ICT Networks

Interface card and Hub

A router is a network devise that connects together two or more networks. A common use is to join a home or business network (LAN) to the internet (WAN).

An optical fiber cable is a cable containing one or more optical fibers that are used to carry light. The optical fiber elements are typically individually coated with plastic layers and contained in a protective tube suitable for the environment where the cable will be deployed.

Bridge, Switch and Gateway

Network cards are required in every machine connected to the network. They allow the signal from the network to be transmitted to the machine – this could be via a fixed cable, infra red or radio waves.

A hub is a device that connects a number of computers together to make a LAN. The typical use of a hub is at the center of a star network (or as part of a hybrid network) - the hub has cables plugged into it from each computer.

NICs slot into the Motherboard.

In telecommunication networks, a bridge is a product that connects a local area network (LAN) to another local area network that uses the same protocol.

A switch has a number of ports and it stores the addresses of all network devices that are directly or indirectly connected to it on each port.

A gateway converts the data passing between dissimilar networks so that each side can communicate with each other. i.e the gateway converts data into the correct network protocol

As a data packet comes into the switch, its destination address is examined and a direct connection is made between the sending and receiving machines.

Chatrooms and Search Engines

A chat room is an area on the Internet or other computer network where users can communicate, typically one dedicated to a particular topic.

A search engine is a program that searches for and identifies items in a database that correspond to keywords or characters specified by the user, used especially for finding particular sites on the World Wide Web

Address Books

An online address book typically enables users to create their own web page (or profile page) which is then indexed by search engines like Google and Yahoo. This in turn enables users to be found by other people via a search of their name and then contacted via their web page containing their personal information.

File Attachment and Group Sending

Examples of online address books include: AboutOne, Evercontact and WikiWorldBook

File Attachment

This is a computer file sent along with an email message. One or more files can be attached to any email message, and be sent along with it to the recipient. This is typically used as a simple method to share documents and images.

Group Sending

This is when you send an email to more than one person.

File Transfer Protocol and Newsgroups

FTP is a standard network protocol used to transfer computer files from one host to another host over a TCP-based network, such as the Internet. FTP is built on a client-server architecture and uses separate control and data connections between the client and the server.

A newsgroup is a discussion group hosted on the Internet where you can talk to other Internet users. You can leave messages or answer messages left by other members of the group. You do not have to formally apply to join a newsgroup, you just need to know where to find it.

Internet, Intranet and Extranet

What does Internet mean?

It is a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols.

What does Intranet mean?

It is a local or restricted communications network, especially a private network created using World Wide Web software.

What does Extranet mean?

an intranet that can be partially accessed by authorized outside users, enabling businesses to exchange information over the Internet in a secure way.

the internet consists of search engines like Google.

ICT Networks

By Carriann Hill