Today is finally the day where we start a new unit - communication technologies where it is more about theory. Before we started the day, I sorted out more of my files and added more marked work to the submitted folders in the Student Write Area. After so, during in our first lesson, the "Amazing Adam" and "Jovial John" gave a warm and friendly introduction to the start of the unit, despite I know little of networks and computing I know I have an interest to learn something new everyday.
Firstly. the "Amazing Adam" started off the activity by giving everyone either a keyword/terminology word or a definition for us to match up with our fated soul mate (not). For several minutes we explained the definitions and why it is so, although I will find some things difficult I am always up for a mental challenge... At the time being, we all loaded up a file where it we typed the definitions, functions, role and purpose for different communication devices, these include:
- Modem - The modem is what directly connects to the internet from the router. It transmits and receives signals in analogue waves. This communication device acts as the main gateway for the overall network.
- Switch - The switch is a wired connection which helps divide the bandwidth equally between all users. This avoid congestion and jams of the data (referred to as a bottle-neck).
- Router - The router is either connected by wire or wireless and is for the DTE (data terminal equipment) such as computers and other devices to connect with the help of Wi-Fi, a signal. As routers move an incredible large amount of data, it is usually accompanied by having extra increased security such as a fire-wall that connects to WAN (wide area network) to multiple different networks.
- Wireless Access Point (WAP) - The access point are usually found built in within the router nowadays as it serves a similar purpose to the router but instead it controls the traffic of data for LAN (local area networks). It is also used to be cabled network infrastructure.
- Server - The server is a computer system where it is dedicated to a specific service such as a server for the distribution of data, servers for the webpage, servers for a back up and more.
(Some definitions may be incorrect and therefore adjusted in the future).
However, we have learnt that most of the above devices nowadays are connected into what we refer to as a "Hub" - such as the popular brand 'BT's Infinity Hub'.
After this, the "Amazing Adam" introduced us to even more terms we need to cover for U10A1T1: DTE (data terminal equipment) and DCTE (data circuit-terminating equipment). DTE is essenitially the device such as the computer and smartphone, whereas DCTE is the actual modem the DTE connects to.
After a long period of working on this task, we eventually took a break with this week's Thursday Quiz created by Alex S. The quiz was overall about an improved monitor, G-Sync and V-Sync's differences. I knew little about this and ultimately got 4/10, this means I need to make next week's quiz which I will try to acquire help on a topic about networks.
Soon later, the "Amazing Adam" gave us the task of U10A1T2 by picking out students and demonstrating the different types of topologies. Topologies are the structure of the network, these include:
- Bus
- Ring
- Star
- Tree (or hierarchal)
- Mesh
In the task, we have to explain all of how each topology operates as well as providing its advantages and limitations (disadvantages). We also need to eventually type about different types of network such as LAN and WAN, along with wireless overall. To prepare the following above, I made notes and I have also read about this before hand, giving me a clear understanding of it. After everything was explained, I returned to my unfinished U10A1T1 and ended up finishing the whole task, I pasted it into the new blog we created this morning (SkyNet) and submitted my work to Adam.
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| SkyNet - Communication Devices Blog |
Today has been a very challenging day as I am learning new key words and terms. Despite I may only have 50/50 interest I do enjoy learning new things and I believe this can expand my knowledge and therefore become beneficial to me in my future career.
