Chapter 7 Terms

4G

3G and 4G can be thought of as "Wi-Fi everywhere" in that they provide Internet access to your mobile devices in the same way they provide voice service to your mobile phone. 3G and 4G refer to the third and fourth generations, respectively, of cell-phone networks. 4G is the latest service standard and offers the fastest data-access speeds over cell-phone networks.

According to the standards set for 4G, the data transfer rate you would get while in a moving vehicle is approximately 100 Mbps; from a fixed location, you can expect up to a 1 Gbps data transfer rate. Some of the early 4G systems released in the market support less than the required 1 Gbps rate and are not fully compliant with the 4G standards and so are being tagged as 4G LTE. They are still faster than 3G, however.

3G performs similarly to a standard DSL connection (roughly 3 Mbps). 3G is more reliable than Wi-Fi and is less susceptible to interference. 3G blankets most major urban areas with connectivity.

The most current wireless Ethernet standard is:

802.11ac.

modem

A modem connects your network to the Internet. This brings the Internet signal to your home, but you need a way to share that signal with all the devices in your home.

switch

A switch acts like a traffic signal on a network (see Figure 7.9). Switches receive data packets and send them to their intended nodes on the same network (not between different networks). During the transmission process, data packets can suffer collisions; subsequently, the data in them is damaged or lost and the network doesn't function efficiently. The switch keeps track of the data packets and, in conjunction with NICs, helps the data packets find their destinations without running into each other. The switch also keeps track of all the nodes on the network and sends the data packets directly to the node for which they're headed. This keeps the network running efficiently

Which is NOT true about home networks?

All network devices must be running the same operating system. Setting up a home network is very complex and suitable only for professionals. Wireless devices initially must connect with a wired connection until settings can be switched to wireless. OptionAll of these.

Transmission media

All network nodes are connected to each other and to the network by transmission media. Transmission media establish a communications channel between the nodes on a network. They can be either wired or wireless. The media used depend on the requirements of a network and its users.

mobile hotspot

Alternatively, you can connect to the Internet using a mobile hotspot. Mobile hotspots let you tether, or connect, more than one device to the Internet but require access to a data plan. Although you can buy a separate mobile hotspot device, most smartphones have built-in functionality, enabling you to turn your smartphone into a mobile hotspot (see Figure 7.14). If you have several mobile devices that need wireless Internet access, this may be the most economical and functional way to access the Internet while on the road when you can't access Wi-Fi. Check with your provider, though, because they may charge an extra fee for tethering.

Internet of Things (IoT)

Besides computers, what can be connected to a network? The short answer: almost anything. The Internet of Things (IoT) is not a new concept—it has been around since the new millennium. The IoT is defined as the interconnection of uniquely identifiable embedded computing devices that transfer data over a network without requiring human-to-human or human-to-computer interaction (see Figure 7.10). "Things" can be anything—machines, appliances, buildings, vehicles, even animals, people, plants, and soil. In addition to all the smart TVs, refrigerators, and thermostats we hear so much about, a thing can be a heart monitor implant that can warn of an oncoming problem or a device in an automobile that monitors driving behaviors so insurance companies can better assess risk. Ultimately, the Internet of Things is about connecting companies, people, and technology in real time via an extension of the Internet into the physical world. By the year 2020, there will be an estimated 30 billion connected devices.

There are three types of UTP cable commonly found in wired Ethernet networks (see Figure 7.8). Cat 5e and Cat 6 cable are more common in home networks, while Cat 6a is designed for bigger networks that require more speed.

Cat 5e: Cat 5e cable is the cheapest of the three types and is sufficient for many home networking tasks. It was designed for 100 Mbps-wired Ethernet networks that were popular before gigabit Ethernet networks became the standard. 2.Cat 6: Cat 6 cable is designed to achieve data transfer rates that support a gigabit Ethernet network. Although using Cat 5e cable is sufficient, using Cat 6 cable is probably the better choice for home networking cable, though it's more expensive and more difficult to work with than Cat 5e cable. 3.Cat 6a: Cat 6a cable is designed for ultrafast Ethernet networks that run at speeds as fast as 10 Gbps. Installing a 10 gigabit Ethernet network in the home is probably unnecessary because today's home applications (even gaming and streaming media) don't require this rate of data transfer.

