This document discusses computer networks and their components. It defines a network as allowing nodes to share resources through connections established using cable or wireless media. The main benefits of networks are file sharing, resource sharing like printers, increased storage capacity, and sharing an internet connection. Key devices for networks include network interface cards, wireless network interface cards, modems, hubs/switches, routers, and wireless access points. Different types of networks include personal area networks, local area networks, metropolitan area networks, and wide area networks.

1. Introduction to Network
Fatin Afifah binti Adenan
2 Al-Farabi 2017

2. What is Network?
a telecommunications network which allows nodes to share
resources.
In computer networks, networked computing devices
exchange data with each other using a data link.
The connections between nodes are established using
either cable media or wireless media.
The best-known computer network is the Internet.

3. Benefits Computer
Network
● File sharing – data can be easily shared between different users, or
accessed remotely if it is being kept on other connected devices.
● Resource sharing – using network-connected peripheral devices like
printers, scanners and copiers, or sharing software between multiple
users, saves money.
● Sharing a single internet connection – it is cost-efficient and can help
protect your systems if the network is properly secured.
● Increasing storage capacity – access files and multimedia, such as
images and music, stored remotely on other machines or network-
attached storage devices.

4. Devices Needed in
Computer Network
● Network Interface Card (NIC)
● Wireless Network Interface Card (WNIC)
● Internal and external modem
(MOdulator/DEModulator)
● Hub or switch
● Router
● Wireless access point

5. Network Interface Card
(NIC)
A network interface card (NIC) is a circuit board or card
that is installed in a computer so that it can be connected
to a network.
A network interface card provides the computer with a
dedicated, full-time connection to a network. Personal
computers and workstations on a local area network
(LAN) typically contain a network interface card
specifically designed for the LAN transmission
technology

6. Wireless Network
Interface Card (WNIC)
A wireless network interface controller (WNIC) is a
network interface controller which connects to a
wireless radio-based computer network, rather than
a wired network

7. Internal and external
modem
The most important piece of hardware any Internet user
can have is a modem. The reason being that without a
modem, a computer cannot reach the Internet.
Therefore, a modem is essential in order to have Internet
access

8. Internal Modem
An internal modem is a modem that fits inside of a
computer. Internal modems typically ship with the
computer and come pre-installed. However, some
computers may not have modems or the internal
modem that came with the computer might be
damaged or corrupt. In either case, using an internal
modem does not take up any additional space
outside the computer, and can be powered using
the computer's own power supply.

9. External Modem
An external modem is similar to the internal
modem in that it also allows access to the Internet,
but unlike the internal modem, the external modem
sits outside the computer. The external modem can
be used when a computer is unable to fit an internal
modem inside of it. The modem typically connects
to the computer via a serial or USB cable, and is
usually powered by an external source, rather then
the computer.

10. Hub or switch
A Hub is a networking device that allows one to connect multiple
PCs to a single network. Hubs may be based on Ethernet, Firewire,
or USB connections.
A switch is a control unit that turns the flow of electricity on or off
in a circuit. It may also be used to route information patterns in
streaming electronic data sent over networks. In the context of a
network, a switch is a computer networking device that connects
network segments.

11. Router
A wireless router is a device that performs the functions of
arouter and also includes the functions of a wireless access
point. It is used to provide access to the Internet or a
private computer network.

12. Wireless access point
Wireless access points (APs or WAPs) are special-
purpose communication devices on wireless local
area networks (WLANs). Access points act as a
central transmitter and receiver of wireless radio
signals. Mainstream wireless APs support Wi-Fi and
are most commonly used to support public Internet
hotspots and other business networks where larger
buildings and spaces need wireless coverage.

13. Types of Networks
Computer networks can be characterized by their size as well as their
purpose.
Some of the different networks based on size are:
Personal area network, or PAN
Local area network, or LAN
Metropolitan area network, or MAN
Wide area network, or WAN

14. Some of the different networks based on their main
purpose are:
Storage area network, or SAN
Enterprise private network, or EPN
Virtual private network, or VPN

15. Common types of area networks are:
LAN - Local Area Network
WAN - Wide Area Network
WLAN - Wireless Local Area Network
MAN - Metropolitan Area Network
SAN - Storage Area Network, System Area Network, Server Area
Network, or sometimes Small Area Network
CAN - Campus Area Network, Controller Area Network, or sometimes
Cluster Area Network
PAN - Personal Area Network
LAN and WAN are the two primary and best-known categories of area
networks, while the others have emerged with technology advances