Components of a Network (Edexcel IGCSE ICT)

Cables

What cables are used in a wired network?

• A wired network is a network where physical cables are used to join devices together and transmit data

• The most common types of cables in a wired network are:

  • Ethernet

  • Fibre optic

What is Ethernet?

• Ethernet is a wired networking standard to carry electrical signals between devices on a local area network (LAN)

• Ethernet is common in most offices and homes to connect devices such a desktop computers & servers

• Ethernet uses twisted pair cables (CAT5) to allow duplex communication

What is fibre optic?

• Fibre optic is a type of cable that uses light to transmit data on a wide area network (WAN)

• Fibre transmits data at a much higher speed and has a much higher bandwidth compared to copper cables

• Fibre optic cable does not suffer from interference which makes them the most secure option to send sensitive data

• Fibre optic cables can cover a long distance without any degradation, they can span cities and countries

Wireless Access Points

What is a wireless access point (WAP)?

• The Wireless Access Point (WAP) allows wireless devices to connect to a local area network (LAN)

• The WAP connects to a Switch or Hub via an Ethernet cable

• The WAP range is limited so the use of multiple Wireless Access Points can be used for complete coverage or a home/business

Router & gateway

What is a router?

• The router is responsible for routing data packets between different networks

• An example of data the router can direct is, sending internet traffic to the right devices in your home

• The router manages and prioritise data traffic, which can help to keep connections stable

• The router will assign IP addresses to the devices on the network

• The router acts as a gateway

What is a gateway?

• A gateway is a device that bridges the connection between two different types of network

• Gateways translate between different network protocols

• For example, a local area network (LAN) to a wide area network (WAN)

Switch & boosters

What is a switch?

• A Switch allows multiple wired devices to connect to a local area network (LAN)

• The Switch is an active device, which means it can inspect network data and route it to the correct device, thus reducing traffic on the network

• A Switch can contain extra Software to allow administration/configuration

What is a booster?

• A booster is a device used to amplify a network signal in order to extend the normal range

• Boosters can be used with both wired and wireless networks

• Wireless access points can be be configured to act as a booster (repeater mode)

Server

What is a server?

• A server is a dedicated computer that shares its resources with devices that connect to it

• Devices that connect to a server are known as clients

• Common examples of servers include:

  • File

  • Web

  • Print

  • Authentication

  • Application

• A single computer can perform multiple server functions depending on its resources (memory & processor)