LO2 Network and interconnection devices

Network Devices

• Explain what is a workstation and NIC. Describe their functions and find a diagram
• Identify the different types of servers (Print, Mail, Web, Proxy, File). Describe the features and functions of each server. Include images where applicable

Interconnection Devices

• Router, Switch, Wireless Access Point
• Describe the different network devices identified above, and include its purpose, features and functions. Include images

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Network Devices:

Workstation is a computer for individual use which is faster and more capable than a personal computer. 

NIC stands for network interface card, in which it is a circuit board that is installed in a computer connected to a network.

Functions: 

Act as a middleman between the computer and the data network

Different types of servers:

Print - Manages the printers that are connected to the network. The printing of user documents on the network printers

Mail - transfers and stores mails over the network through LANs, WANs and across the internet

Proxy - acts as mediator between the client and a server to filter requests, improve performance and share connections

File - Stores the users data files

Interconnection Devices:

Router

It is a network device in which responsible for routing traffic from one to another network. 

Purposes:

1. Making sure the data is directed to the correct destination (email is being sent to the correct internet provider and recipient) 
2. The router prevents data from going where is not permitted (large file being distributed to all machines on a network)

Functions:

1. Forwards data packets to its destination
2. Changes the IP address of the destination of data packets before forwarding them
3. Acts as an intersection between the multiple IP networks

Switch

It is like a hub but switch works at the layer of LAN but it is more intelligent than a hub.

Wireless Access Point

It is a hardware device on a local area network that allows wireless devices and wired networks to connect through wireless standard (Wi-Fi). 

Purposes:

Provide network connectivity in office environments and allowing employees to work anywhere in the office and remain connected to the network

Features:

1. Front Panel - consists of light displaying all the information about the network acitivity
2. Back Panel - consists of reset button, ethernet port and power port. 
3. Antennas and Positions - There are three antennas that are located at the back, in a standing position and can be rotated to 90 degrees. 

References:

SearchNetworking. (2018). What is network interface card (NIC)? - Definition from WhatIs.com. [online] Available at: https://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/definition/network-interface-card [Accessed 29 May 2018].

SearchMobileComputing. (2018). What is workstation? - Definition from WhatIs.com. [online] Available at: https://searchmobilecomputing.techtarget.com/definition/workstation [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Techspirited. (2018). A List of the Different Types of Servers You Must Know About. [online] Available at: https://techspirited.com/different-types-of-servers [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Shekhar, A. (2016). Different Networking Devices And Hardware Types — Hub, Switch, Router, Modem, Bridge, Repeater. [online] Fossbytes. Available at: https://fossbytes.com/networking-devices-and-hardware-types/ [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Techopedia.com. (2018). What is a Wireless Access Point (WAP)? - Definition from Techopedia. [online] Available at: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/13538/wireless-access-point-wap [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Techwalla. (2018). How to Turn a Router Into a Proxy Server | Techwalla.com. [online] Available at: https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-to-turn-a-router-into-a-proxy-server [Accessed 29 May 2018].

ProProfs. (2018). What are two functions of a router? - ProProfs. [online] Available at: https://www.proprofs.com/discuss/q/310752/what-are-two-functions-of-a-router-choose [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Wireless, A. (2018). Features Of Wireless Access Point. [online] Avalan.com. Available at: https://www.avalan.com/blog/bid/382298/Features-Of-Wireless-Access-Point [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Itstillworks.com. (2018). [online] Available at: https://itstillworks.com/function-network-interface-card-1422.html [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Fthmb.tqn.com. (2018). [online] Available at: https://fthmb.tqn.com/wSluszBhz3JJi_9DRVhXAP1PJ58=/768x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/Qle3442-cu_10gbe_nic-5aee673cff1b780036491a47.jpg [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Slidegeeks.com. (2018). [online] Available at: https://www.slidegeeks.com/pics/dgm/l/b/business_framework_network_diagram_sample_powerpoint_presentation_1.jpg [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Assets.pcmag.com. (2018). [online] Available at: https://assets.pcmag.com/media/images/445869-tp-link-archer-c7-ac1750-wireless-dual-band-gigabit-router-v2.jpg?width=810&height=456 [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Fthmb.tqn.com. (2018). [online] Available at: https://fthmb.tqn.com/i3ReyQD9h-DbGhpVvUCSC2U8L7E=/300x274/filters:fill(auto,1)/linksys_wap54g-400-56a1ad223df78cf7726cf853.jpg [Accessed 29 May 2018].

Sqa.org.uk. (2018). Types of Network Server. [online] Available at: https://www.sqa.org.uk/e-learning/HardOSEss04CD/page_33.htm [Accessed 29 May 2018].