Module 2: Local area networks and wide area networks
Module overview
Historically, the earliest networked systems spanned only single offices. They connected a small number of personal computers for the primary purpose of facilitating access to shared resources such as files and printers.
As the usefulness of personal computer networks became more apparent, the need arose to extend those networks. Initially, this was to overcome distance and signaling limitations that some of the networking components imposed. Later, it was to extend networks across sites, countries/regions, and eventually continents.
Throughout this period, several networking standards were devised. The various standards implemented a variety of different structures and access methods to link devices over local and wide areas.
In this module, you’ll learn about local area networking and wide area networking, and you’ll discover the various network topologies and access methods you use to create them.
Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:
- Describe LANs.
- Describe WANs.
- Identify and explain various network topologies and access methods.