8.

2 Building Networks: network structure and security

PAN: Personal Area Networks They are the smallest types of network, usually
connecting devices that are in close proximity to an individual. These are
usually smart watches, headsets and wireless headphones. PAN networks are
usually connected via bluetooth.

LAN: Local Area Networks allow devices to communicate over a small

geographic area, usually a single site, such as a single building, school or
college. Devices that can be connected to a LAN can be computers, routers,
printers, switches, access points, smartphone or tablets or TVs.

WAN: Wide Area Networks allow devices to communicate in the same way, but
over a larger geographical area, and are usually made up of several LANs
connected together. Companies often use this method if they have a large
number of different offices spread across a geographical region. The largest
example of a WAN is the internet.

Fiber-Optic Cables: They transmit data as pulses of light, which is much faster
than electrical signals. This means that they have a high bandwidth of up to
100 Tb per second, much faster than the copper alternative. Fibre-optic cables
are not as prone to interference, so they are more reliable than copper cables.
These cables are usually thin and flexible, made of glass or plastic fibers. They
often have a shiny, glass-like appearance. They may be encased in a
protective layer that can be black or gray.

Copper Wires: copper wire, also known as ethernet cable, transmits data as
electrical pulses and can transmit around 10Gb per second. It is often used to
connect devices on a LAN as it transmits data reliably over a distance of
about 100 metres. Copper wires are fairly cheap but are prone to interference.
These are typically thicker than fiber-optic cables and made of copper. They
have a metallic sheen and are often covered with plastic insulation, which can
come in various colors.

Advantages of wired:

● Wired connections typically provide faster data transfer rates compared

to wireless connections, especially for high-bandwidth activities like
gaming or streaming.
● Wired connections aren’t affected by physical obstacles or
electromagnetic interference from other devices.
● Wired networks are more secure because physical access is required to
connect to the network, reducing the risk of unauthorised access.

Disadvantages of wireless

● Could leave many wires trailing round an office.

● If the wires are damaged they need to be replaced.
● A very large amount of cabling and network hubs may be needed in
large premises.
Wired connections are generally considered more reliable than wireless
connections for several reasons. A strong reason is because Wired networks
are less vulnerable to unauthorised access since physical access is required to
connect to the network.

Advantages of wireless:

● Devices can be easily added or moved within the network without the
need for physical connections, making it easy to adapt to changing
 8.2 Building Networks: network structure and security

needs.
● Without the clutter of cables, wireless setups can create cleaner and
more visually appealing environments.
● Wireless networks can connect numerous devices simultaneously,
making them ideal for environments with many users.

Disadvantages of wired:

● As communication is done through open space, it is less secure.

● More open to interference.
● Wireless networks can be easily hacked.

ECO CHECKS: When a computer receives data, it immediately returns it to the

sending computer for comparison. The sender then compares the two sets of
data to check whether they match. If they match, there is no error. However, if
they do not match, then the data is sent again. The following algorithm shows
a basic echo check. For example, a computer transmits the binary number
00000001 (which represents denary 1). An error occurs causing 10000000 is sent
back to the first computer and the error is highlighted as the values do not
match, so the original data is sent again.

CYBER THREATS

Threats How to protect against them

Ransomware Install antivirus software and

regularly back up data.

Firewalls Enable both hardware and

software firewalls.

Spyware Use anti-spyware software to detect

and remove spyware.

Weak Passwords Enforce strong password policies

and use multi-factor
authentication.

Operating Systems

Operating systems are responsible for managing all the hardware and
software on the computer. They manage the files and folders and enable users
to interact with the system and applications installed. They are also
responsible for providing the user with a way in which they can interact with
the computer.

Utility software is programs that help manage and maintain your computer.
They perform tasks like organising files, cleaning up your system, backing up
data, and providing security. Essentially, they make your computer run better
and help keep it safe.

SERVER:
 8.2 Building Networks: network structure and security

● file server: offer devices on a network a place to store and access files.
● Print server: allow devices on a network to share printers. A print server
manages which devices can print to a single printer so that users share.
● Mail server: store email messages and low users to authenticate
themselves to send and receive messages.
● Web servers: internet-accessible files and transmit files to users all over
the world.

Servers co-ordinate the communication of devices on the network.

MAKING CONNECTIONS:

A Network Interface Controller must be present in a device to enable it to

communicate with other devices over a network. Every NIC has a MAC address
that uniquely identifies the device on the network. The MAC address is
assigned when the device is manufactured and cannot be changed. A switch
connects multiple devices on a network; it stores the MAC address of every
device that it is connected to. When one device wants to send data only to the
device that is meant to receive it. Often switches connect using large Ethernet
cables.

WAP: allows devices to connect to a network using Wi-Fi.

Router: connects different networks together and provides access to the

internet.

Method of wireless transmission Bandwidth

bluetooth 2 Mbps

Wi-Fi 9.6Gbps

3G 3 Mbps

4G 8 and 10 Mbps

5G 100 Mbps

WPAN: a wireless personal area network type of PAN connected using wireless
technology only. 10 meters away

WLAN: wireless local area networks are often used in small geographical areas.
9 meters

WWAN: wireless wide area networks telecommunication WAN. 15 kilometers.

Serial transmission sends one bit at a time but in parallel transmission, 8 bits,
or 1 byte, of data can be sent simultaneously.

1. Viruses

A virus is a malicious program that attaches itself to files and spreads when
opened. Can delete files, slow down computers, or steal data. Spread through
email attachments, infected downloads, and USB devices. Prevention: Install
antivirus software, avoid suspicious links, and update systems regularly.
 8.2 Building Networks: network structure and security

2. Ransomware

A type of malware that encrypts files and demands payment to restore access.
Usually spread via phishing emails, fake software updates, or malicious
websites. Impact: Can lock important files, disrupt businesses, and cause
financial loss. Prevention: Regular backups, strong security software, and never
clicking on unknown links.

