SECTION 2: Computer Networks

and Web Technologies

Information Technology
Computer Networks Introduction
Human Communication Process

https://powerslides.com/powerpoint-business/business-process-templates/communication-process-diagram/
Data Communication
• Data communication is the process of transferring data from one
computer system or device to another.
• Data communication is essential for sharing tasks and information
in the forms of email, voicemail, telecommuting, video
conferencing, online services, social media and the Internet.
• Data communication involves a sender, receiver, messages (data) and
a medium (channel) for sending the messages

Read more here: Data Communication and its Components or Elements

Computer Networks
• A computer network is a group of two or more computers linked
together.
• Networks allow computers to communicate with and transmit data to
each other.
• Many organizations use networks to share resources such as
hardware, software and data files.
Some advantages of networks
• Network users can utilize common printers, scanners and other peripheral
devices. This saves money and space.
• Users can share resources, such as documents, and users can communicate
with each other easily using e-mail.
• Once a network is setup, it is easy to add new users.
• It is easier and cheaper to buy software for a network than for individual
users.
• A network administrator can control how the resources are used by
network users.
• Usually a network has a central server computer, such as a file server, that
stores data and controls access to that data.
Some disadvantages of networks
• It can be time-consuming and expensive to set up a network.
• Viruses spread easily in a network.
• If many people have access to the file server, data can be corrupted.
• If a central server fails, many users will not be able to do their work
because they will not be able to access the data they need.
Roles of computers within networks
• A client computer is a computer that requests resources from the
network.
• A server computer provides resources to client computers.
Client/Server Network
Client/Server Network
Computers can be linked in different ways to facilitate
data transmission
• A point-to-point connection means there is a direct link between two
computers on a network.

• E.g. A phone call, in which one phone is connected with one other,
and what is said by one caller can only be heard by the other.
Computers can be linked in different ways to facilitate
data transmission
• A broadcast configuration means that one computer is used to send
data and information to several computers connected to the network.

• E.g. Television and public radio systems.

• A stand-alone computer is one that is not connected to others. Files
from a stand alone computer can be transferred to other computers
using secondary storage such as a flash drive or CD.

Read: Text book - CSEC Information Technology 3rd Ed, chapter 3.

Knowledge Check
A broadcast network allows computers to have direct links to
each other for communication.
A. True
B. False
Knowledge Check
The computers in the IT lab at your school are connected
together so students can share files and printers. What is this
arrangement of computers called?
A. A portal
B. A network
C. The world wide web
D. The Internet
Knowledge Check
The process of transferring data from one computer system to
another is called
A. Client
B. Data communication
C. Stand-alone
D. Server
Knowledge Check
A computer that requests resources from a network is called
A. Client
B. Data communication
C. Stand-alone
D. Server
Knowledge Check
A computer that provides resources to other computers is
called
A. Client
B. Data communication
C. Stand-alone
D. Server
Knowledge Check
A computer that is not connected to any others on a network
is called
A. Client
B. Data communication
C. Stand-alone
D. Server
Types of Networks
Objectives:
1. Distinguish among types of networks.
2. Describe the purpose of each type of network.
3. Give at least one example of each type of network.
Local Area Network (LAN)
• A LAN is a collection of computers located in small geographical area
such as a building. Most small offices and schools use LANs to
connect all their users to one system. Cables are typically used to
connect computers and peripherals in a LAN.
• A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN) provides wireless
communication over short distances using radio or infrared signals
instead of network cabling.
• Computers in a LAN can share peripherals, program files, applications
and data. Devices shared by a LAN may be printers, hard drives, disk
drives, CD-ROM drives, modems and fax machines.
https://www.outreachbee.com/what-is-a-local-area-network-lan-definition-and-history-with-example/
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
• A MAN is larger than a LAN.
• It can span several buildings and possibly over cities.
• MANs are used by large companies, universities and stores that
occupy several office blocks or occupy large areas of land.
• E.g. Government departments use MANs to communicate with their
subdivisions and municipalities.
MAN