How does the level of administration define a network? A network can be administered, or managed, in two main ways—centrally or locally

Central administration: In a centrally administered network, tasks performed from one computer can affect the other computers on the network. A client/server network is an example. In a client/server network, a client is a computer on which users accomplish tasks and make requests, whereas the server is the computer that provides information or resources to the client computers as well as central administration for network functions such as printing. Most networks that have 10 or more nodes are client/server networks. •Local administration: In a locally administered network, the configuration and maintenance of the network must be performed on each individual computer attached to the network. A peer-to-peer (P2P) network is an example. In a P2P network, each node connected on the network can communicate directly with every other node on the network. Thus, all nodes on this type of network are peers (equals). When printing, for example, a computer on a P2P network doesn't have to go through the computer that's connected to the printer. Instead, it can communicate directly with the printer. Because they're simple to set up, cost less than client/server networks, and are easier to configure and maintain, P2P networks are the most common type of home network. Very small schools and offices may also use P2P networks.

node

Each device connected to a network is referred to as a. A node can be a computer, a peripheral such as a printer or a game console, or a network device such as a router

Which of the following would NOT be a benefit of a home network?

Files are more secure when stored on a home network

wireless Internet service provider (or wireless ISP)

Just as you have an Internet service provider (ISP) for Internet access for your desktop or laptop computer, you must have a wireless Internet service provider (or wireless ISP) to connect your smartphone to the Internet. Phone companies (such as T-Mobile, Verizon, and AT&T) double as wireless ISPs.

Which device is used to connect a network to the Internet?

Modem

Distance

Networks can range from the smallest network of just one person, in one room with multiple connected devices, to the largest network that spans between cities and even the world.

Is the same network software used in client/server networks?

No, nodes on client/server networks are different than P2P networks. They communicate through a centralized server instead of communicating directly with each other. Communicating through a server is more efficient in a network with a large number of nodes, but it requires more complex software than is necessary for P2P networks.

data plan

Providers measure your Internet usage not according to how much time you're on the Internet but according to how much data you download and upload. An Internet connectivity plan is known as a data plan. You pay one monthly price and are allowed data transfers up to some fixed limit per month, such as 2 GB or 5 GB. If you exceed your data limit in a month, the fee for the extra data usage is usually very expensive.

Which device shares an Internet connection with other devices?

Router

What are the benefits of networks?

Sharing an Internet connection: A network lets you share the high-speed Internet connection coming into your home. •Sharing printers and other peripherals: Networks let you share printers and other peripheral devices. For example, say you have a laptop that isn't connected to a printer. To print a document from your laptop without a network, you would need to transfer the file to another computer using a flash drive or another device that's connected to the printer, or carry your laptop to the printer and connect your laptop to it. With a network, you can print directly from your device even if it's not physically connected to the printer. •Sharing files: You can share files between networked computers without having to use portable storage devices such as flash drives to transfer the files. In addition, you can set sharing options in Windows or macOS that let the user of each computer on the network access files stored on any other computer on the network. •Common communications: Computers running different operating systems can communicate on the same network.

Internet service providers (ISPs)

Some businesses and large organizations have a dedicated connection to the Internet, but most homeowners and small businesses purchase Internet access from Internet service providers (ISPs). ISPs may be specialized providers, like Juno, or companies like Comcast that provide additional services, such as phone and cable TV

network navigation devices

That's done with network navigation devices, such as a router or a switch

backward compatibility

The ability of current devices to use earlier standards in addition to the current standard is known as backward compatibility. It's important to note that the speed of a network connection is determined by the slowest speed of any network device, so while an older Wi-Fi device might work, it will operate with slower data transfer rates and may run into some frequency interference.

What type of transmission media is most common in wired home networks?

The most popular transmission media option for wired Ethernet home networks is UTP cable. You can buy UTP cable in varying lengths with Ethernet connectors (called RJ-45 connectors) already attached. Ethernet connectors resemble standard phone connectors (called RJ-11 connectors) but are slightly larger and have contacts for eight wires (four pairs) instead of four wires.

Are there disadvantages to setting up networks?

