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• Ad hoc network


  A temporary network with two or more computing devices, not requiring Wi-Fi access points or a router
• Ad hoc networks


  • They don't necessarily require Wi-Fi access points or a router
  • They can be set up using other technology like Bluetooth
  • They can be used to connect two laptops to share files and internet access
• Benefits/Advantages of ad hoc networks

  • Easy to set up
  • No specialist hardware required
• Drawbacks/Disadvantages of ad hoc networks

  • Less secure
  • No central device, making them difficult to manage
• Examples of ad hoc networks

  • Bluetooth
• Open Wi-Fi


  Free Wi-Fi offered in many public places, without encryption
• Open Wi-Fi sends data in plain text, allowing hackers to intercept it
• It is recommended to only connect to Wi-Fi that uses a password
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)


  Automatically encrypts all data used
• Performance issues with ad hoc networks

  • Poor signal and connectivity
  • Devices can disconnect
  • Slow speeds when multiple devices are connected
• Personal hotspot


  Allows connecting other devices to share an internet connection, usually from a smartphone
• Tethering


  The process of connecting devices to share an internet connection
• Personal Area Network (PAN)


  A network for personal devices in a small area, using technologies like Bluetooth
• Pairing


  When devices agree to connect to each other for security
• Infrastructure


  The physical hardware and logistics needed to set up a network
• Types of network infrastructure

  • Copper/Ethernet cables
  • Fiber optic cables
  • Mobile cell towers
  • Satellites
• Fiber internet provides high speeds of around 80Mbps to homes, but may use copper cables for the final connection
• Large businesses can have direct fiber connections for speeds up to 300Mbps
• Mobile network generations


  • 2G added digital features like SMS
  • 3G improved data speeds and internet
  • 4G and 5G further increase speeds
• Black spots


  Areas with poor or no mobile network coverage, often in rural locations due to lack of cell towers
• Causes of black spots

  • Mountains and hills
  • Rivers and lakes
  • Large buildings and thick walls
• Rural locations


  Sparsely populated, remote areas
• Urban locations


  Densely populated, built-up city areas
• Lack of infrastructure and funding in developing countries leads to poor internet access