Chapter 4 – Networks & Their

Effects
◦ Information & Communication Technology – Brown & Watson,
2nd Ed

◦ Can something as simple as a few connections change the

world? Networks say yes.
What Is a Network?
◦ Most computers are now connected in some way to form a
network
◦ A group of interconnected devices sharing data and resources
◦ Basic school/ home networks
◦ Set to share resources such as printers or software to large
networks such as internet, which effectively allows any
computer connected to it to communicate with any other
computer similarly connected
Common network devices
and terms
◦ NIC (Network Interface card)
◦ Allow a device to connect to a network
◦ It turns binary data into an electrical signal that allows access
to a network
◦ Each NIC a unique MAC address
◦ WNICs (wireless)are the same
◦ They use wireless connectivity (antenna, USB port, internally
integrated)
Essential Network
Components
◦ - NIC (Network Interface Card): connects device to a network
◦ - MAC Address: hardware ID
◦ - IP Address: logical routing address (IPv4 - 32bit, IPv6 – 128bit)
◦ - Packet: unit of data for transmission
Data Packet
◦ A data packet is a small piece of information that travels across a network.
◦ When you send something over the internet (like a message, video, or email), it
gets broken into small chunks — these are called packets.
◦ Each packet travels separately and may take a different route to reach its
destination.
◦ When all packets arrive, they’re reassembled into the original message.
What's Inside a Data Packet?
◦ A typical packet has:
◦ The sender’s IP address
◦ The receiver’s IP address
◦ The sequence/identity number of the packet(ensure all packets are ensembled
correctly)
◦ The packet size
◦ How many data packets
How Data Travels
◦ - Data split into packets
◦ - Packets contain source/destination IP, sequence, error-
checking
◦ - Routed via switches/routers
◦ - Reassembled at the destination
Network Devices
Modem stands for Modulator-Demodulator
◦ Converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for
transmission (and vice versa)
◦ Used to connect to the Internet via telephone lines, cable, or fiber
◦ Types of modems:
◦ DSL Modem – via telephone lines
◦ ADSL(Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line ) is a type of broadband
internet connection that uses existing telephone lines to transmit digital
data. ex: PTCL
◦ Asymmetrical: the download and upload speeds are not equal.
◦ Download speed: faster
◦ Upload speed: slower
◦ This asymmetry is based on the idea that users typically download more
(streaming, browsing) than they upload.
◦ Cable Modem – via cable TV lines, (coaxial cable) ex: spectrum, broadband
◦ Fiber Modem – high-speed fiber optics
Why it's important:
Without modems, many homes and small businesses wouldn’t be able to access the
internet at all.
Network Devices
◦ A hub is a basic device used in computer networks to connect
multiple computers together.
◦ Think of it like a multi-port connector — like a power strip, but for
network cables.
◦ It allows devices to send and receive data within a local network
(like a small office or home).
◦ All data sent through the hub is shared with all connected
devices, whether they need it or not. Devices then ignore data not
meant for them
◦ Devices (computers, printers) plug into the hub using Ethernet cables
Why Hubs Are Rare Now
◦ Not smart — they can’t tell which device the data is for
◦ Causes network congestion and slow speeds
◦ Replaced by switches, which are more efficient
Network Devices
◦ A switch is a network device used to connect multiple devices
(like computers, printers within a LAN (Local Area Network) —
just like a hub, but smarter.
◦ It receives data from one device and sends it only to the correct
destination device, not to everyone.
◦ This makes the network faster and more secure than when using a
hub.
How a Switch Works
◦ It keeps a table of MAC (media access control) addresses for all
connected devices
◦ When it receives data, it checks the destination MAC address
◦ Sends data only to the correct port (device)
◦ Key Features: Faster than a hub (avoids unnecessary data sharing),
Reduces collisions and network congestion, Used in both home
networks and large businesses, Can have 4, 8, 16, or even 48+ ports
Network Devices
◦ A bridge is a device that connects two different networks (or
two parts of the same network) so they can communicate.
◦ It’s used to join networks and make them act like one big
network.
◦ Bridges can not communicate with other external networks such as
internet
◦ It can also help control traffic between networks, reducing
congestion.
◦ What Does a Bridge Do?
◦ Learns MAC addresses of devices on both sides
◦ Forwards data only when needed
◦ Helps keep local traffic local and avoids overloading the entire
network
◦ Improves performance and organization
Network Devices
◦ A router is a device that connects different networks — most
commonly, it connects your home network to the Internet.
◦ It figures out the best path for data to travel from one network
to another.
◦ A home router connects your local devices (laptops, phones)
to your ISP's internet connection. Each router has its own IP
address
◦ Router Features
◦ Routers know where to send data packets by consulting a routing
table (stored on the router’s RAM)
◦ The routing table will contain information about the router’s
immediate network and information about other routers in its
immediate neighborhood
LAN (Local Area Network)

◦ Definition: A network that connects computers and devices within a

limited area like a home, office, or school.
Advantages:
◦ High speed: Fast data transfer (typically 100 Mbps to 10 Gbps).
◦ Low cost: Relatively inexpensive to set up and maintain.
◦ Secure: Easier to control access and secure devices.
◦ Easy sharing: Efficient file and resource sharing (e.g., printers).
Disadvantages:
◦ Limited range: Only covers a small geographical area.
◦ Setup complexity: Wired LANs require cabling and hardware
installation.
◦ Maintenance: Needs technical expertise for setup and troubleshooting.
WAN (Wide Area
Network)
◦ Definition: A network that spans a large geographical area, often
connecting multiple LANs. The internet is the biggest example.
Advantages:
◦ Broad coverage: Connects cities, countries, or even continents.
◦ Centralized data: Enables centralized data management and
communication.
◦ Scalability: Easy to expand and connect remote offices.
Disadvantages:
◦ Expensive: Higher setup and operational costs due to leased lines,
satellites, etc.
◦ Slower speeds: Generally slower than LAN due to long-distance
transmission.
◦ Security risks: Vulnerable to cyber attacks and data breaches without
proper protection.
Wireless LAN (WLAN)
◦ Definition: A type of LAN that uses wireless technologies to connect
remote users or sites.
Advantages:
◦ Mobility: Users can connect from almost anywhere with signal
coverage.
◦ Quick deployment: No need for physical infrastructure like cables.
◦ Flexibility: Great for mobile users, remote offices, or temporary
setups.
Disadvantages:
◦ Variable speeds: Performance can fluctuate due to signal strength,
congestion, and weather.
◦ Security: Wireless signals are more susceptible to interception and
unauthorized access.
Advantages of Networks
◦ - Resource sharing: printers, internet
◦ - Communication: email,
◦ - Efficient collaboration: shared documents
◦ - Centralized backups
Disadvantages & Risks
◦ - Security threats: malware, hacking
◦ - Privacy concerns: data interception
◦ - Dependency on uptime
◦ - Maintenance costs
Social & Ethical
Considerations
◦ - Digital divide: unequal tech access
◦ - Surveillance vs trust
◦ - IP issues: illegal file sharing
◦ - Online risks: cyberbullying
Network Security Basics
◦ - Strong Passwords
◦ - zero logins and biometric (behavioral & biometric)
◦ - Magnetic stripe cards (holographic image)
◦ - Smart cards(contactless cards)
◦ Physical token Tangible object (e.g., keycard, coin, smart card)
x
◦ Electronic token (Digital data or file (e.g., software token, OTP
app))
◦ Anit Malware software
◦ Quarantine file
◦ Heuristic checking
Questions & Thank You