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Module 3 :: Networks
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Content
- network environments: intranets, internets, on-line services;
- communications and standards.
Learning outcomes
Candidates should, in general and within the context of a scenario, be able to:
- compare the characteristics of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) and a virtual network;
- discuss the characteristics and purpose of intranets, the internet and extranets;
- describe client-server and peer-to-peer networks giving advantages and disadvantages of each;
- explain the importance of bandwidth when transmitting data and how different types of communication media (cables, wireless, optical) govern the bandwidth available (knowledge of examples of different communication media is expected);
- compare the role of the following network components: switches, hubs, wireless access points, network interface cards, wireless network interface cards, routers, repeaters, bridges and servers (file, applications, mail, proxy, print, backup) and identify where their use would be appropriate; f. describe optical communication methods (infrared, fibre optic, laser), their advantages and disadvantages and typical applications;
- describe wireless communication methods (Bluetooth®, radio), their advantages, disadvantages and typical applications;
- describe the facilities of the following communication applications: fax, email, bulletin (discussion) boards, tele/video conferencing and internet relay chat (IRC) and compare their use for a given application;
- compare different types of broadband connection and give suitable situations where the use of each would be appropriate: asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL), cable, wireless, leased line, satellite;
- describe how a mobile phone network operates (cellular and satellite) and the advantages and disadvantages of cellular and satellite mobile phone systems and their use;
- describe how satellite communications systems are used and work in global positioning, weather, data transfer systems and television, explaining the advantages and disadvantages of using satellites for these applications;
- discuss the implications of being able to communicate from anywhere in the world using mobile technology;
- explain the importance of standards for communicating between devices and explain how protocols are used to enable this communication (candidates will not be expected to have detailed knowledge of specific protocols).
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