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.

1. S
Computer Concepts
Connectivity
CSC 102 Intro to Technology

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)

4. Network Types:
Defined by Distance

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.

6. Network Types:
Defined by Level of Administration

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.

8. Basic Home Setup
Supplied by ISP
(Cable Company/Phone Company)
Supplied by You
(Linksys, Netgear)

9. Home Network Diagram

10. Home Network:
Devices
Wired or Wireless (depending on device)
 Desktop Computers, Laptops, Smart TV’s,
Printers, Gaming Consoles, Smart Phones,
Tablets
 Router, Switches, Range Extenders,
External Hard Drives
 Thermostats, Garage Door Openers
Security Systems, Alarms, Cameras

11. Ethernet Cable
RJ-45 Connector
Connects to
Network adapter
Head is larger than standard
phone connector (RJ-11)

12. Transmission Media
(cabling/wires)
coaxial
fiber -optic
ethernet

13. Wireless Routers

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)

21. USB Ports/Connections
Universal Serial Bus
 USB most widely used, connects phones,
keyboards, mice, input devices, output
devices, storage drives.

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.