CHAPTER II A.

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A Personal Area Network (PAN) is the

BASIC NETWORKING CONCEPTS
smallest type of network. It connects
personal devices within a very short
Introduction
range, usually from one to ten meters.
PANs are designed for individual use and
In today’s digital world, computer
commonly use wireless technologies
networks play a vital role in almost every
such as Bluetooth, Infrared, and Wi-Fi
activity. From sending messages and
Direct.
attending online classes to printing
documents and accessing the internet, all
Examples of PAN use includes
these tasks rely on computer
connecting a smartphone to wireless
networking. A computer network is a
earphones, syncing a smartwatch with a
group of two or more devices connected
phone, or using a wireless keyboard and
together to share data, resources, and
mouse with a laptop. PANs improve
services.
convenience and allow users to control
multiple devices easily without cables.
To fully understand how networking
works, three essential components must
be studied together:

1. Types of Networks – explain

where communication happens
2. Networking Devices – explain
how devices are connected
3. Network Functions – explain why B. Local Area Network (LAN)
networks exist
A Local Area Network (LAN) connects
These three elements are computers and devices within a limited
interdependent. A network type cannot area such as a classroom, office, school,
operate without networking devices, and or home. LANs can be wired using
devices have no purpose without Ethernet cables or wireless through
network functions. Together, they form a routers and access points.
complete and working networking
system. LANs allow users to share files, printers,
applications, and internet access. A
computer laboratory network is a
common example of a LAN. LANs are fast,
I. Types of Networks reliable, and easy to manage because all
devices are located close to each other.
Networks are classified based on their
geographical size, structure, and
purpose. Understanding the type of
network used helps determine the kind
of devices needed and the functions that
can be performed.
 C. Wireless Local Area Network world. WANs connect LANs and MANs
(WLAN) using fiber-optic cables, satellites, and
leased communication lines.
A Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
is a type of LAN that uses wireless signals The Internet is the largest and most well-
instead of physical cables. WLANs allow known example of a WAN. WANs allow
mobile devices such as smartphones, global communication, online services,
tablets, and laptops to connect using Wi- and access to information across the
Fi. world.

Homes, schools, malls, and offices use

WLANs to provide flexible and
convenient access to the network.
WLANs improve mobility and reduce the
need for cables.

II. Networking Devices

Networking devices are the hardware

components that allow computers and
networks to communicate. Each device
has a specific role, and together they
create a working network.
D. Metropolitan Area Network
(MAN) Router

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

connects multiple LANs within a city or
large campus. MANs are often used by
city governments, universities, and large
organizations.

For example, a city may connect its

hospitals, schools, and offices through a
MAN to allow centralized
communication and data sharing.

A router connects different networks

and directs data to the correct
destination. It allows a local network to
access the internet.

Switch
E. Wide Area Network (WAN)

A Wide Area Network (WAN) covers a

very large geographical area such as
regions, countries, or even the entire
A switch connects multiple devices suggests, a modem is a device that both
within the same LAN and sends data only modulates and demodulates signals that
to the intended device, improving speed encode and retrieve information,
and security. respectively. For starters, modulation is
a process of adding meaningful
Hub information to a carrier wave so that it
can be transmitted over long distances.
A hub is a basic device that connects
computers but broadcasts data to all Access Point
devices. It is now considered outdated.
An access point is a networking device that
A computer network hub is a Layer 1 allows computers, smartphones, and other
connectivity device that retransmits the gadgets to connect wirelessly to a network,
data it receives to all of its ports. Unlike a such as the internet. It acts as a bridge
network switch, a computer network between wireless devices and a wired
hub does not break up collision domains. network by providing Wi-Fi signals.
Through an access point, users can connect
to network resources without using
physical cables, making communication
and data access more convenient.

An access point works by receiving data

from the wired network and converting it
into wireless signals. These signals are
broadcast over a specific frequency or
channel so that nearby devices can detect
Modem and connect to the network. When a device
sends data, the access point receives the
signal and forwards the information to the
rest of the network, allowing devices to
communicate with each other.