https://www.perle.com/supportfiles/metropolitan-area-networks.shtml
Wide Area Network (WAN)
• A WAN extends much further than a LAN or a MAN.
• A WAN can consist of several LANs and can connect computers across
cities, states and even countries.
• E.g. Global company’s network.
WAN

https://www.mbaskool.com/business-concepts/it-and-systems/13445-wan.html
Personal Area Network (PAN)
• A PAN is the interconnection of devices within a person’s workspace,
typically within the range of 10 meters.
• E.g.1 The connection between a person’s Bluetooth earpiece and
smartphone.
• E.g.2 The connection between a person’s laptop and printer.
PAN

https://www.javatpoint.com/types-of-computer-network
Networks by Scale
WAN
100km, 1000km
(Country, Continent)

MAN
10km
(City)

LAN
10m, 100m, 1km
(Room, Building,
Campus)

PAN
Square meter
(Around person)
Network Types

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_zSIXb7tLQ
Knowledge Check
A network of computers within a small geographical area (e.g.
a building) is called
A. PAN
B. LAN
C. MAN
D. WAN
Knowledge Check
A network of computers within a large geographical area
across countries is called
A. PAN
B. LAN
C. MAN
D. WAN
Knowledge Check
A network of computers within a city is called
A. PAN
B. LAN
C. MAN
D. WAN
Knowledge Check
A network providing wireless communication over short
distances is called
A. LAN
B. MAN
C. WAN
D. WLAN
Knowledge Check
A network of devices within an individual’s workspace is called
A. PAN
B. LAN
C. MAN
D. WAN
Mobile Networks
Objectives:
1. Understand the concept of mobile network as radio-based common
carrier.
2. Give an overview of mobile networks.
Mobile Networks
• A mobile network (also called cell network) can be defined as a
communications network that is spread out over geographical land
areas called cells.
• Access is provided through a portable device (e.g. cell phone), that
allows you to travel anywhere and still be connected, as long as there
is sufficient coverage.
• A mobile network provides wireless connection through transceivers
at fixed locations for each cell. These transceivers are known as cell
sites or base stations.
A base transceiver station (BTS) tower
• Transceivers both transmit and
receive data, hence the name. They do
this through radio signals. Radio
signals are electromagnetic radiation
that includes light and infrared waves.

The antenna is on top and the shelter housing

the BTS on the right (photo by Luděk Hrušák).
Common Carrier
• In telecommunications, a common carrier is a company that provides
wired and wireless communication services to the general public for a
fee.
• Can you think of any common carriers operating in Trinidad?
Mobile Network Technologies
1G: The first generation of wireless mobile networks. This technology
was introduced in the 1980s and used analog radio signals.
2G: First introduced in 1992, the second generation of mobile networks
used digital signals. Three benefits of 2G networks over 1G were that:
• phone conversations were digitally encrypted
• more efficient use of the radio frequency enabling more users
• data services were provided, such as short message service (SMS) text
messages
Mobile Network Technologies
• 3G: These third generation cell phone networks provided connection
to the Internet. They offer faster data transfer rates and are the first
to enable video calls. This makes them especially suitable for use with
modern smartphones, which require constant high-speed internet
connection for many of their applications. They also provide greater
security.
• 4G: The fourth generation of mobile network technology, 4G replaced
3G offering a connection that is more reliable and delivers much
higher speeds. The high data transfer rates make 4G networks
suitable for use in USB wireless modems for laptops and even home
internet access.
Mobile Network Technologies
• 4G WiMax: 4G WiMax (Fourth Generation Worldwide Interoperability
for Microwave Access) delivers high-speed broadband Internet access
over a wireless connection. It can be used over relatively long
distances and is a solution for delivering broadband to the home, and
for creating wireless "hot spots" in places like airports, college
campuses, and small communities.
• 4G LTE: 4G LTE (Fourth Generation Long Term Evolution) is a type of
4G technology, and delivers the fastest connection for a mobile
internet experience. 4G LTE is about ten times faster than the older
3G technology. However, the speed depends on the strength of your
signal and the network load.

Watch video here: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/4g-vs-lte/

Mobile Network Technologies
• 5G: The fifth generation technology standard for mobile networks
that has started rolling out in 2019. 5G uses higher frequency waves
than current networks, which allow greater bandwidth and higher
download speeds.

