Modes of Connection (OCR GCSE Computer Science)
Revision Note
Written by: Robert Hampton
Reviewed by: James Woodhouse
To connect devices to a network, there are two main options:
Wired
Wireless
There are advantages and disadvantages to each option which are explored below
Wired Networks
What is a wired network?
A wired network is a network where physical cables are used to join devices together and transmit data
Computers can be connected to networks using many different types of wires to transmit data
The most common type of cable in a local area network (LAN) is Ethernet
What is Ethernet?
Ethernet is a wired networking standard to carry electrical signals between devices
Ethernet is common in most offices and homes to connect devices such a desktop computers & servers
Ethernet uses twisted pair cables to allow duplex communication
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Speed - Fast data transfer | Portability - Can't move easily, location is limited by physical cable |
Security - Better physical security | Cost - Need more cables to add a new device |
Range - High (up to 100m), less susceptible to interference | Safety - Cables can be trip hazards, need routing along walls, under floors |
Worked Example
A school has a LAN (Local Area Network)
The LAN allows access by both wired and wireless devices.
The wired connection is an Ethernet connection. Ethernet is considered a standard.
Explain why Ethernet is a standard [2]
Answer
Ethernet is used by (mostly) all manufacturers // Ethernet is used in many devices
...to allow compatibility with other devices
Ethernet has a high bandwidth
Ethernet has inbuilt security
Ethernet is a proven/reliable connection
Ethernet is low cost for purchase/installation/maintenance (compared to other wired connections)
Wireless Networks
What is a wireless network?
A wireless network is a network where connections are made using radio waves to transmit data through the air
The most common types of wireless connections are:
Wi-Fi
Bluetooth
What is Wi-Fi?
Wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) is a common standard for wireless networks
Wi-Fi is common in most homes and offices to connect devices such as laptops, tablets & smart phones
Using Wi-Fi, devices communicate with a wireless access point (WAP), which can be a standalone device or built into a router or switch
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Portability - Easy to move around, location is only limited by range | Speed - Slower data transfer than Ethernet |
Cost - Less expensive to setup and add new devices | Security - Less secure than Ethernet |
Compatibility - Most devices are manufactured with a built in Wi-Fi adapter | Range - Relies on signal strength to the WAP, signals can be obstructed (up to 90m) |
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is another common standard for wireless networks
Bluetooth is common in most homes and offices to connect devices such as headphones, controllers, keyboards & mice
Bluetooth is used typically for a direct connection between two devices
Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
Compatibility - Ideal for personal devices and ad-hoc connections | Speed - Very slow transfer speeds |
Power - Very low power consumption | Security - Data can be intercepted by anyone in range |
| Range - Very short range (10m) |
Worked Example
Dave has set up a new travel agency and needs you to set up a network for the shop. There will be four workstations for staff to book new holidays and take payments from clients, and each member of staff will also be issued with a tablet so they can show customers different destinations and hotels. Staff will use their PCs to phone customers and suppliers using headsets.
Describe how different types of network connection could be set up to support the new business [6]
Answer
The workstations should be connected using Ethernet [1] because they won’t need to be moved, this will allow for fast transfer speeds and it is more secure than Wi-Fi for sending customer data [1]
The tablets should be connected using Wi-Fi [1] so they can be moved around without cables and the signals won’t have to go through walls [1]
The headsets should be connected through Bluetooth [1] so that staff don’t get tangled in wires and they can connect just to their own workstation rather than needing full access to the network [1]
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