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Networks & Remote Access Grade 12
Essential network components, internet connection methods, file sharing, and remote access technologies.
Essential Network Hardware
| Component | Function |
|---|
| NIC | Network Interface Card — hardware that connects a device to a network (wired or wireless) |
| Switch | Central hub of a LAN; forwards data only to the intended device (not broadcast) |
| Router | Connects different networks; routes packets; assigns IP addresses; acts as gateway to ISP |
| Modem | Converts digital signals to analogue for telephone lines (and back); connects to ISP |
| Wireless access point | Enables wireless devices to connect to a wired network via Wi-Fi |
| All-in-one home router | Combines modem + router + switch + Wi-Fi access point in one device |
Wired Communication Media
| Medium | Speed | Range | Notes |
|---|
| UTP cable (Ethernet) | Up to 10 Gbps | 100m per segment | Common in offices and schools; easy to install |
| Fibre optic | Up to Tbps | Kilometres | Uses light; most secure; expensive to install |
| Coaxial | Moderate | Hundreds of meters | Older standard; still used in some broadband |
Connecting to the Internet
| Technology | Description | Speed |
|---|
| ADSL | Uses telephone copper lines; download faster than upload | Up to ~20 Mbps |
| Fibre | Light through fibre optic cables; fastest and most reliable | 100 Mbps–1 Gbps+ |
| WiMAX | Long-range wireless; used in rural/remote areas | Moderate |
| 4G/LTE | Mobile broadband; widely available | 5–100 Mbps |
| 5G | New generation mobile; very low latency; supports IoT | 50 Mbps–10 Gbps |
File and Folder Sharing
On a network, users can share resources. Access can be restricted by permission level:
| Permission Level | What the user can do |
|---|
| No access | Cannot see the shared resource |
| Read-only | Can view/copy files but not modify or delete |
| Read/Write | Can view, copy, modify files |
| Full control (Admin) | Can do everything including change permissions |
Remote Access
Accessing a device or network from a physically different location.
| Type | Description | Example |
|---|
| LAN remote access | Access another computer in the same building | Shared folder on school server |
| Internet remote access | Access home/work resources from anywhere | Google Drive, OneDrive, Remote Desktop |
| VPN | Encrypted tunnel over internet; secure remote access to private network | Employee working from home via company VPN |
Cloud Storage and Sharing
- Store and access files from any device, anywhere
- Automatic backup and version history
- Collaboration: multiple users edit the same file simultaneously
- Examples: Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox
BitTorrent (Peer-to-Peer Sharing)
Files are split into small pieces and downloaded simultaneously from many peers.
- Legal uses: distributing Linux distros, large software updates
- Risks: often used for piracy; your IP is visible to all peers