The only disadvantage of setting up a network is the initial time it takes to set up the network. Once it's set up, there is very little ongoing maintenance and administration for a home network. However, large networks involve an initial purchase of equipment to set them up.

Ethernet network

The vast majority of home and corporate networks are Ethernet networks. An Ethernet network is so named because it uses the Ethernet protocol as the means (or standard) by which the nodes on the network communicate. The Ethernet protocol was developed by the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which develops many standard specifications for electronic data transmission that are adopted throughout the world. Establishing standards for networking is important so that devices from different manufacturers will work well together.

gigabit Ethernet (GbE)

There are different standards for wired and wireless networks. The standard for wired Ethernet networks is 802.3, also known as gigabit Ethernet (GbE)

network operating system (NOS)

Therefore, the servers on client/server networks have specialized network operating system (NOS) software installed. This software handles requests for information, Internet access, and the use of peripherals for the rest of the network nodes. Examples of NOS software include Windows Server and SUSE Linux Enterprise Server.

network interface card (NIC

This type of integrated network adapter is referred to as a network interface card (NIC). Different NICs are designed to use different types of transmission media. Most NICs included in computing devices today are built to use wireless media, but many can use wired media as well

satellite Internet

To take advantage of satellite Internet, you need a satellite dish that is placed outside your home and connected to your computer with coaxial cable, the same type of cable used for cable TV. Data from your computer is transmitted between your personal satellite dish and the satellite company's receiving satellite dish by a satellite that sits in geosynchronous orbit thousands of miles above Earth

Wired networks use various types of cable (wire) to connect nodes. The type of network and the distance between nodes determine the type of cable used:

Unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable (see Figure 7.7a) is composed of four pairs of wires twisted around each other to reduce electrical interference. UTP is slightly different from twisted-pair cable, which is what is used for telephone cable. Twisted-pair cable is made up of copper wires that are twisted around each other and surrounded by a plastic jacket. •Coaxial cable (see Figure 7.7b) consists of a single copper wire surrounded by layers of plastic. If you have cable TV, the cable running into your TV or cable box is most likely coaxial cable. •Fiber-optic cable (see Figure 7.7c) is made up of plastic or glass fibers that transmit data at extremely fast speeds.

Mobile broadband

When you're not in a Wi-Fi hotspot but still need to access the Internet, you may want to consider mobile broadband. Mobile broadband connects you to the Internet through the same cellular network that cell phones use to get 3G or 4G Internet access

What transmission media is used on a wireless network?

Wireless (or Wi-Fi) networks use radio waves to connect computing devices to other devices and to the Internet instead of using wires.

Wi-Fi

Wireless networks (referred to as Wi-Fi) are based on the IEEE 802.11 standard. The current version of wireless Ethernet is 802.11ac. Previous versions included 802.11n, 802.11g, 802.11b, and 802.11a.

Data transfer rate

also called bandwidth) is the maximum speed at which data can be transmitted between two nodes on a network

Cable Internet

is a broadband service that transmits data over the coaxial cables that also transmit cable television signals; however, cable TV and cable Internet are separate services. Cable TV is a one-way service in which the cable company feeds programming signals to your television. To bring two-way Internet connections to homes, cable companies had to upgrade their networks with two-way data-transmission capabilities.

network

is simply two or more computers that are connected via software and hardware so they can communicate with each other

Throughput

is the actual speed of data transfer that is achieved. Throughput is always less than or equal to the data transfer rate. Data transfer rate and throughput are usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps) and gigabits per second (Gbps). One of the main factors that determine how fast data moves is the type of network

For the different nodes on a network to communicate with each other and access the network, each node needs a

network adapterAll desktop and laptop computers as well as smartphones, tablets, and many peripherals sold today contain network adapters

Broadband

often referred to as high-speed Internet, refers to a type of connection that offers a means to connect to the Internet with fast throughput. Broadband has a data transmission rate that ranges from 1 to 500 Mbps

Network architectures

or network designs, can be classified by the following: •The distance between nodes •The way in which the network is managed (or administered) •The set of rules (or protocol) used to exchange data between network nodes

The most commonly used wired Ethernet standard for home networks is

the gigabit Ethernet (GbE) standard. A data transfer rate of up to 1 Gbps is possible using this standard. Computers generally ship with gigabit Ethernet cards installed in them. the gigabit Ethernet (GbE) standard. A data transfer rate of up to 1 Gbps is possible using this standard. Computers generally ship with gigabit Ethernet cards installed in them.

router

transfers packets of data between two or more networks. On a home network, you need a router to transfer data between your home network and the Internet, which is considered a separate network. To add Wi-Fi to your home network, use a router that features wireless capabilities.

