Network Terminology
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Network Terminology
In a network, the computers need to be able to connect to each other
physically. Therefore, another important network property is how the
computers connect to each other, either directly or through a central
device.
ONE-ON-ONE WIRED NETWORK
also known as: Direct connection (max. 2 PCs)
Note
Use a crossover Ethernet cable to connect two computers directly to
each other.
WIRED NETWORK WITH MORE THAN 2 PCs
Use a hub or switch to connect more than 2 PCs to each other.
Note
Use straight-through Ethernet cables to connect the computers to the
central device (hub/switch).
HOW TO INTERCONNECT WIRED NETWORKS
Use a gateway router to connect one network to another (e.g. to the
Internet, also known as WAN).
ONE-ON-ONE WIRELESS NETWORK
Also known as: Ad Hoc / Peer-to-Peer
WIRELESS NETWORK WITH MORE THAN 2 PCs
Also known as: Ad Hoc / Peer-to-Peer
The wireless medium forms a hub in and of itself. No hardware hub is
needed.
CONNECTING WIRELESS TO WIRED NETWORKS
Also known as: Infrastructure / Access Point
Use a
Wireless Router
Central devices, like a hub, switch, router or wireless access point may
be stand-alone devices or built into a computer.
• A
hub
has multiple ports and serves as a central connection point for
communication lines from all computers on a wired network. It
copies all data arriving at one port to the other ports. A
switch
is
similar to a hub, but is able to handle different network speeds at each
port.
•
Gateway routers
and
wireless access points
route network
traffic from one network to another (e.g. from a wired network to
the Internet, or from a wireless network to a wired network or to
the Internet).
