Page 344 - Trackpad 402_Class-X_Final
P. 344

NETWORKING FUNDAMENTALS

        We are living in a world of data and information. This information will be of no use if not shared amongst people
        scattered across the globe. Connecting the devices and making this data and information sharable is done by using the
        concept of computer network. This unit deals with the basic fundamental concepts of networking and the Internet.
        Networking helps in sharing of resources and allowing the users to access these resources irrespective of their physical
        locations. We say that a computer network creates an environment where users and computers can connect globally.
        Computer networks can now be defined as a connect between two or more devices like laptops, mobiles, touchpads
        and others. They are interconnected through wired or wireless media for the purpose of sharing data and information.
        The network size may vary from small to large depending on the number of devices connected. It can be limited to a
        small room or may span a city or a country or connect the entire world.

        Types of Network
        On the basis of the amount of physical territory a network occupies, can be classified as follows:
        •   PAN (Personal Area Network): It is a network of devices connected over a very short distance and occupies a range
          around individuals. In PAN, the devices included are laptops, smartphones and desktop. The network is capable of
          sending/receiving emails, transfer data, digital photos, music files and book calendar appointments. It may be wired
          or wireless transmission (Bluetooth/Infrared). The simplest example is connection between wireless earplugs and
          smartphone using Bluetooth.







                                  Printer                                           PDA



                                                            Laptop





                                 Desktop PC                                       Smartphone
        •   LAN (Local Area Network): It is a network of devices connected within a confined physical area that spans few
          kilometers. For example, computers connected within a school or number of offices connected within a building or
          number of devices connected within a home.




























          344   Trackpad Information Technology-X
   339   340   341   342   343   344   345   346   347   348   349