Network

=Network= Author: Lisa Han

Network is a group of interconnected computers and devices that can be classified by the connection method, functional relationship, and network topology. It is also classified by the software and the hardware technology that is used to interconnect the devices. While Ethernet uses physical wiring to connect the devices, wireless technology doesn't require physical wiring to connect devices. There are three types of wired technologies: twisted pair, coaxial cable, and optical fible. Twisted pair is mostly used for the telecommunication which is used for both data and voice transmission. Coaxial cable is mostly used for television systems, office buildings, and other worksites or local area networks (LAN). Optical fiber is not affected by electromagnetic radiation and it is a lot faster than the other two wired technologies. Furthermore, there are six types of wireless technologies: terrestrial microwave, communications satellites, cellular and PCS Systems, wore;ess LANs, and bluetooth. Terrestrial microwaves use Earth-based transmitter and reciever. The antennas are usually placed on top of buildings, hills, or mountain peaks. Communication Satellites use microwave raido as their telecommunication matter so as they orbit around the Earth, they can receive any voice, data, and TV signals. Cellular and PCS systems use several radio communication technologies and low-power transmitters or radio relay antenna relay calls from an area to another. Wireless LANs use high frequency radio technology which is similar to digital cellular and a low-frequency radio technology. This is for enabling communication between multiple devices in a limited area.Bluetooth is a short range wireless technology. It is an open wireless protocol that we can use for exchanging over short distances. Wireless web refers to use of the World Wide Web through equipments. It offers anytime/ anywhere connection.

There are six types of network: personal area network (PAN), local area network (LAN), wide area netowork (WAN), campus area network (CAN), metropolitan area network (MAN), and global area network (GAN). PAN is the interconnection of computer devices that covers individuals. The devices are such as printer, scanner, PDAs, and so on. LAN is a network that covers small area and small number of poeple. Today, most of them are based on Ethernet technology. WAN is a data communication network that covers large area. IT typically consists of more than two LANs. They are usually connected through public networks. Internet is the largest WAN. CAN is a network that connects more than two LANs within certain area like college campus, military, or industrial complex. MAN is a network that connects more than two LANs or CANs together. However, they don't pass the boundaries or a city or a town. Also, it the size of the area it covers is bigger than LAN but smaller than WAN. GAN is a network that is formed of interconnected computer networks. It covers unlimited area.

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