advantages such as;
faster data transfer rates
can be more secure than wireless
networks.
4.1.2. IP AND MAC ADDRESSES
Each device on the internet is given a unique address
known as its internet protocol (IP) address. This is a 32-
bit number that is usually written in the form:
109.108.158.1
01101101.01101100.10011110.00000001
8 bits 8 bits 8 bits 8 bits
4.1.2. IP AND MAC ADDRESSES
* IP addresses can be used instead of URL (Uniform
Resource Locator) such as
https://www.microsoft.com/ 104.78.177.250
(start “cmd” prompt in Windows OS, type ping google.com)
* IP is assigned by the ISP (Internet Service Provider) for
particular internet session.
* Only web servers’ IP addresses are unchanged.
4.1.2. IP AND MAC ADDRESSES
MAC address is a unique number that identifies a device
connected to the internet.
It can be called as Physical Address.
ED:65:D8:A6:89:58
4.1.2. IP AND MAC ADDRESSES
Differences between IP and MAC addresses
* The IP address gives the location of a device on the
internet, The MAC address identifies the device
connected to the internet.
* IP address: House, MAC address: Each person in house
• IP address: Position, MAC address: Person name
HOD Ersin T.
