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3.4 - Connection Methods

Exam Board:

OCR

Specification:

2016 - Unit 1 

Local Area Network (LAN)

A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network in which the computer systems are all located geographically close to each other, for example, in the same building or on the same site, like a school or office.

 

A type of LAN is a Wired Ethernet LAN (technically Ethernet is a protocol that controls how data is transmitted over a LAN). Wired Ethernet LANs have a high bandwidth so data can be transferred quickly and because it uses cables the data is harder to intercept than a wireless network.

Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

A Metropolitan Area Network (MAN) connects several LANs together to cover the range of a town or city, for example a university campus network.

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MANs are usually very efficient at providing fast communication for cities, with high connection speeds through the use of fibre optic cables.

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network spanning a large geographical area, such as multiple cities or countries.

The internet is the ultimate example of a WAN as it stretches across the entire world.

 

Different types of WAN rules and standards are used:

ADSL

ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) is a method of transferring data across copper wire telephone lines.

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ADSL is contended, which means that connection speeds are affected and slowed down by more systems that use the network at the same time. The old copper wires also affect data transfer over long distances and can cause data packet loss.

 

Security is also an issue, as the line is shared with others, making data interception more likely. To improve security, a firewall and/or VPN (Virtual Private Network) may be used.

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Because ADSL uses the telephone system, a modem is required at both the sending and receiving ends of the connection. A microfilter is also required to allow internet and telephone access at the same time.

ADSL is contended -
shared between sites.

modem.PNG

Internet Service Provider

modem.PNG
modem.PNG
modem.PNG

ADSL requires a modem

Leased Line

Leased Line is a method of providing an uncontended, fixed-bandwidth data connection.

 

The user maintains a dedicated connection that is more secure and, because it is uncontended, will have the same speed all of the time, regardless of how busy the network is.

 

Bandwidth is high, security is better, the connection speed is constant and the network is full-duplex (allowing for data transmission both ways simultaneously).

 

These advantages come at a high cost - possibly hundreds of pounds per month - as well as an expensive installation that can take time to be put in place.

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As it is a complex configuration, a CSU/DSU (Channel Service Unit/Data Service Unit) device is required to properly terminate the leased line.

modem.PNG

Internet Service Provider

Leased Line is dedicated.

C

A CSU/DSU is required for a leased line.

ISDN

ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) transmits video and voice data simultaneously over traditional copper telephone wires. This method uses a circuit-switched network where all data packets take the same route between computer systems.

Voice Networks

Voice networks primarily transfer audio data using phones and telephone lines.

PSTN

PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network) is the global collection of wired public telephone networks that are used to transmit data over a long distance.

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PSTN is fixed into position using underground cables and therefore the connection quality is much more consistent than other voice networks.

 

Using a wired connection like a PSTN is more reliable and communication will be clearer than alternatives such as cellular or satellite methods.

Cellular

Cellular networks require a cell tower (also called a transmitting tower) to be in close proximity to the communication device.

 

Cellular networks have a greater range than PSTN, but buildings and poor weather can disrupt this point-to-point communication method (where line of sight is necessary). 

 

Each cell tower is also connected to the PSTN.

Satellite

Satellite networks use point-to-multipoint communication by using satellites above the Earth's atmosphere that receive a transmission and rebroadcast them back to Earth.

 

Because of the distance between the communication device and the satellite (potentially thousands of miles), there is a delay between data transmission and it being received.

 

Satellite networks are beneficial in remote locations, such as natural disaster zones, where the cell tower may not be present or may be damaged. Transmitting large files using satellites may take longer, and it is not recommended for low-latency needs such as video gaming.

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There are different types of satellites used in communication and networking:

  • Geostationary satellites are used for consistent communication over a specific region, such as TV broadcasts and weather monitoring. They can also be used to transfer data between remote locations.

  • Low-Earth orbiting satellites are closer to the ground so they enable fast communication for internet services.

  • Medium-Earth orbiting satellites are often used for GPS (Global Positioning System) and other navigation systems. A global positioning satellite is an example of this type of satellite that provides time and geolocation data to GPS receivers back on Earth.

Diagrammatical Representation

In an exam, you may be asked to draw a diagram representing how networks are connected. This is different from drawing a network topology (e.g. ring or mesh) and refers to:

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  • Connection type (e.g. ADSL / Leased Line).

  • Devices (e.g. router / modem),

  • Security methods (e.g. firewall / VPN)

ADSL diagram.png
leased line.png

Two LANs connected using a Leased line

Two LANs connected using an ADSL line

Rules for drawing a network diagram:

  1. Label each device and label your LANs.

  2. Use appropriate symbols and be neat. There are no set symbols, just be consistent (e.g. both modems are the same shape).

  3. ADSL must have a modem and VPN router + Firewall.
    (ADSL is not very secure so it needs to be protected with the VPN router and firewall. It also uses the telephone line across the internet so it requires a modem at both ends).

  4. Leased Line must have a router, a direct connection and CSU/DSU.  
    (Leased line is a secure and direct connection - so it doesn’t need a firewall or VPN router and should be direct (not across the internet)).

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Questo's Questions

3.4 - Connection Methods:

 

1a. What is the definition of a LAN[2]

1b. Describe two benefits of using a wired Ethernet LAN[4]

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2. What is the definition of a MAN[2]

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3a. What is the definition of a WAN[2]

3b. What is the difference between a contended and an uncontended network? [2]

3c. Describe the differences between a leased line and ADSL. You should discuss security, connection speed and contention (contended or uncontended). [6]

3d. Describe the use of any two network devices required for either a leased line and/or for ADSL. [4]

3e. Describe the purpose of ISDN. [2]

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4a. Compare the use of PSTN and Cellular methods to make telephone calls. [4]

4b. Explain 1 way that a satellite network should be used and 1 way it shouldn't be used. [4]

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5. Draw a diagram to show how a leased line or ADSL network can be set up between two existing LANs. [6]

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