3. Spyware

Software that secretly collects user data without consent. Often used to track
keystrokes, steal passwords, and monitor online activity. Spread through free
software, fake ads, or infected websites. Prevention: Use anti-spyware tools,
avoid downloading unverified software, and adjust browser privacy settings.

4. Unauthorized Access

Gaining entry into a system without permission. Can be done through hacking,
weak passwords, or exploiting software vulnerabilities. Impact: Data theft,
identity fraud, and security breaches. Prevention: Use strong passwords,
enable two-factor authentication (2FA), and limit user access.

1. Antivirus Software

Detects and removes viruses, malware, and other threats. Scans files,
emails, and downloads for suspicious activity. Examples: Norton, McAfee,
Avast. Keep antivirus updated. Run regular scans. Avoid opening unknown
email attachments.

2. Antivirus & Ransomware Protection Software

Advanced security software that protects against both viruses and

ransomware. Uses real-time scanning and behavior analysis to detect threats.
Can block ransomware before it encrypts files. Examples: Bitdefender,
Kaspersky, Malwarebytes. Enable automatic updates. Avoid suspicious
downloads. Regularly backup important files.

3. Firewalls

A security barrier between a device/network and the internet. Filters incoming

& outgoing traffic to block harmful connections. Can be hardware (physical
device) or software (built-in security feature). Examples: Windows Defender
Firewall, Cisco Firewall. Keep firewalls enabled. Use strong security settings.
Monitor network activity for suspicious access.

Network: A collection of computing devices connected to each other, either

wired or wirelessly.

Personal Area Network (PAN):A type of network that communicates over an

area of no more than 10 metres, usually connecting smart devices within the
immediate area of a user.

Bluetooth: A wireless technology that allows data transmission using radio

waves

Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that runs across a large geographical
area such as a city or country. The largest example of a WAN is the Internet.
 8.2 Building Networks: network structure and security

Copper vs fibre-optic cable

Copper wires transmits data by electrical pulses, while fiber optic cables
transmits data through pulses of light which is faster than electrical signals

Echo Checking

Echo checking is when a computer receives data and it immediately returns it

to the computer it was sent to.

Operating systems are responsible for managing all hardware and software
on a computer.

Utilities software is programs that help manage, maintain, and control

computer resources and performance.

VOCABULARY

Firewall: A firewall is a network security device that is designed to keep

networks safe by limiting the access that devices have to networks.

Antivirus:Software that detects and removes viruses from a computer.

Anti-software: Software that detects and removes spyware from a computer.

Software: The programs or set of instructions that tell a computer what to do

to complete a task; aspects of a device you cannot touch.

Hardware: The physical parts of a computer that you can touch and see, e.g.
the processor, storage devices, input devices, output devices.

Autonomous programming: Computer hardware and complex AI software

working together to solve a problem without any human interaction.

Server: A computer that offers a service to other devices on a network, such as

file-sharing services and printer-sharing services.

Authenticate: Allowing a computer or a human to verify that the user is who

they say they are.

Operating system: The systems software that manages hardware and software,
giving the user an interface to operate the computer.

Antivirus: software that detects and removes viruses from a computer.

Anti-spyware: software that detects and removes spyware from a computer.

Firewall: software or hardware that prevents unauthorised access to a network.

Switch: a network device that forwards data from one device to another.

Data: raw facts and figures.

Ethernet cables: a popular type of copper cable that is used to transmit data
between devices.

Interference: What happens when something interrupts the transmission of a

signal; this could be a physical obstruction such as a wall, or other radio
 8.2 Building Networks: network structure and security

waves.

Online: connected to the internet.

Augmented reality: A simulation that superimposes digital images on the user’s

real-world environment and allows the user to interact with those images.

Binary: the number system that uses just two digits which are 0 and 1.

ASCII (American standard code for information interchange): the 7-bit binary
code that represents all the keys on a keyboard.

Serial transmission: data is transferred one bit at a time.

Parallel transmission: 8 bytes of data are transferred simultaneously.

Bit flip: when a single bit of data changes from 0 to 1, or 1 to 0, during

transmission.

Power surge: a temporary increase in power, which can be occurred by

lightning, which can damage computer hardware.

Data set: a collection of data items that are all related.

Algorithm: step-by-step instructions to solve a particular problem.

Denary format: A number system that uses the digits 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 to

every numerical value.

Unauthorised: not allowed

Program: the instructions that tell a computer system how to complete a task.

Brute-force attack: a type of cyber attack that uses a dictionary to try and
discover passwords.

Cyber-attack: the collective name for all the types of attacks on a computer or
computer network.

Network administrator: a person responsible for the maintenance and security

of a network.

Server: a computer that offers service to a device on a network, such as file-

sharing servers and printer-sharing servers.

Client: a computer device that requests access to a service that a server

provides.

Switch: a network device that forwards data from one device to another.

Interface: how a user reacts to a product.

Process: carrying out an operation on data.

Random access memory: a form of memory that stores tasks that are currently
running, which the operating systems control.
 8.2 Building Networks: network structure and security

Malicious: describe something that tends to cause harm.

Database: an application that is used to organise data that can then be

stored, processed and accessed electronically.

Quarantine: moving a file to another place to not contaminate other files on

the computer.

Adware: a type of spyware that increases the number of adverts a user has on
their computer system, often displaying adverts as banners or pop-ups inside
software and sometimes enticing users to click on links to malicious websites.

Trojan: software that pretends to be something that it is not ;trojans track

keystrokes and mouse movements - even sometimes webcams.

Flowchart: a visual representation of an algorithm chart.