More info here: https://www.digitaltrends.com/mobile/what-is-5g/

5G: Finally Explained!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uuf88P4OGGs
5G Explained In 7 Minutes

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mo1lNRKnayA
Wireless Network Technologies
• Bluetooth
• Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
• Bluetooth technology is the use of low-power radio communications
to wirelessly link phones, computers and other network devices over
short distances. Bluetooth technology was designed primarily to
support simple wireless networking of personal consumer devices
and peripherals, including cell phones, PDAs, and wireless headsets.
Wireless signals transmitted with Bluetooth cover short distances,
typically up to 30 feet (10 meters).
Devices Connected via Bluetooth
Wi-Fi
• Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a wireless LAN technology that enables
devices to connect easily to a network or the Internet.
• A Wi-Fi enabled device such as a laptop, video game console, mobile
phone, MP3 player, smart TV or smart watch can connect to a
wireless network or the Internet through this technology.
• Public areas called hotspots provide access points for these devices
to connect to the Internet.
Wi-Fi
Advantages:
• Data can be transmitted quickly.
• No cables are needed to add a device to the network.
• The range is high.
• Devices do not need direct line of sight with each other or wireless
transmitter.

Disadvantages:
• Not safe, your device can be hacked.
• Slow because of large number of connected devices.
What is a Hotspot?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktxC3vDukbc
Knowledge Check
A mobile network and a cell network are the same thing.
A. True
B. False
Knowledge Check
What technology do transceivers in mobile networks use to transmit
and receive data?
A. Radio signals
B. Wi-Fi
C. Bluetooth
D. Satellite
Knowledge Check
Which of these mobile technologies provides the fastest speed?
A. 3G
B. 4G
C. 5G
D. 4G LTE
Knowledge Check
Which wireless technology is used to exchange data over short
distances (less than 30 feet) without cables?
A. Hotspot
B. Wi-Fi
C. Bluetooth
Knowledge Check
Which wireless technology is used to wirelessly connect devices to the
Internet?
A. Hotspot
B. Wi-Fi
C. Bluetooth
Knowledge Check
A public place that provides access points to wirelessly connect to the
Internet is called
A. Hotspot
B. Wi-Fi
C. Bluetooth
The Internet, Intranets, Extranets
Level of Privacy
• There are different types of networks that provide varying levels of
privacy.
• Privacy can be very important to many organizations, including
schools.
• Networks can be categorized as intranets, extranets and the Internet.
The Internet
• The Internet is the largest network in the world.
• The Internet is actually a network of networks. It is made up of
smaller networks around the world that connect to each other.
• No one owns the Internet.
• It is accessible almost anywhere by anyone.
What is the Internet?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dxcc6ycZ73M
Intranet
• An intranet is similar to the Internet in operation. However, it is
limited to one organization. Users may browse computers within an
intranet using a browser but will usually not be able to access the
wider Internet. In the same way, outsiders will not be able to access
the intranet of an organization. An intranet can be thought of as a
private Internet.
What is an Intranet?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dIA1KweJoRY
Extranet
• An extranet is an extension of an organization’s intranet to include
outside users. In an extranet, outside organizations or individuals are
allowed access to certain parts of the intranet. This access is usually
controlled by means of passwords and access rights. These restrict
which users can access the extranet and what they can do once they
have access. The purpose of the extranet is to facilitate business
transactions with other organizations.
Relationship between intranet, extranet and
the Internet
Internet vs Intranet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4sPJgaf3sM
Knowledge Check
Which one of the following statements about the Internet is TRUE?
A. It is a visual representation of linked documents.
B. It is a private company network.
C. It is a network operating system.
D. It is a global network consisting of many networks.
Knowledge Check
A network that is accessible almost anywhere by anyone is called
A. Internet
B. Extranet
C. Intranet
Knowledge Check
Outsiders are not be able to access this network which is owned by an
organization.
A. Internet
B. Extranet
C. Intranet
Knowledge Check
A network that allows outsiders of an organization to have limited
access with usernames and passwords is called
A. Internet
B. Extranet
C. Intranet