Network Devices
| LAN | A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network located on one site, where all the computers are geographically close to each others. (Like this school) |
WAN | A WAN (Wide Area Network) is a network that is spread across multiple sites sometimes geographically remote to one another. A WAN consists of several LANs connected together. |
| Star Network | A network topology defines the layout of a network. A star topology is where all computers and other devices are all connected to a central node (switch) |
PAN | A PAN (Personal Area Network) is a network where all devices are sharing data directly between each other. (Bluetooth connections) |
| Internet | The Internet is a global computer network providing a variety of information and communication facilities, consisting of interconnected networks using standardized communication protocols. |
Router | A router is needed to connect a LAN to a WAN (or to the Internet). A router scans data packets and redirects them towards the LAN or towards other routers depending on their origin and their destination. |
Firewall | A firewall is a network component that usually “sits” just after the main router. It scans all incoming traffic to identify/block and report potential security threats coming from “outside |
Switch | A switch is a network component used to connect multiple devices together in a star topology. |
WAP | A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is a network component used to connect multiple devices together without using wires. |
Server | A server provides services and storage to devices and users on a network |
Computer | |
Laptop | |
Mobile Phone |