Data+transmission


 * A Local Area Network (LAN) is a collection of computers and peripherals in one building or site which are connected together using cable or wireless connection.
 * A defining characteristic is their higher data-transfer rates.
 * LANs are usually linked using cables or fibre-optic backbones for fast links.


 * A Wide Area Network (WAN) connects computers over a large distance to other towns or countries using telecommunication links, e.g. the internet.
 * There has been a large increase in the number of WANs in recent years, due to the reduced costs of transferring data and the demand for more instant communication.
 * WANs use long distance communication technologies.

· There’s usually a main central computer (server) which often stores shared programs and individual files. · To connect to a WAN, like the internet, a modem or gateway/router will be needed. || · The server itself needs a network operation system and software. · Network software will usually allow data compression, encryption and error correction. · Each machine will need a browser to view the internet/intranet pages. · Email software will be needed to communicate across the LAN. · If an internet connection is required then the server will need connection software and software to stop unauthorised access from outside the LAN (a firewall). ||
 * = Software ||= Hardware ||
 * · Each computer needs a network interface card (NIC) and a connection to the network.
 * If data is going to be transmitted from one computer to another, then the bits have to be sent from one machine to another.