Download Describe different ways to connect to the a computer network

Describe different ways to connect to the a
computer network - M1
By Ridjauhn Ryan
What is a network
• A computer network, or simply a network, is a
collection of computers and other hardware
interconnected by communication channels
that allow sharing of resources and
information. Where at least one process in
one device is able to send/receive data
to/from at least one process residing in a
remote device, then the two devices are said
to be in a network
What is a LAN network
• local area network (LAN) is a computer
network that interconnects computers in a
limited area such as a home, school, computer
laboratory, or office building using network
media. The defining characteristics of LANs, in
contrast to wide area networks (WANs),
include their usually higher data-transfer
rates, smaller geographic area, and lack of a
need for leased telecommunication lines.
What is a WAN
• A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that
covers a broad area using private or public
network transports. Business and government
entities utilize WANs to relay data among
employees, clients, buyers, and suppliers from
various geographical locations. The Internet
can be considered a WAN as well
What is a wireless network
• Wireless network refers to any type of
computer network that is not connected by
cables of any kind. It is a method by which
homes, telecommunications networks and
enterprise (business) installations avoid the
costly process of introducing cables into a
building, or as a connection between various
equipment locations.
Modem WIFI
• WI-FI is a popular technology that allows an
electronic device to exchange data wirelessly over
a computer network, including high-speed
Internet connections. However, since most
modern WLANs are based on these standards,
the term "Wi-Fi" is used in general English as a
synonym for "WLAN". A device that can use Wi-Fi
can connect to a network resource such as the
Internet via a wireless network access point. Such
an access point or hotspot has a range of about
20 meters or 65 feet indoors and a greater range
outdoors.
Satellite
A satellite is an object that goes orbits a larger object,
such as a planet. While there are natural satellites, like
the Moon, hundreds of man-made satellites also orbit
the Earth.
Many satellites are battery-powered, taking advantage
of the ultimate battery recharging source, the sun.
Silvery solar panels are prominent features on many
satellites
Components of a satellite
communication capabilities with earth
a power source
a control system to accomplish its mission
Ethernet
Ethernet is the most widely-installed local area
network ( LAN) technology. Ethernet is a family
of computer networking technologies for local
area networks (LANs) The most commonly
installed Ethernet systems are called 10BASE-T
and provide transmission speeds up to 10
Mbps
wireless
• Wireless network refers to any type of computer
network that is not connected by cables of any kind.
Wireless is a term used to describe
telecommunications in which electromagnetic waves
carry the signal over part or all of the communication
path. Some monitoring devices, such as intrusion
alarms, employ acoustic waves at frequencies above
the range of human hearing; these are also sometimes
classified as wireless
Bluetooth
• Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard
for exchanging data over short distances
Bluetooth is managed by the Bluetooth
Special Interest Group, which has more than
17,000 member companies in the areas of
telecommunication, computing, networking,
and consumer electronic. To be marketed
as a Bluetooth device, it must be qualified to
standards defined by the SIGs.
What's the difference between LAN and WAN
• The maximum speed of a LAN can be 1000 megabits
per second, while the speed of a WAN can go up to 150
megabits per second.
• Computers in a LAN can share a printer, if they are all
in the same LAN. On the other hand, a WAN cannot
share a printer, so a computer in one country cannot
use a printer in another country.
• WAN is more expensive than a LAN. It is easier to
expand a LAN than a WAN
• A LAN uses the Ethernet standard, while a WAN uses
the T1 standard
Wireless network pros
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Ease of installation: Wireless networks have become commonplace with Wireless N
being the current standard. While it is easy to purchase a wireless router, connect it
to the Internet, and install in either a home or office setting, it is best to have a
network professional install and configure the wireless router in your practice. You
want to ensure that you have high security enabled and that there is sufficient
wireless coverage throughout all areas within the practice.
Cost: Depending on how many wireless repeaters (signal amplifiers) you have
installed, the cost of hardware is generally low, although you are strongly
recommended to use the services of a wireless network expert in the selection and
configuration of a wireless router. Commercial routers are generally more
expensive, but are more stable and offer better security controls. A $99 router from
Best Buy is not advisable.
Mobility: The ability to access information anywhere in your practice and not be
limited to fixed stations offers significant advantages, in particular within your
examination rooms where you may want to use a wireless tablet or laptop and
carry it with you from room to room
Wireless cons
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Security: Wireless networks are more difficult to secure than wired local networks.
As a result, they are more vulnerable to attack by unauthorized users. If improperly
secured, an individual could access the network from a location near the practice
using scanning software to identify available networks. All of your clinical and
sensitive information could be exposed in this situation.
Installation difficulties: Because wireless networks are so commonly used, you may
find that other wireless networks set up in your medical building interfere with
your wireless signal. There are a limited number of channels and if the incorrect
channel is used, you may end up with inconsistent network connections or no
network connectivity at all.
Wireless transmission speeds: Wireless networks generally do not have the
transmission throughput of wired local networks, as they are limited to the
maximum speed of the wireless network in a specific area of the practice. As a
result, many larger practices will use both a wired network as the core backbone
and a wireless access in specific areas.
Wired network pros
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Speed: With the advent of Gigabit routers, the speed of data transfer is significantly
faster than wireless and not sensitive to dead spots within the practice as
sometimes is encountered with wireless. Good for locations in which a lot of data is
being accessed, e.g. diagnostic images or the scanning of large files.
Cost: Relatively inexpensive to initially install and very low maintenance cost
thereafter. The average cost for each network drop (outlet) is approximately $100;
however, if a full office is being set up, this cost can be negotiated down. Wiring
does not need to be replaced. As a result, long-term maintenance of the wiring is
zero. However, switches and routers may need to be upgraded over time.
Network security: The network must be protected by a firewall and should be set
up by a professional networking expert who can ensure that the correct ports are
switched on and other security features enabled. Once this is done, the network is
generally well protected, particularly if it is not directly connected to the Internet.
Stability: Local networks are very stable and, once correctly configured, are
workhorses that do not cause many problems or require much maintenance. They
are generally more stable than wireless networks, although wireless is improving
all the time
Wired cons
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Mobility: Once the network drops are installed, there is limited ability to move to a
different location without setting up additional switches and running cables. This is
relevant if you change the layout of your medical office or examination rooms and
want to move computers around.
Server: In very small networks, it is possible to set up a local network without a
server (peer-to-peer). However, once there are more than five computers in use, it
is advisable to install a high powered and high capacity server. The server stores
and centralizes information across a medical office. In medical offices, due to the
amount of data being moved and the need for centralized storage for documents,
you should have a server. This requires ongoing maintenance and greater cost, as
you will need to purchase software licenses, anti-virus software, etc. for the server
and pay a qualified individual to maintain the server on your behalf.