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Topic 3.0 - INTERNET TECHNOLOGY
3.1 Network Basics
Definition of Network:
A network is a collection of computers and devices connected together via communications devices and transmission media.
A network as a group of computers and associated devices that are connected by communications facilities.
Definition of Computer Network
A computer network is a collection of computers and other hardware devices that are connected together to share hardware, software and data as well as to communicate electronically with one another.
A computer network is a communication system that connects two or more computers, and their peripheral devices to exchange information and share resources.

Benefit:
A network provides two principle benefits:
the ability to communicate
the ability to share.

The ability to communicate ;
A network supports communication among users in ways that other media cannot. E-mail, the most popular form of network communication, provides low-cost, printable correspondence with the capability for forwarding, acknowledgment, storage, retrieval, and attachments.
The ability to share. :
Sharing involves not only information (database records, e-mail, graphics, etc.), but also resources (applications, printers, modems, disk space, scanners, etc.) Through its ability to share, a network promotes collaboration
Uses For Computer Networks:
Sharing an Internet connection among several users
Sharing application software, printers and other resources
Facilitating Voice over IP (VoIP), e-mail, video conferencing, messaging, and other communications applications.
Working collaboratively, such as sharing a company database or using collaboration tools to create or review documents
Exchanging files among network users and over the Internet
Connecting the computers and the entertainment devices (such as TVs, gaming consoles and stereo systems) located within a home.
Communications device
Definition :
1.Hardware component that enables a computer to send (transmit) and receive data, instructions, and information to and from one or more computers; OR
2. A communications device is any type of hardware capable of transmitting data, instructions, and information between a sending device  and a receiving device.
Examples:
cable modem, wireless modem, network cards, hubs & switches.

Portable Communication Devices
These are devices that can be carried and transported easily by a person.
They are used to communicate information to both the user and other people

Devices
Mobile phones
Portable DVD players
Portable media players
GPS systems
Satellite navigation systems
Handheld computers
Bluetooth

Transmission Media;
Definition :
1. It describes the type of physical system used to carry a communication signal from one system to another ; OR
2. Materials or substances capable of carrying one or more signals in a communications channel.
Two types of transmission media: physical and wireless.
Example
physical transmission media: twisted-pair cable, coaxial cable & fiber-optic cable.
wireless transmission media: Infrared, broadcast radio, cellular radio, microwave radio & communication satellite.
Physical Transmission Media
Wireless Transmission Media