Different Type of network

Identify different types of networks.

-Local Area Network (LAN)

A computer that connects computer systems that are within a limited geographical area.Data and peripherals can be shared. Usually client-server, connected with hub/ switch and Ethernet cabling.

-Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN)

Devices or LANs from different segments in a LAN connected logically.Usually via software, not hardware.

-Wide Area Network (WAN)

Connects different computer systems or LANs from different geographical areas, can span over a city, country or the world,

-Storage Area Network (SAN)

Type of LAN designed to handle large data transfers. Each client is connected to a server that provides access to storage devices

-Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Connects nodes in limited geographical area but with no wires. Allows for mobile devices and easier connection/ removal, although less secure.

-Internet

The Internet (or internet) is the global system of interconnected computer networks that uses the Internet protocol suite (TCP/IP) to communicate between networks and devices.

-Extranet

External extension to a LAN- Part of a network that uses internet protocols to allow controlled access by specific users to LAN or WAN.

-Virtual Private Network (VPN)

A VPN allows the creation of a LAN that is managed through a server software application, to which clients can also connect from a remote location, even though a different network.

-Personal Area Network (PAN)

Network covering individual's working area, in a very small space.

-Peer-to-peer (P2P)

Different to client-server, no centralized server. All nodes have equal privileges and responsibility for processing and sending data. All are client and server at same time, consuming and supplying resources from and to other peers

Outline the importance of standards in the construction of networks.

Standards enable compatibility through a common “language” internationally.

We need common rules/ standards when forming a network, otherwise some computer systems may not be able to connect due to incompatibilities, especially when trying to connect internationally.

Primary reason for standards:

Ensuring that hardware and software produced by different vendors can work together.

Describe how communication over networks is broken down into different layers.

Awareness of the OSI seven layer model is required, but an understanding of the functioning of each layer is not.）