Telecommunications Basics

C.1 Compare LANs, WANs, and MANs.
LANs are also known as local area networks. This unites computers near the same range of computers. This includes in schools or offices or even in a home, areas that are locally connected. WANs, or wide area network, is exactly what it stands for. This is a network that can connect computers over a large distance such as a whole state or country. WANs can also connect multiple smaller networks including LANs.  Wide area networks include the internet. Metropolitan area networks, or MANs is a network that stretches across a city.


C.2 List and describe the four components that differentiate networks.
Networks can be differentiated by four major aspects, architecture, topology, protocols, and media. Architectures are defined by two major networks, peer-to-peer networks and client/server networks. Topology are networks that are assembled according to certain rules. Protocols

C.3 Compare the two types of network architectures.
Architectures are defined by two major networks, peer-to-peer networks and client/server networks. Peer-to-peer networks allow computers in the network to access files located on a public central server. Client/server networks are used by clients to communicate with users on the front end processing, while on the back end servers search databases.

C.4 Explain topology and the different types found in networks.
Topology is networks that are assembled according to certain rules. There are five different network topologies. Bus is a network topology that is all centered on the cable all devices are connected to. These are cheap and easy for smaller networks. Star topologies are also connected to a central cable. These are also easy to install and control. When devices are interconnected in a closed loop shape it is a ring topology. It is shaped this way so they can connect directly to two other devices on both sides. Although they are inexpensive, offer high bandwidth and can cpan large distances, they are still difficult to set up. Hybrid topologies are connected in a line bus backbone cable, hybrid of a bus and star topology. Last is a wireless topology that is connected by a transmitter to a card that communicates signals between a computer and a server.

C.5 Describe TCP/IP along with its primary purpose.
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol connects the internet and private networks. The purpose is to provide flexibility with regards to lower-level protocols. It is flexible to changes in data transfer and flexible to adjustments to slower devices and any other possible encounters.

C.6 Identify the different media types found in networks.
There is wire media and wireless media found in networks. Wireless media limits the signal path while wireless media utilizes the environment to carry electrical signals.