Networking (Grade 7)
Networking – Grade 7
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................................ 3
PAN, LAN and WAN ................................................................................................................................. 3
Copper cables and Fiber optic cables ..................................................................................................... 4
Copper Cables ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Type of Data Transmitted: .............................................................................................................. 4
Speed of Transmission: ................................................................................................................... 4
Cost: ................................................................................................................................................ 5
Expertise Required for Set-up and Maintenance: .......................................................................... 5
How and Where Each is Most Likely to be Used: ........................................................................... 5
Fiber Optic Cable ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless networks ........................................................... 6
Wired Networks: ............................................................................................................................. 8
Wireless Networks: ......................................................................................................................... 8
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Networking – Grade 7
You will learn:
1. To identify types of network, including PAN, LAN, WAN.
2. Uses and characteristics of copper cables and fibre optic cables to transmit data.
3. Advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless networks
Introduction
What is a network?
Answer: a connection that allows two or more devices to communicate
What is a network used for?
Answer: to send data, including emails, files and websites
What are the two types of connection?
Answer: wired and wireless
PAN, LAN and WAN
PAN is a personal area network. This is usually two devices (or a small number) in close proximity
connected for a specific purpose, for example connecting a mobile phone to a television to view
images, or connecting a laptop to a printer.
LAN is a local area network. This is multiple devices connected over a small geographical area
(usually defined as a single building or under a mile). The hardware (infrastructure) is owned by the
network owner so it does not use external cabling or the internet. Examples include a home network
of devices, or a school on a single site.
WAN is a wide area network. This is multiple devices connected over a large geographical area
(usually defined as multiple buildings). Some of the hardware is not owned by the specific individual
or company, but may instead be provided by a utility company. Examples include a multi-campus
university, local government, or a nationwide store.
Examples of networks such as:
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connecting a laptop to a printer
connecting a mobile phone to a television
computers connected within a home
computers connected within a school building
a network of money-dispensing machines
a multi-campus university
a city-wide government network.
What do PAN, LAN and WAN mean?
Answer: Personal area network, local area network, wide area network.
What is the difference between a PAN and LAN?
Answer: PAN is a direct connection for one purpose, LAN is a connection between many devices to
perform multiple functions, within the same geographical location.
What is the difference between a LAN and WAN?
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Networking – Grade 7
Answer: WAN is over a larger geographical area and makes use of external hardware. For example,
hardware required for connection to the Internet.
What is an example of a PAN, LAN and WAN?
Answer:
PAN - printer to computer
LAN – a home network
WAN – a multi-campus University.
Copper cables and Fiber optic cables
Cables are often described as the “pipes” of the network, through which data flows. Just as plumbing
water pipes come in various “grades,” Ethernet cables have different “categories” that determine
the amount of data that can move through the network. It’s essential to choose the right category to
meet network requirements.
Copper Cables
Copper cables are like the veins of the internet! They are special wires made out of copper metal
that carry information from one place to another in computer networks. Just like how blood flows
through veins to different parts of our body, data flows through copper cables to different parts of a
network.
In school, copper cables connect all computers, these cables transfer data between computers.
Students share projects, messages, and videos seamlessly. Copper cables ensure smooth
communication, linking all devices within the school network.
Imagine you have two computers in your house, and you want them to talk to each other. You can
connect them using copper cables. These cables transfer signals, which are like messages, between
the computers. This way, they can share information like pictures, videos, or messages with each
other.
Copper cables come in different shapes and sizes, but they all work in a similar way. They have tiny
wires inside called "conductors" that carry electrical signals. These signals represent the data being
sent between devices.
One cool thing about copper cables is that they're pretty durable. They can handle lots of data
moving really fast without getting tired! However, they do have limits on how far they can carry
signals before they start to lose strength. That's why sometimes you might need to use other types
of cables or technologies for really long distances.
