STARTER
1. Describe the function of these components of a typical network system:
1) a file server 5) a LAN 2) a bridge 6) a gateway 3) a router 7) a modem 4) a backbone
2. Now read these definitions to check your answers. You may also refer to a dictionary.
A bridge is a hardware and software combination used to connect the same type of networks. Bridges can also partition a large network into two smaller ones and connect two LANs that are nearby each other. A router is a special computer that directs communicating messages when several networks are connected together. High-speed routers can serve as part of the Internet backbone. A gateway is an interface that enables dissimilar networks to communicate, such as two LANs based on different topologies or network operating systems. A backbone is the main transmission path, handling the major data traffic, connecting different LANs together. A LAN is a network contained within a small area, for example a company department. A modem is a device for converting digital signals to analogue signals and vice versa to enable a computer to transmit and receive data using an ordinary telephone line.
READING 3. Now study this text and summarise the information about future home new works.
The technology needed to set up a home network is here today. It is just a matter of connecting a number of PCs equipped with Ethernet adapters to a hub using twisted-pair cabling which uses sockets rather like phone sockets. Special isolation adapters can be fitted to allow existing mains lines to be used instead of twisted-pair cabling. Most future home networks, however, are likely to be wireless network systems, using tuned transmitter and receiver devices. The simplest networks allow basic file-sharing and multi-player gaming as well as sharing of peripherals such as printers. Most advanced home networks are likely to have a client/server structure, with low-cost terminals, or 'thin' clients, connected to a central server which maintains the system's storage capacity and, depending on whether the terminals are dumb or processor-equipped network computers, its processing power. To make the most of such a network, it must become part of an integrated home entertainment and control system. To the user, the desktop becomes just one of many features accessible throughout the house. Tired of working in the study? Pop down to the living room and reload it into the terminal there. Before you start work, call up the hi-fi control program and have the music of your choice pumped through the living room speakers. Computer and entertainment networks can be separate but linked by the server to allow control of the latter from the terminals. Future home networks are more likely to have the entire system based on a single loop.
4. Complete these definitions with the correct participle of the verb given in brackets.
1) A gateway is an interface (enable) dissimilar networks to communicate. 2) A bridge is a hardware and software combination (use) to connect the same type of networks. 3) A backbone is a network transmission path (handle) major data traffic. 4) A router is a special computer (direct) messages when several networks are linked. 5) A network is a number of computers and peripherals (link) together. 6) A LAN is a network (connect) computers over a small distance such as within a company. 7) A server is a powerful computer (store) many programs (share) by all the clients in the network. 8) A client is a network computer (use) for accessing a service on a server. 9) A thin client is a simple computer (comprise) a processor and memory, display, keyboard, mouse and hard drives only. 10) A hub is an electronic device (connect) all the data cabling in a network.
PROBLEM-SOLVING 5. Work in two groups, A and B. Group A, list all the advantages of a network. Group B, list all the disadvantages. Then together consider how the disadvantages can be minimised.
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