Introduction to networks:

Data Exchange Resource Sharing Managing Computers

Data can be sent between computers without the need for external storage

Peripherals are shared Such as printers and scanners

A network manages can manage other computers over a network by • Updating software • Fixing problems • Help users (e.g. resetting passwords)

• Topology • Choice of hardware • Bandwidth • Wired or wireless

How the computers are laid out and connected together

Amount of data that can be transferred in a given time Bandwidth is shared between all active users

Wired networks are much faster and more reliable Wireless performance depends on how well a computer can pick up the signal

• Radio waves • Twisted-pair copper cable • Coaxial cable • Fibre-optic cable

Transmission media of wireless networking

Ethernet cable

Wired transmission where an insulated copper wire is surrounded by a metal mesh to protect it from interference

Made of thin strands of glass which transmit binary data as pulses of light

• Do not suffer interference - Very high bandwidth (100Tbps)

Appropriate for long distance communication such as undersea cabling

Cable tv

Subject to interference from other radio signals of similar frequency