Alright, let's break down copper cables further according to their characteristics in networking:
Type of Data Transmitted:
Copper cables can transmit various types of data, including text, images, videos, audio, and other
digital information. They are commonly used for general data transmission within local area
networks (LANs) and wide area networks (WANs).
Speed of Transmission:
The speed of transmission varies depending on the type of copper cable used. Common types
include:
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Networking – Grade 7
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Category 5e (Cat5e): Supports speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second (Gbps).
Category 6 (Cat6): Supports speeds up to 10 Gbps.
Category 6a (Cat6a): Supports speeds up to 10 Gbps over longer distances compared to
Cat6.
Category 7 (Cat7): Supports speeds up to 10 Gbps or higher and provides better shielding
against interference.
Cost:
The cost of copper cables depends on various factors such as the type, length, and quality of the
cable. Generally, higher-speed cables (e.g., Cat6, Cat6a, Cat7) tend to be more expensive than lowerspeed cables (e.g., Cat5e).
Expertise Required for Set-up and Maintenance:
Setting up and maintaining copper cable networks require basic knowledge of networking and cable
installation. It involves tasks such as cable termination, crimping, and cable management. More
complex installations may require professional expertise.
How and Where Each is Most Likely to be Used:
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Cat5e: Suitable for basic networking applications such as small businesses, homes, and
schools where Gigabit Ethernet speeds are sufficient.
Cat6: Ideal for environments requiring higher data transfer speeds such as multimedia
streaming, video conferencing, and high-performance computing.
Cat6a: Used in environments demanding 10 Gigabit Ethernet speeds over longer distances,
data centers, and high-density network installations.
Cat7: Primarily used in data centers, server rooms, and environments with high
electromagnetic interference (EMI) where reliable high-speed connections are essential.
Overall, copper cables remain a widely used and reliable medium for networking, offering a balance
of performance, affordability, and ease of installation for various applications and environments.
However, advancements in fiber optic technology are gradually supplementing and, in some cases,
replacing copper cables for long-distance and high-speed networking requirements.
Fiber Optic Cable
Imagine you have a super-fast messenger who can deliver messages really quickly. That's basically
what a fiber optic cable is in the world of networking, computers and the internet. Instead of using
copper wires like regular cables, fiber optic cables use very thin strands of glass or plastic to carry
information.
Here's how it works: Imagine you want to send a message to your friend across town. With regular
cables, it's like sending the message through a slow, crowded road where lots of other messages are
trying to get through. But with fiber optic cables, it's like sending your message through a special,
super-fast highway that's almost empty.
Why are fiber optic cables so special?
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Networking – Grade 7
Speed: Fiber optic cables can carry information really, really quickly. It's like sending a message at the
speed of light! That means you can download movies, play online games, and video chat with friends
without any annoying delays.
Distance: They can also carry messages over long distances without losing their speed or strength. So
even if your friend lives far away, your message can reach them just as fast as if they were right next
door.
Security: Another cool thing about fiber optic cables is that they're really secure. Since they use light
to transmit data instead of electricity like copper cables, it's much harder for someone to eavesdrop
or hack into the information being sent.
So where do we use fiber optic cables?
Internet: Fiber optic cables are the backbone of the internet. They help connect all the computers,
smartphones, and other devices around the world, allowing us to browse websites, stream videos,
and share pictures.
Telecommunications: They're also used by phone companies to transmit phone calls and messages.
Ever wondered how you can talk to someone on the other side of the world without any delay? Fiber
optic cables make it possible!
Medical Imaging: In hospitals, fiber optic cables are used in medical equipment like endoscopes and
imaging devices to help doctors see inside the body and diagnose diseases.
Broadcasting: TV stations and cable companies use fiber optic cables to transmit high-definition TV
signals to your home, giving you crystal-clear picture and sound quality.
In a nutshell, fiber optic cables are like super-speedy messengers that help us communicate, share
information, and stay connected in our modern world. They're the invisible highways of the digital
age!
Quick Questions
Give two examples of wired connections.
Answer: fibre optic and copper
Which transmits data faster?
