CAMBRIDGE NATIONALS
The use of wired and wireless technology to
transfer information to portable devices and the
benefits and drawbacks of doing so.
Networks: LANs (Local Area Network)
What hardware do you need for a LAN network?
•File Server : Runs software,
stores files.
•Terminals : Workstations that
give network access.
•Print Server : Queues up all
print jobs from users in network.
•Cables (wire/fibre optic) : Sends
data
•Switch/Router – direct data
packets around the network
•Modem – Connects a LAN to the
internet
LAN – LOCAL AREA NETWORK
File server stores
data and allows the
sharing of files.
File Server
WorkStation 3
Printer Peripheral
WorkStation 1
WorkStation 2
Scanner Peripheral
ADVANTAGES OF NETWORKS
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Programs can be shared - software packages can be
installed onto the file server and accessed by all individual
workstations at the same time. This reduces cost,
maintenance and makes upgrades easier.
You can access your work from any workstation on
the network. Very handy if you have to change computer
every time you go to a different classroom.
Data can be shared by all users at the same time. Many
people can access or update the information held on a
database at the same time. Thus information is up to date
and accurate.
Users can communicate with others on the network by
sending messages and sharing files.
MORE ADVANTAGES…
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Individual workstations do not need a
printer, one high quality printer can now be
shared by everyone, thus cutting costs.
Networks provide security. A user must have
the correct Password and User ID in order to be
able to access the information on the network.
Private areas on the network can be set up
that allows each user to store their personal files.
The only other person who can access these files
is the 'system administrator' who looks after the
network.
WAN – WIDE AREA NETWORK
When pcs or
LANs connect
together over the
internet, these
create Wide Area
Networks
WAN – WIDE AREA NETWORK
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Many modern companies have offices, shops or
factories in various locations around the country,
and for large corporations, across the world. Even
though staff work in different places, they often
need to be able to access the same information no
matter where they are.
It would not be possible to connect computers in
different buildings or countries together using
LAN cables.
WAN – WIDE AREA NETWORK
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Computers on LANs in one building can be
connected to computers on LANs in another
building usually through the telephone system,
often using a modem. They can also be
connected via fibre optic cables or satellite.
By linking LANs together, the network is no
longer local to one building, it is now spread over
a wide area. It is known as a Wide Area Network
(WAN)
The largest WAN in existence is the Internet?
WIRED CONNECTIONS
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A wired network is accessing the internet or
network through an Ethernet cable. This
transfers data between connected PCs. In a
wired network, a router may be used to connect
all the computers.
Wired connections may also refer to peripheral
devices as well. “Wired" describes input devices
that connect to a USB port, such as monitors,
smartphones, tablets, printers and external hard
drives.
WIRED NETWORKS
Control of information and Security, it will
only send Information to the computer if it has a
wire connected.
 Reliability and Speed of Transfer, the users
connected do not need to look for a strong signal
it will always be of a good quality.
 Another bonus with a wired connection is the
speed and reliability they offer, for a business
that regularly moves a lot of data around, a wired
set-up is the best way to go.
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WIRELESS NETWORKS
A wireless network uses radio waves to transmit
information, just like cell phones, televisions and radios
do. Here's what happens:
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A computer's wireless adapter translates data into
a radio signal and transmits it using an antenna.
A wireless router receives the signal and decodes it.
The router sends the information to the Internet
using a wired/fibre optic connection.
The process also works in reverse, with the router
receiving information from the Internet, translating it
into a radio signal and sending it to the computer's
wireless adapter.
WI-FI HOTSPOTS
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A Wi-Fi hotspot is simply an area with an
accessible wireless network. The term is most
often used to refer to wireless networks in public
areas like airports and coffee shops.
Being able to connect to the Internet in public
hotspots is extremely convenient. Wireless home
networks are convenient as well. They allow you
to easily connect multiple computers and to move
them from place to place without disconnecting
and reconnecting wires.
CONNECTING TO WI FI
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When connecting to Wi-Fi, these rough steps are
needed; which are similar for most devices.
BENEFITS OF WIRELESS CONNECTION
Having lots of wires running throughout a
building can be costly and awkward to maintain.
 Any breakages in the wired connection will also
have to be manually fixed.
 Freedom to move around the office, roads or
houses.
 Freedom to work at any time of the day not just
when the office is open.
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ADVANTAGES OF MOBILE DEVICES
Excellent for wireless internet services.
 Compact (keyboard and touchpad are built-in).
 Bluetooth and wireless built-in.
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ADVANTAGES OF MOBILE DEVICES
Portability (great if you travel a lot), Small and
light in size.
 Apps can add more functions.
 Many of the same features you'll find on a
desktop.
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ADVANTAGES OF MOBILE DEVICES
GPS for navigation.
 Longer battery life than most laptops.
 Increased Productivity.
 Photograph issues with cable boxes or peoples TV
boxes.
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ADVANTAGES OF MOBILE DEVICES
Can access networks or browse the Internet
through 3G/4G.
 Saves time, travel to and from Cable Ties Ltd
offices.
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ADVANTAGES OF MOBILE DEVICES
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Use of Cloud Computing, can save money and
space.
Cable Ties Ltd can easily get in touch with staff if
issues arise (Telephone call, email, SMS
message)
DISADVANTAGES OF MOBILE DEVICES
Data Security - Cable Ties Ltd need to keep their
data safe while letting mobile devices of workers
access all the data necessary.
 Cost
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Having to pay for the device and also the data
plans and the devices can raise the cost for
Cable Ties Ltd.
 Creating guidelines and security for the
devices can cost money.
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% of companies using devices
reported a security breach in
the past year.
DISADVANTAGES OF MOBILE DEVICES
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Easy to lose, or to be stolen. Lost/stolen devices
account for a significant amount of lost data for
companies/Cable Ties Ltd.
DISADVANTAGES OF MOBILE DEVICES
For transferring data a high quality of
connectivity is needed to be able to send the data.
This may not be available for all workmen of
Cable Ties Ltd depending on the area they are
working.
 If the worker for Cable Ties Ltd is in a situation
where there is no source of power for charging
then that will lead to lost work and tracking for
the company.
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BLUETOOTH
A wireless technology which allows one device to
talk and connect to another. It wirelessly
transmits a signal that can be received by any
device using the software.
 Can transmit through walls and other non-metal
barriers.
 It can be used in anything (phones, computers,
even TVs). It is secure and has a long battery life.
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BLUETOOTH USES
Bluetooth headset can be used by drivers to talk
on the phone while travelling to a job.
 Sending/Receiving files to the phones with
information about a new job or when a job is
finished.
 To allow for Wireless controllers when working
with wires underground..
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INFRA-RED
Like Bluetooth it connects two devices together,
it then sends and receives the information
through electromagnetic waves.
 Widely used in most audio and video remote
controls
 Advantages
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Cheap to install
 Uses little power.
 Secure, as the items need to be pointed at each other.
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Disadvantages
Both devices have to be in a straight line
 Both devices need to be close to each other to pass the
signals.
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