This document provides an overview of computer connectivity and networking concepts. It defines different types of networks like WAN, MAN, LAN, HAN and PAN based on distance and administration. A home network typically uses broadband internet through a cable or DSL modem connected to a wireless router. The router allows devices to connect to the internet and each other via Ethernet, WiFi or other wireless technologies. Common connections between devices include USB, HDMI, Firewire, RCA and Bluetooth.
2. Topics:
Types of Networks
Parts of a Home Network
Broadband Options
Cable, DSL, etc.
Modem, Router
Wireless Routers
Ethernet
USB
Firewire, HDMI, RCA
Bluetooth
3. Network Architectures:
Types of Networks
Defined by distance and
level of administration
WAN, MAN, LAN, HAN, PAN
Client/Server (Central Administration)
Peer-to-Peer (P2P)
(Local Administration)
5. Network Types:
Defined by Level of Administration
Client/Server – is like our Windows
school network, top down, strictly
managed by IT and networking software
(i.e. Linux, Windows Server).
Peer 2 Peer – is like a Home Network, or
the Mac Lab – more like a community,
managed by each device individually.
7. Home Network
Broadband Access
DSL, Cable, FiOS, satellite (You pay an ISP)
Modem converts signals to digital data.
(Usually supplied by provider)
Router is a switching station that can route
connections from modem to other
computers, devices, printers, etc. wirelessly
or wired.
14. Transmission Media
Wireless
Wifi – Wireless Fidelity
IEEE Standard 802.11
Current is 802.11ac
Operates at 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequency
Frequency refers to the radio waves
15. Wireless Router Security
SSID is the name that identifies the
network (linksys or netgear by default)
Wifi Password can be set up
for your router
WPA (Wi-Fi Protected Access) or WEP
(Wired Equivalent Privacy) should be
enabled to protect data in wireless
transmissions
16. How do I login to and/or
manage my router?
For NETGEAR, you can use the IP address
192.168.1.1 and the default
username/password, or you can go to
routerlogin.com in your browser
You can set up SSID name and passwords
here, as well as reset firmware, etc.
Check Linksys as well for similar steps.
17. Connecting to the Internet
Broadband Internet Options:
Cable
ISPs: RCN, Comcast, Service Electric
DSL
ISPs: Verizon, Local Phone Companies
FiOS – Verizon
Satellite – DirectTV, Dish
Mobile Broadband 4G – Verizon, AT&T
18. Broadband Options:
Cable Internet
Typically the fastest available option
Download is typically much faster than
upload – 20-50 Mbps vs 5-10 Mbps*
*(megabits per second)
Speed can vary during peak times or heavy
traffic in your neighborhood
Bundle with TV, Phone for better pricing
19. Broadband Options
DSL, FiOS, Satellite
DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) uses 2
additional lines of traditional phone lines
for data. (5-10 Mbps/1Mbps)
FiOS (Fiber Optic) – uses thin strands of pure
glass or plastic arranged in bundles.
50-500 Mbps, but not as widely available
Satellite - @ 5-10 Mbps, usually an option
where DSL or cable is not available
20. Other Options
Mobile Broadband, Dial-Up
Mobile Broadband - sharing or tethering
your computer to your phone connection
Involves a number of concerns, involving data
plans, but may be an alternative option
Dial-up – painfully slow by todays standards,
was only available option in early web days
(56 Kbps)
22. Other Connections
HDMI, Firewire
HDMI is the first industry-
supported uncompressed, all-
digital audio/video interface.
Firewire is a very fast external bus
standard that supports data
transfer rates of up to 400-800
Mbps. Used with video cameras &
hard drives. Lightning (iPhones),
Thunderbolt (Macs)
23. Other Connections
RCA, Bluetooth
RCA connectors are standard
audio/visual cables.
Bluetooth is short-range
wireless technology for
connecting devices such as
mice, keyboards, headphones.