  Networking E… v2.

 / Communications in a Connected World / …

Network Types

1.1.1

Everything is Online 

“Hey Shad, are you online?” “Of course, I am!”

How many of us still think about whether or not we
are “online”? We expect our devices, cell phones,
tablets, laptops and desktop computers to always
be connected to the global internet. We use this
network to interact with our friends, shop, share
pictures and experiences, and learn. The internet
has become such a part of everyday life that we
almost take it for granted.

Normally, when people use the term internet, they

are not referring to the physical connections in the
real world. Rather, they tend to think of it as a
formless collection of connections. It is the “place”
people go to nd or share information.

1.1.2

Who Owns “The Internet”? 

The internet is not owned by any individual or

group. The internet is a worldwide collection of
interconnected networks (internetwork or internet
for short), cooperating with each other to
exchange information using common standards.
Through telephone wires, ber-optic cables,
wireless transmissions, and satellite links, internet
users can exchange information in a variety of
forms, as shown in the gure.

Everything that you access online is located

somewhere on the global internet. Social media
sites, multiplayer games, messaging centers that
provide email, online courses — all of these internet
destinations are connected to local networks that
send and receive information through the internet.

Think about all of the interactions that you have

during the day which require you to be online.

Intelligent networks allow handheld Video conferencing instantly

devices to receive news and emails, connects people around the globe.
and to send text.

Phones connect globally to share Online gaming connects thousands

voice, text, and images. of people seamlessly.

1.1.3

Local Networks 

Local networks come in all sizes. They can range

from simple networks consisting of two
computers, to networks connecting hundreds of
thousands of devices. Networks installed in small
oces, or homes and home oces, are referred to
as small oce/home oce (SOHO) networks.
SOHO networks let you share resources such as
printers, documents, pictures, and music, between
a few local users.

In business, large networks can be used to

advertise and sell products, order supplies, and
communicate with customers. Communication
over a network is usually more ecient and less
expensive than traditional forms of communication,
such as regular mail or long distance phone calls.
Networks allow for rapid communication such as
email and instant messaging, and provide
consolidation and access to information stored on
network servers.

Business and SOHO networks usually provide a

shared connection to the internet. The internet is
considered a "network of networks" because it is
literally made up of thousands of local networks
that are connected to each other.

Click each button for more

 information.

Small
Oce
Small Medium
and
Home to Large
Home
Networks Networks
Oce
Networks

World Wide Networks

The internet is a network of networks that

connects hundreds of millions of computers
world-wide.

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1.1.4

Video - Dierent Network 

Connections

   

1.1.5

Mobile Devices 

The internet connects more computing devices

than just desktop and laptop computers. There are
devices all around that you may interact with on a
daily basis that are also connected to the internet.
These include mobile devices, home devices, and
a variety of other connected devices.

Click below to learn more about

 mobile devices.

A wearable computer
Smartphone in the form of glasses,
such as Google Glass,
contains a tiny screen
that displays
information to the
Tablet
wearer in a similar
fashion to the Head-
Up Display (HUD) of a
ghter pilot. A small
Smartwatch
touch pad on the side
allows the user to
navigate menus while
still being able to see
Smart Glasses through the smart
glasses.

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1.1.6

Connected Home Devices 

Many of the things in your home can also be

connected to the internet so that they can be
monitored and congured remotely.

Click below to learn more about

 connected household devices.

A smart TV can be
Security System connected to the
internet to access
content without the
need for TV service
provider equipment.
Appliances
Also, a smart TV can
allow a user to browse
the web, compose
email, or display video,
Smart TV
audio, or photos
stored on a computer.

Gaming Console

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1.1.7

Other Connected Devices 

There are also many connected devices found in

the world outside your home that provide
convenience and useful, or even vital, information.

Click below to learn more about

 these commonly found connected
devices.

Many modern cars can

Smart Cars connect to the internet
to access maps, audio
and video content, or
information about a
destination. They can
RFID Tags
even send a text
message or email if
there is an attempted
theft or call for
Sensors and
assistance in case of
Actuators
an accident. These
cars can also connect
to smartphones and
tablets to display
Medical Devices
information about the
dierent engine
systems, provide
maintenance alerts, or
display the status of
the security system.

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1.1.8

Check Your Understanding 

- Network Types

Check your understanding of

network types by choosing the
 correct answer to the following
questions.

1. What type of network allows computers in a

home oce or a remote oce to connect to
a corporate network?

small home network

small oce home oce network

medium to large network

world wide network

2. What can be placed in or on a package so

that it can be tracked?

network interface card

sensor

actuator

RFID tag

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