Comprehensive summaries of learning unit 5, Wide Area Networks (WANs) from the textbook: Exploring IT: Theory Grade 11 - 2nd Edition.
These summaries are suitable for IEB learners in either grade 11 or grade 12 and contain all the information needed from this chapter in bullet form, as well as a ...
Wide Area Networks
Fibre Optic Backbone
- Connects various parts of a network
- Provides a path for exchanging information between LANs
- Backbone can be over: same building, different buildings, campus, or a wide area
- Fibre optic cabling used because of its speed and lack of attenuation
WAN
- LAN limited to small area and owned by a single organisation
- WAN (Wide Area Network) not confined to one area, can be owner by multiple
organisations
- Employes third parties (eg. public network telephone system) to provide connections
- Computer / devices can be spread around the world
Devices
Gateways
- Provide connectivity between two or more network segments
- Also called protocol converters
- Can operate at any network layer, usually between two different protocols
- A router can act as a gateway for a TCP/IP network by sending and receiving data on
the internet
- Router can see both MAC and IP addresses, but cannot repackage packets and
frames for another protocol
- A gateway is needed for a network with different protocols
, Transmission
- Transmission of radio waves discussed in previous chapter
- Radio waves used for: wireless transmission of sound, messages or information, or
communication with sea vessels and aircraft navigation
Satellite Radio Waves
- Satellite communications use satellite technology to provide voice calling, video
calling, internet, television, and radio channels
- Can span long distances
- Can operate under circumstances or conditions where other forms of communication
would be impossible
- Comprises of: transponder, antenna, communication payload, switching systems,
command, control system
- Features of satellite communications:
● Satellites usually in geostationary orbit
● Available globally (also at sea and over large distances)
● Very reliable
● Expensive set up and higher data costs
● More secure - used by the military
● Can provide weather information
● Services rarely fail during disasters
● High amount of data can be transmitted
Microwave
- Microwave link is a communications system
- Uses a beam of microwave frequency to transmit video, audio, or data
- Works between a few meters to several kilometers
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