1  The Internet at home

Figure 1
  • 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.

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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.

2  Local Area Networks – small office/home office