Using an access point offers many benefits.

It provides wireless connectivity, which
gives users freedom to move around while
staying connected. It also allows multiple
devices to connect at the same time, making
it ideal for homes, schools, and offices
where many users need network access.
This improves collaboration,
A modem connects a network to an communication, and productivity.
Internet Service Provider (ISP) by
converting digital and analog signals. A Access points are commonly used in
router is a device that allows multiple homes. They allow smartphones, tablets,
devices to connect to the internet laptops, smart TVs, and other devices to
through the same physical connection. connect to the internet without the need for
long network cables. This makes the home
The word modem is actually made by network more organized and easier to
combining parts of two different words manage.
– Modulator and demodulator. As this
Setting up an access point at home is capability. Regardless of its form, the NIC
simple. The access point is connected to an enables the device to send and receive
existing modem or router using an Ethernet data across a network.
cable. After connecting, the user configures
the network name (SSID) and security Although the NIC allows a computer to
settings, such as a password. Once set up, connect to a network, it is not always
the access point is placed in a central sufficient on its own to access the
location to provide strong wireless internet. In a home or business setting,
coverage throughout the house. the device must connect to a router. The
NIC connects the computer to the router,
and the router, in turn, connects to the
Internet Service Provider (ISP). This
process allows the computer to
communicate with other devices and
access online resources.

The NIC acts as the hardware interface

[Link]
between a computer and the network. It
[Link] supports both wired Ethernet
connections and wireless Wi-Fi
Network Interface Card (NIC) connections, depending on the type of
NIC installed.

It is important to note that not all

network connectors are actual “cards.”
Devices that connect through the USB
port are called network adapters, not
NIC cards. These adapters perform the
same function—enabling network
access—but they are external devices
rather than internal expansion cards.

III. Network Functions

A Network Interface Card (NIC) is a
hardware component installed in a Computer networks perform many
computer or device that allows it to important functions that make learning,
connect to a network, either through a working, and communicating easier. One
wired (Ethernet) or wireless (Wi-Fi) major function of a network is resource
connection. The term NIC stands for sharing. Instead of each computer
Network Interface Card, and it serves as having its own printer, scanner, or
the main communication link between a storage device, a network allows many
computer and a network. users to share the same equipment. For
example, in a school computer
In most modern computers, the NIC is laboratory, all students can print using
already built into the motherboard as one network printer. This helps save
part of the circuit board. However, in money, space, and time.
some cases, a separate NIC can be
installed in an expansion slot to improve Another important function of a network
or extend the computer’s networking is communication. Through a network,
people can send emails, chat with others, Conclusion
and join video calls. Students can
communicate with teachers, classmates, Understanding computer networking
and even people from other countries. requires seeing the connection between
This makes learning more interactive network types, devices, and functions.
and allows people to stay connected Together, they form the backbone of
even when they are far apart. modern digital communication and
support learning, business, and daily life.
Networks also allow file and data
sharing, which means users can quickly
send and receive documents, photos,
videos, and other files. For instance, a
teacher can upload a lesson file that
students can easily download. This
makes group work faster and reduces
the need for USB drives or printed
copies.

A network also provides shared

internet access. Instead of each device
needing its own internet connection, one
connection can be shared by many
computers, tablets, and smartphones
through a router. This allows everyone in
a classroom, office, or home to go online
at the same time.

Another function is centralized

management, where one main
computer or server controls users, data,
and access. For example, a school can
manage student records and limit who is
allowed to view or change certain files.
This keeps information organized and
prevents unauthorized access.

Lastly, networks support security and

backup. Important data can be
protected using passwords, firewalls,
and regular backups. If a computer
breaks or files are accidentally deleted,
the data can be restored from a backup.
This helps keep information safe and
ensures that important files are not
permanently lost.