CIS2110
Communications and Networks

Networked vs Stand Alone Computers

A computer network is a group of interconnected computers. A computer is said to be networked when it is a part of such an arrangement.
A stand alone computer has no means of communicating with any other computer or device outside of itself.

Reading Assignment:
Read about networks here...

Research the advantages of a networked computer and give three reasons that you find for it to be advantageous.
List three reasons why a stand-alone computer might be advantageous.

Primary Components of a Network

The primary components of a computer network are Ethernet cables, coaxial cables, hubs, network adapter cards, and modems.

Computer Cable
Ethernet Cable
 hub
Hub
Network Interface Card
Network
Adapter
modem
Modem

Computer Network Configurations

There are three basic types of networks. These are the bus, ring, and star networks. Other types of topologies exist. There are tree and mesh topologies among others.

Bus TopologyRing Topology
Star NetworkOther Topologies

Local Area Networks

Local Area Networks, referred to as LANs are networks that cover a fairly small geographical area. This area is usually no bigger than a small campus, or small mall, or a home. There are many sites that explain what LANs are.

Research Assignment:
Research what are the main characteristics of a LAN. Give three (3) examples of the advantages of a LAN. Give three (3) examples of disadvantages of a LAN.
Wide Area Networks

Wide Area Networks are at the other end of the continuum. They are referred to as WANs. Wide Area Networks cover large geographical areas. The largest WAN is the Internet. The internet spans the entire globe. In fact, the Internet is being expanded to include space.

Research Assignment:
Research what are the main characteristics of a WAN. Give three (3) examples of the advantages of a WAN. Give three (3) examples of disadvantages of a WAN.
Internet vs. World Wide Web

There is a difference between the Internet and the World Wide Web.

Reading Assignment 1: "What is the Internet?"
Reading Assignment 2: "What is the World Wide Web?"