Devices for Network Connection

A computer network or data network is a telecommunications network that allows computers to exchange data. In computer networks, networked computing devices (network nodes) pass data to each other along data connections. The connections (network links) between nodes are established using either cable media or wireless media. The best-known computer network is the Internet.

Broadband connections

Broadband is a high-speed internet connection.

Unlike dial-up, with broadband your phone line is not tied up. You can make a phone call and be on the internet at the same time. With broadband, you can watch live news and sport, download and share large files quickly and shop or bank online more easily.

There are different ways to get broadband which means it doesn't matter where you live in Australia—everyone can get access to a fast internet connection.

Fixed broadband connections

A 'fixed broadband connection' is a permanent connection to the internet.

If you've got fixed broadband at home, you'll have a broadband modem that you can plug a cable into. If your modem's also a wireless modem, you'll be able to connect wireless internet devices to your modem without using a cable.

Wireless connections can be good if you have more than one person and more than one device all wanting to use the same fixed connection. Most wireless connections let you use the internet in different rooms and even if you're outside.

With a fixed broadband connection, you might also look into getting an internet phone rather than keeping your traditional phone line.

This is called VoIP—which stands for 'voice over internet protocol'.

Fixed wireless and satellite connections

If you live in a remote part of Australia, you can get a broadband internet connection by using either a fixed wireless connection or a satellite connection.

Once you have a broadband connection to your home, you might like to set up a wireless router so you can connect several wireless devices and use them in and around the home.

Mobile broadband connections

You could also get the internet on a mobile broadband connection where you plug a USB modem into your device and use mobile phone towers to access the internet.

This can be useful if you need the internet when you're out and about, or if you live in an area with good mobile phone coverage.

Internet on your mobile phone

Many mobile phones let you access the internet if you've signed up for internet in your mobile phone plan.

'Smartphones' are mobile phones that are like small computers. They have software on them to make it easier for you to surf the internet, check your email and use social networking sites.

Wireless hotspots

If you're out and about with an internet device like a laptop, tablet or smartphone, you might want to connect at a wireless hotspot.

Wireless 'hotspots' are places like libraries and cafés, which offer you free access to their broadband connection. You may need to be a member of the library or a customer at a café to get the password for the wireless connection.

3G/4G

 

In telecommunication systems, 4G is the fourth generation of mobile phone mobile communication technology standards. It is a successor to the third generation (3G) standards. A 4G system provides mobile ultra-broadband Internet access, for example to laptops with USB wireless modems, to smartphones, and to other mobile devices. Conceivable applications include mobile web access, IP telephony, gaming services, high-definition mobile TV, video conferencing, 3D television, and cloud computing.

 

Wireless

Wireless network is any type of computer network that uses wireless data connections for connecting network modes.

Wireless networking is a method by which homes, telecommunications networks and  business installations avoid the costly process of introducing cables into a building, or as a connection between various equipment locations. Wireless telecommunications networks are using radio communication. This implementation takes place at the OSI model network structure.

Examples of wireless networks include cell phone networks, Wi-Fi local networks and terrestrial microwave networks.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a wireless technology standard for exchanging data over short distances using short-wavelength radio waves from fixed and mobile devices, building personal area networks.

Network enterface cards

A Network interface card, NIC, or Network card is an electronic device that connects a computer to a computer network, usually a LAN. It is considered a piece of computer hardware. Today, most computers are equipped with network cards. Network cards enable a computer to exchange data with the network. To achieve the connection, network cards use a suitable protocol, for example CSMA/CD.