What is a computer network?
A computer network is an interconnection of a group of computers. The interconnection is by means of wires or wireless signals. A network may also consist of peripherals such as printers, scanners, fax machines, etc. There are various types of computer networks (also known as network topology). The most common network is known as Local Area Network (LAN). The other common network coming up rapidly is a Wide Area Network (WAN).

What is a LAN?
A network covering a small area, like a home, office, or building can be considered to be a LAN. Current LANs are most likely to be based on Ethernet technology.

What is a WAN?
A WAN is a data communications network that covers a relatively broad geographic area (i.e. one city to another and one country to another country) and that often uses transmission facilities provided by common carriers, such as telephone companies.

What is an IP address?
In a computer network, every computer/peripheral needs to be identified uniquely so that they can 'talk' to each other. The most common method of talking is based on a protocol called as Internet Protocol (IP). Each computer is identified in the network by a physical number called IP address. The IP address is in the format of nnn.nnn.nnn.nnn.

What is a router?
A router is a device that controls the local network. The router is the main point of gateway between the local network (intranet) and the outside world network (internet). When a computer in a network wishes to 'talk' to another computer within the same network or to the outside world, it is the router that receives the communication and channels it to the target.

What is a switch?
Switches are extension points inside a LAN. Consider this like a multiple extensions cord. The main job of the switch is to assign physical IP addresses to every computer within its network. A wired computer is usually connected to the switch and the switch is connected to the router.

What is the difference between wired and wireless network?
Everyone understands wired connections. The physical wire carries the electrical signals that establish connection between two computers or peripherals. In a wireless connection, the electrical signal is converted into a radio frequency signal and transmitted over the air by the wireless device of the source. The antennae of the wireless device in the target machine picks up this signal and the wireless device converts its back into the electrical signal.

Now something about Wireless security ...

What are the security implications in a wireless network?
Since wireless signals are transmitted over the air, any compatible wireless device that is within the range of the wireless network can receive these signals. Hence it will be possible to tap into these signals and 'know' what is going on. If your wireless transmission is not protected a hacker can get into your network. The implications are small to very big:

a) The hacker can get into the network and surf the net free of charge. This will not only clog your network but also consume into your upload and download limit. I would consider this as a small to medium risk.

b) The hacker can visit objectionable or banned sites, post objectionable material on website, etc. But the hacker is not at risk because all this is done from your network. If there is subsequent criminal investigation, records will state that it was from your IP that the 'crime' was committed. This is a high security risk.

c) The hacker can tap into your bank accounts, know passwords, your online transaction passwords, client/patient information, etc. This may cause a lot of monetary loss to you.

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