NETWORKS

The scope of a network refers to its geographical size. A network can range in size from a few computers in one office to thousands of computers linked together over great distances.

Network space is determined by the size of the organization or the distance between users on the network. The scope determines how the network is designed and what physical components are used in its construction.

There are general types of network scope: 

    1. Local Area Networks

    2. Wide Area Networks

Local Area Network

A local area networks (LAN) connects computers that are located near each other. For example, two computers connected together in an office or two buildings connected together by a high speed wire can be considered a LAN. A corporate network that includes several adjacent building can also be considered a LAN.

Wide Area Network

A wide area network (WAN) connects a number of computers located at a greater distance from one another. For example, two or more computers connecting opposite sides of the world is considered a WAN. A WAN can be made up of a number of interconnected LANs. For example, the internet is really a WAN

The basic connectivity components of a network include the cable, network adapters, and wireless devices that connect the computers in the network.

These components enable data to be sent to each computer on the network, thereby permitting the computers to communicate with each other.

Common connectivity components of a network are :

1. Network adapters
2. Network cables
3. Wireless communication devices  

Network adapters

Network adapters constitute the physical interface between the computer and the network cable. Network adapters, also known as network interface cards, are installed into expansion slot in each computer and server on the network. After the network adapter is installed, the network cable is attached to the adapter’s port to physically connect the computer to the network. Each network adapter has a unique address that is incorporated into chips on the card. This address is called the physical, or media access control (MAC), Address.

Network cables

You connect computers together in a network by using cables to carry signals between computers. A cable that connects two computers or networks components is called a segment. Cable differ in their capabilities and are categorized according to their ability to transmit data at varying speeds, with different error rates. The three major categories of cables that connect most networks are: twisted-pair, coaxial, fiber-optic

Wireless communication devices 

You use wireless components to connect networks over distances for which standard network adapters and cable options are not technically or economically feasible. Wireless networks consist of wireless components communicating with LANs.

There are two common techniques for wireless transmission in a LAN: Infrared transmission and narrowband radio transmission.