Networks | Part 3 of 3
In Part 1, we explored the vast world of Wide Area Networks, making the Internet the most prominent in our example scenarios and discussions. In Part 2, we delved into Local Area Networks, focusing on our home, school, and work networks. Now, we explore the different types of connectivity we experience while on the move, highlighting the smallest type of network, the Personal Area Network.
Personal Area Network aka PAN
A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a small network made up of devices close to a person. These devices can communicate over very short distances, typically within a range of about 10 meters. Devices on a person can communicate with each other using wireless technologies like Bluetooth. For example, your smartphone can communicate with your earbuds via Bluetooth so that you can listen to your favourite music on your way to school. We probably are familiar with Big Bang Theory's Sheldon, "everything is better with Bluetooth."
Go Wireless, Be Free, Remain Connected
Bluetooth
Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology standard that enables communication between portable devices that make up a PAN. You can think of it as a secret language that your phone can use to talk to your headphones. This "language" is made of tiny and high-frequency radio signals that can carry data like audio through the air.
Advantage 👍 We ❤️ Bluetooth because it is convenient and you do not need to carry so many wires!
Disadvantage 👎 Bluetooth has a limited range and typically works well up to 10 meters.
Mobile Data
Mobile Data is a term we came up with to refer to wireless Internet access on your smartphone which has a portable modem (3G, 4G, 5G) set up by your ISP via your phone settings. It is like carrying the Internet, which means an entire WAN, in your pocket 😮!
Advantage 👍 We ❤️ Mobile Data because it is getting faster and more reliable as new generations roll out so much so that it is generally preferred over free Wi-Fi.
Disadvantage 👎 It requires expensive and complicated infrastructure so the fastest connection might not be available in a particular area. While you can enjoy a funny video at the local park, you might have less luck on a mountain like Ben Nevis.
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi is a set of wireless network protocols, or rules, for WLANs so instead of using wires to carry data, we use high-speed radio waves over shorter distances. Public Wi-Fi hotspots are found almost everywhere in places like your local shops, cafes, hotels, and even at some national parks. You may remember from Part 2 that we need to be close to a wireless router that can enable us to share Internet access.
Advantage 👍 We ❤️ free Wi-Fi! Free access to the Internet is convenient of course.
Disadvantage 👎 Public means exposure and you are more vulnerable to hackers so avoid doing activities on the Internet that use your sensitive information, e.g., buying a game online.
There are ways to keep yourself safe and make use of public Wi-Fi:
Make use of secure websites that adhere to the HTTPS Protocol. Remember from Part 1 that data transmitted between your device and the web server would be encrypted.
Use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) as we learned from Part 2 which encrypts your internet connection, as it creates a secret and private "tunnel" for your data to travel through. This is especially important when accessing servers on private LANs from public Wi-Fi spots like coffee shops.
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