Computer Fundamental

Network Fundamentals



The basics to computer networking are fairly easy to learn about. Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and other solutions all fit within the category of computer networking. It is important to understand network fundamentals, as they can be useful when diagnosing a network, or if you are pursuing an IT career.

Wi-Fi is is a synonym for IEEE 802.11 wireless local area networks. Wi-Fi allows you to link two or more computers to each other using radio modulation. It is limited to a certain range, typically 30 m indoors and up to 90 m outdoors using 802.11g and 802.11b. This is usually enough for the signal to travel through most homes.

Range of a Wi-Fi network is typically better if the wireless modem uses the 2.4 Ghz frequency band instead of the 5 Ghz frequency band. With a new Wi-Fi standard, IEEE 802.11n, the range of Wi-Fi increases more than three times over 802.11g technology. The wireless access point, the wireless router, connects all the devices together to a wired local area network, such as an Ethernet hub or switch. In order to connect to these wireless networks, wireless adapters allow devices to connect to the wireless network.

Ethernet is used to connect computers or devices to each other using a wired LAN. The common type of Ethernet wiring that is used is Category 5E cable, which supports network speeds of 1 Gbps over standard copper wiring at a distance of 10-15 meters. The latest IEEE 802.3 standard is Category 6 and 7 wiring, utilizing twisted-pair cabling technology, allowing for a range of 100 meters. Ethernet more commonly used for network infrastructures and businesses, as it supports faster network speeds and has a longer range than Wi-Fi.


Some standards for gigabit Ethernet also use fiber optics instead of copper wiring, with added reliability and more consistent speeds. These lines are deployed on large-scale developments, such as college campuses. Ethernet is the most used and implemented form of a LAN link protocol that is used today.

Wired networking technologies are Ethernet, coaxial cabling, and fiber optic cabling. Wireless networking solutions are Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, satellites, and cellular phone waves. All of these technologies allow you to connect to computers via a network, whether it be a local area network or a wide area network.