Answer: fibre optic
Which is cheaper to install and maintain?
Answer: copper
Which is easier to manoeuvre and bend around obstacles?
Answer: copper
Advantages and disadvantages of wired and wireless networks
Let’s start this topic by answering a few questions.
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Networking – Grade 7
How do you connect to a wired network?
Answer: by plugging in a cable; the user may also need to log in to a network
How do you connect to a wireless network?
Answer: connect the wi-fi on the computer to the router, using the wireless access point, and enter
the password
If you connect with a cable, what are you unable to do?
Answer: Move around freely
Usually has a faster transmission speed
Answer: wired
Allows the user to connect from anywhere within distance (or range)
Answer: wireless
Easily hacked if no password set
Answer: wireless
Subject to interference from physical barriers, such as walls
Answer: wireless
Allows any number of devices without extra connections needed
Answer: wireless
Easier to connect new devices to
Answer: wireless
Usually cheaper to set up as less hardware needed
Answer: wireless
Usually a more reliable connection
Answer: wired
Usually more secure
Answer: wired
Limited range in terms of distance
Answer: wireless.
Why could a wireless connection be better than a wired connection?
Answer: more portable; users can add more devices easily
Why could a wired connection be better than a wireless connection?
Answer: faster transmission; more secure; more reliable
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Networking – Grade 7
Wired Networks:
Advantages:
Reliability: Wired networks tend to be more reliable than wireless networks because they are not
susceptible to interference from other devices or environmental factors like walls or distance.
Security: Wired connections are generally more secure because they are harder to intercept
compared to wireless signals, which can be vulnerable to hacking or eavesdropping.
Speed: Wired connections often provide faster and more consistent data transfer speeds compared
to wireless connections, especially in environments with high network traffic.
Stability: Wired connections are less prone to fluctuations in signal strength or interruptions,
providing a stable network connection for critical applications.
Disadvantages:
Limitations on Mobility: Devices connected to wired networks are typically stationary and cannot
move around freely like wireless devices.
Installation Complexity: Setting up wired networks requires running cables through walls, ceilings, or
floors, which can be time-consuming and labour-intensive, especially in existing buildings.
Cost: Wired networks may involve higher initial costs for cables, switches, and installation compared
to wireless networks, particularly in large or complex setups.
Flexibility: Adding or relocating devices in wired networks can be challenging and may require
rewiring or reconfiguration of the network infrastructure.
Wireless Networks:
Advantages:
Mobility: Wireless networks provide the flexibility for users to connect to the internet or network
resources from anywhere within the coverage area, allowing for greater mobility and convenience.
Easy Installation: Setting up wireless networks is relatively simple compared to wired networks since
there is no need for physical cables, making them ideal for temporary setups or environments where
wiring is impractical.
Scalability: Wireless networks can easily accommodate additional devices without the need for
physical expansion, making them scalable and adaptable to changing network requirements.
Accessibility: Wireless networks enable connectivity in areas where running cables is difficult or
impossible, such as outdoor spaces, historical buildings, or rented spaces.
Disadvantages:
Interference and Signal Strength: Wireless signals can be affected by interference from other
electronic devices, physical obstacles like walls, and distance from the access point, leading to
fluctuations in signal strength and reliability.
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Networking – Grade 7
Security Concerns: Wireless networks are more vulnerable to unauthorized access and security
breaches compared to wired networks, requiring additional measures such as encryption and
authentication to protect data.
Speed and Bandwidth: Wireless connections may have lower data transfer speeds and bandwidth
compared to wired connections, especially in crowded or congested areas with multiple users
competing for the same network resources.
Reliability: Wireless networks are subject to environmental factors such as weather conditions and
radio frequency interference, which can affect network performance and reliability.
In summary, both wired and wireless networks offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, and the
choice between them depends on factors such as reliability, security, mobility requirements,
installation complexity, and budget constraints. Organizations and individuals often use a
combination of wired and wireless technologies to meet their specific networking needs.
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