1 The Internet at home
- Many people now have computers at home (remember, tablets and smart phones can be considered as computers), which communicate over a network.
- The network connections that link the device can be either wired or wireless.
- In order for these devices to access the Internet, you need to sign up with an Internet service provider (ISP), such as BT, Virgin Media, Sky or TalkTalk.
- Your service provider normally provides a home router, which your devices can connect to within your home using wires or wirelessly.
- The home router can connect to the ISP via a variety of methods, such as cable system, traditional phone wires or wirelessly. The connection method used will depend on the ISP you have chosen.
- Due to the size of your home network, it is referred to as a Local Area Network (LAN), which means it is used to connect together devices that are physically close together.
Activity: Computing devices
List all of the computing devices within your home network.
Answer
At home you might have: a personal computer, laptop, printer, smart phone, tablet, smart TV, personal video recorder, alarm system, security camera and a home router.
Introduction