Networks

• What is a Personal Area Network (PAN)?

  A network setup between nearby devices
• What is the typical range of a PAN?

  Less than 10 metres apart
• What technologies are commonly used to create PANs?

  Bluetooth, USB, Infrared, Firewire
• What devices can a PAN connect to?

  Printers, smart watches, car systems
• What is Zigbee?

  A radio connection type for PANs
• What are the advantages of Zigbee over Wi-Fi?

  Lower energy consumption and 128-bit encryption
• What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?

  A network connecting devices over a small area
• How many nodes can a LAN contain?

  From two to hundreds of nodes
• What connects devices in a LAN?

  A network switch
• How does a Wireless LAN (WLAN) connect devices?

  Using a Wireless Access Point (WAP)
• What is required for a Wireless Access Point (WAP) to function?

  Power and a connection cable
• What type of cable typically connects a WAP?

  An ethernet cable, usually 5e
• What is the advantage of Power over Ethernet (PoE)?

  Delivers power and data through one cable
• What does a home network typically include?

  A router, WAP, modem, wired switch
• What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

  A network spanning different regions or countries
• How do different sites connect in a WAN?

  Over public fixed lines leased by companies
• What is a software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN)?

  A WAN using a VPN over the Internet
• Why do companies install WANs?

  To share information between different locations
• What are the advantages of leased lines in WANs?

  Symmetric speeds and dedicated lines
• What is a Virtual Private Network (VPN)?

  A method of connecting networks via the Internet
• How does a VPN secure communications?

  By using encryption
• Where is a personal VPN useful?

  When using public Wi-Fi
• What types of networks connect devices in a home?

  PAN, LAN, and WAN
• What are the features and purposes of different networks?

  • PAN: Connects nearby devices (Bluetooth, USB)
  • LAN: Connects devices in a small area (wired/wireless)
  • WAN: Connects multiple LANs over large distances
  • VPN: Secure connection over the Internet
• What are the implications of connecting devices to form a network?

  • Improved communication and data sharing
  • Enhanced collaboration among users
  • Potential security risks and data breaches
  • Dependence on network reliability