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Section 4.7: Different Network Types

The two major types of networks are wired and wireless networks. There can be many different types of wired networks such as:

Section 4.7.1: Broadband Networks

  • Broadband: Broadband networks include DSL (Digital Subscriber Line), cable, satellite and, fiber. The DSL uses DSL modem, existing phone line and a network card to provide broadband networking service. It uses a standard RJ-45 connector to connect the network card and the DSL modem and uses RJ-11 connector to connect the DSL modem and the phone jack.
  • Cable: Cable is the most popular alternative to DSL. The broadband service in this case is provided by a local cable operator and a cable modem is used instead of the DSL modem.
  • Satellite: Satellite broadband service uses dish or orbiting satellite to send and receive microwave signals. One satellite can service many receivers and therefore this technology is called Point-To-Multipoint technology. The satellite connection is considered slower as compared to other broadband technologies.
  • Fiber optic: Fiber optic cabling provides an excellent speed and bandwidth but is very costly
  • Dial up networking: Dial up networking is used where broadband or high speed connections cannot be used. It is an old method of connecting to Internet. It requires only a modem to be connected to a computer to connect to the Internet service provider (ISP) over the existing phone lines. You can get a maximum speed of 56Kbps with dial up networking.

Section 4.7.2: Wireless Networks

Wireless networks do not use traditional cabling networks. It makes transmissions through the air by using infrared light, microwave, narrow-band radio, laser light, or spread-spectrum radio. The wireless networking use mostly the same type of equipments as are used in traditional networks but they use special version of each equipment that rely on Radio Frequency (RF) signals or infrared.

Section 4.7.3: Bluetooth Networking

Blue tooth is the short range wireless network namely used in cell phones, handhelds, keyboards and printers. It uses radio waves to exchange data. There are a number of it can transmit data from 2.4-2.485 GHz range. Some of Bluetooth specifications for data

transmission are: Version 1.2 supports data transmission up to 1Mbps, Version 2.1+ EDR (Enhanced Data Rate)supports data transmission up to 3Mbps. The three device classes that differ in range and power usage are:

  • Class 1 uses 100 milliwatts and can transmit 100 meters.
  • Class 2 uses 2.5 milliwatts and can transmit 10 meters
  • Class 3 uses 1 milliwatts and can transmit 1 meter