CHAPTER 4 – Networks and the effects of using them
Common network devices
1. Network Interface Card (NIC)
Allows a device to connect to a network.
NIC turns binary data into an electrical signal that allows access to a network.
The NIC is usually integrated into the motherboard on most modern computers.
Each NIC is given a unique hardwire MAC address by its manufacturer.
Wireless Network Interface Cards (WNICs) are used to connect devices to the internet.
2. Hubs
Hubs are hardware devices that can connect a number of other devices.
They are primarily used to connect devices in a Local Area Network (LAN) within a building.
A hub will take a data packet and broadcast it to all the devices connected to it.
Hubs are not very secure because every device will receive every data packet.
Hubs create unnecessary traffic on the network, which results in reduced bandwidth (slow).
3. Switches
Switches are ‘intelligent’ versions of hubs.
Switches are also used to connect a number of devices together to form a LAN.
Unlike a hub, a switch sends the data packet only to the receiving device. It does this by maintaining a
look-up table of the MAC addresses of all devices connected to it.
Switches are more secure than hubs, because only the intended device is sent the data.
Switches do not waste bandwidth, because network traffic is reduced.
SWITCH HUB
Used to connect devices in a LAN Used to connect devices in a LAN
Uses data packets Uses data packets
Sends data packets only to a specific device Sends data packets to every device connected to it
Security is higher Security is lower
Bandwidth is not reduced/not wasted Bandwidth is reduced/wasted
4. Bridges
Bridges can connect two LANs that use the same protocol.
Bridges are often used to connect different parts of a LAN together, so they can function as a single LAN.
5. Routers
Routers can connect a Local Area Network (LAN) to a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet.
Routers can route data packets from one network to another, based on IP addresses.
ROUTER BRIDGE
Connects various types of networks together Connects LANs together
Routers scan devices’ IP addresses Bridges scan devices’ MAC addresses
Data is sent out using data packets Data is sent out using data packets
Can connect networks which use different protocols Can connect networks that use the same protocol
Uses a routing table to direct data packets Do not make use of routing tables
Has more than two ports Has only two ports
Addresses used in networks
Media Access Control (MAC) address Internet Protocol (IP) address
Physical address Logical address
Uniquely identifies a device connected to a network Uniquely identifies the location of a device
Static (changes only if the NIC card is replaced) Dynamic (changes each time when a device logs in)
Made up of 48 bits IPv4 – 32 bits & IPv6 – 128 bits
IPv4 e.g. [Link]
E.g. 00 – 1C – B3 – 4F – 25 – FF
IPv6 e.g. A8FB:7A88:FFF0:0FFF:3D21:2085:66FB:F0FA
Data Packets
Data is moved around networks in the form of data packets.
Whenever a user sends data, it is split into a number of packets and each packet is transmitted separately.
Each data packet will have a header containing the following information:
1. The sender’s IP address
2. The receiver's IP address
3. The sequence number of the packet
4. The packet size
5. Total number of packets for the whole message
A data packet will pass through a number of routers before it reaches its final destination.
All the information in the data packet header allows the data packets to be reassembled in their correct
order, according to the sequence number, by the receiving station.
Bluetooth VS Wi-Fi
Bluetooth Wi-Fi
Similarity 1 Both offer wireless communication between devices.
Similarity 2 Both use electromagnetic radiation as the carrier of data transmission.
Transmission frequency 2.4 GHz 2.4 GHz – 5.0 GHz
Data transfer rate 25 Mbits/second 250 Mbits/second
Maximum effective range 30 metres 100 metres
Maximum number of devices 7 No limit
Type of security used Key matching encryption WEP and WPA
Cloud Storage/Computing
Cloud storage refers to storing data on remote servers.
Cloud computing refers to using the computing applications and computing power of remote servers.
Three types of cloud storage systems:
1. Public cloud – customer purchasing storage from a cloud storage provider.
2. Private cloud – customer having a dedicated cloud storage environment.
3. Hybrid cloud – a combination of the above.
Advantages:
1. Files stored in cloud storage can be accessed at anytime from anywhere.
2. No need to carry external storage devices such as portal hard disk or flash drive.
3. The cloud provides remote backup of data.
Disadvantages:
1. Customers can have security concerns as their data is stored in a remote location.
2. Customers should have good internet connection to access the cloud.
3. Can be costly if high storage capacity is needed.
Wired VS Wireless Networking
Wireless networking Wired Networking
Advantages It is easier to expand the network as it is not
Using cables produces a more reliable and
necessary to connect the devices using
stable network.
cables.
Data transfer rates tend to be faster than
This gives devices increased mobility.
wireless connectivity.
Disadvantages
There is an increased chance of interference Cabled networks lose the ability for devices to
from external sources. be mobile.
Having lots of wires can lead to a number of
Data is less secure than with wired systems.
hazards, such as overheating of connections.
Network Types
Local Area Network (LAN) Wide Area Network (WAN)
- covers a small geogrpahical area such as a - covers a large geographical area such
bulding or some adjacent building connecting cities and countries
- 10 m to 1000 m - 100 km to 1000 km
Authentication Methods
1. Passwords
Some ways of protecting passwords:
Run anti-spyware software.
Change passwords on a regular basis.
Don’t use easy words (e.g. favourite colour, name of pet, etc.)
Use strong passwords which contains:
o at least one capital letter
o at least one numerical value
o at least one symbol
2. Zero Login using biometrics
Zero login essentially relies on devices being smart and secure enough to instantly recognize a user using
biometrics or behavioral patterns.
Examples for biometrics: fingerprint recognition, face recognition.
Example for behavioral pattern: how the user swipes the screen, how the user walks.
3. Magnetic Stripe Cards
Magnetic stripe card contains a magnetic stripe on the reverse side which can contain data such as name, ID
number, gender, and date of birth of a person. By swiping this card through a card reader, a person can get access
to authorized areas/building.
Following are done to make forgery of these cards more difficult:
Use holographic images (hologram) – images that change colour when viewed from different angles.
Have an image of the card user printed onto the surface of the card.
4. Smart Cards
By inserting a chip and antenna (tag) into a security card, it can be made a smart card (contactless card).
5. Tokens
Physical Token/Hardware Token – a form of authentication in the form of a physical, solid object.
Electronic Token/Software Token – software installed on a user’s device, such as a smartphone.
Electronic Conferencing
Web Conferencing
Video Conferencing Audio Conferencing
(often referred to as a
(similar to a face-to-face (similar to a group telephone
webinar, which uses the
conference, which uses both call, which uses only sound
internet to permit
video and audio) equipment)
conferencing to take place)