Fiber-optic service

uses fiber-optic lines, which are strands of optically pure glass or plastic that are as thin as a human hair. They're arranged in bundles called optical cables and transmit data via light signals over long distances. Because light travels so quickly, this technology can transmit an enormous amount of data at superfast speeds. When the data reaches your house, it's converted to electrical pulses that transmit digital signals your computer can "read." Note that fiber-optic cable is not usually run inside the home. On a fiber-optic network, twisted-pair or coaxial cable is still used inside the home to transport the network signals.

DSL (digital subscriber line)

uses twisted-pair cable, the same as that used for regular telephones, to connect your computer to the Internet. The bandwidth of the wires is split into three sections, like a three-lane highway. One lane is used to carry voice data. DSL uses the remaining two lanes to send and receive data separately at much higher frequencies than voice data. Although DSL uses a standard phone line, having a traditional phone line in your house doesn't mean you have access to DSL service. Your local phone company must have special DSL technology to offer you the service.

smart home

where devices and appliances are automated or controlled by apps installed on your smartphone or tablet (see Figure 7.11)—is in full play today, thanks to the power and availability of strong wireless networks and Bluetooth.

Providers measure your Internet usage not according to how much time you're on the Internet but according to how much data you download and upload. An Internet connectivity plan is known as a data plan. You pay one monthly price and are allowed data transfers up to some fixed limit per month, such as 2 GB or 5 GB. If you exceed your data limit in a month, the fee for the extra data usage is usually very expensive.

· download apps, stream music, or play online games? · watch streaming video? · download files attached to e-mails or from your company website? · use apps that are communicating with the Internet?

To function, all networks must include

•A means to connect the nodes on the network (transmission media) •Special hardware devices that allow the nodes to communicate with each other and to send data •Software that allows the network to run

The following are common types of networks

•A personal area network (PAN) is a network used for communication among devices close to one person, such as smartphones and tablets using wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. •A local area network (LAN) is a network in which the nodes are located within a small geographical area. Examples include a network in a computer lab at school or at a fast-food restaurant. •A home area network (HAN) is a specific type of LAN located in a home. HANs are used to connect all of a home's digital devices, such as computers, peripherals, phones, gaming devices, digital video recorders (DVRs), and televisions. •A metropolitan area network (MAN) is a large network designed to provide access to a specific geographical area, such as an entire city. Many U.S. cities are now deploying MANs to provide Internet access to residents and tourists. Some MANs employ WiMAX wireless technology that extends local Wi-Fi networks across greater distances. •A wide area network (WAN) spans a large physical distance. The Internet is the largest WAN, covering the globe. A WAN is also a networked collection of LANs. If a school has multiple campuses located in different towns, each with its own LAN, connecting the LANs of each campus by telecommunications lines allows the users of the LANs to communicate. All the connected LANs would be described as a single WAN.

Network administration

•Installing new computers and devices, •Monitoring the network to ensure it is performing efficiently, •Updating and installing new software on the network, and •Configuring, or setting up, proper security for a network.

When you want to achieve the highest possible throughput on your portable device, you may want to use a wired connection, if one is available. Wired connections let you take advantage of the faster throughput achieved by wired connectivity. Wireless signals have slower throughput than wired connections for the following reasons:

•Wireless bandwidth is shared among devices. •Wireless signals are more susceptible to interference from magnetic and electrical sources. •Other wireless networks (such as your neighbor's network) can interfere with the signals on your network. •Certain building materials (such as concrete and cinderblock) and metal (such as a refrigerator) can decrease throughput. •Throughput varies depending on the distance between your networking equipment. •Wireless networks usually use specially coded signals to protect their data, whereas wired connections don't protect their signals. This process of coding signals can slightly decrease throughput, although once coded, data travels at usual speeds.