1.5 Network Topologies, Types and Technologies Flashcards
(53 cards)
List Wired Topologies and Wireless Topologies
**WIRED: **
* Logical v Physical
* Star
* *Ring
* Mesh
* Bus
**WIRELESS: **
* Mesh
* Ad Hoc
* Infrastructure
Wired Topologies: Physical vs Logical
how network devices are physically connected (wires and cables) vs the way data is transmitted and received
Network Types (listed)
- LAN - local area network
- WLAN - wireless LAN
- MAN - metropolitan area networks
- WAN - wide area network
- CAN - campus area network
- SAN - storage area network
- PAN - personal area network
LAN (network type):
A LAN (Local Area Network) is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area, such as a home, office, or school, allowing them to share resources like files, printers, and internet access.
WLAN (network type):
a type of LAN that uses wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices within a limited area without the need for physical cables
MAN (network type):
smaller than a WAN, bigger than a LAN
It typically covers a metropolitan area, such as a city or a large campus, and connects multiple LANs and other network devices within that area.
MANs are designed to provide high-speed connectivity and facilitate communication and data exchange between different locations within the metropolitan area. They can be owned and operated by a single organization, such as a corporation or a university, or they may be managed by a service provider.
WAN (network type):
a network that spans a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs and other networks together over long distances. WANs typically utilize public or private telecommunication infrastructures, such as leased lines, satellites, or the internet, to facilitate communication between distant locations.
the internet is the largest WAN, but a WAN can exist and not be a part of the internet (it is private, vs the public internet)
CAN (network type):
A CAN operates within a limited geographical area, typically within the boundaries of a university campus, corporate campus, or industrial complex.
SAN (network type):
A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a specialized high-speed network that provides access to consolidated, block-level data storage. Unlike traditional storage solutions where storage devices are directly attached to servers, SANs decouple storage resources from servers and connect them to a dedicated network, allowing multiple servers to access the storage resources simultaneously.
PAN (network type):
A Personal Area Network (PAN) is a type of network used for connecting devices within the immediate vicinity of an individual person, typically within a range of about 10 meters (33 feet). PANs are designed for personal use and are often centered around an individual’s electronic devices, such as smartphones, tablets, laptops, wearable devices, and peripherals.
Common technologies used in PANs include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, Zigbee, and Near Field Communication (NFC). These technologies enable devices to communicate wirelessly and share data, such as files, multimedia content, and internet connectivity.
PANs are commonly used for various purposes, including:
Device Connectivity: Connecting peripherals like keyboards, mice, printers, and headphones to a computer or mobile device.
Personal Entertainment: Streaming multimedia content from a smartphone or tablet to a wireless speaker, headphones, or smart TV.
Wearable Technology: Interconnecting wearable devices like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and health monitors with smartphones or other devices.
Home Automation: Controlling smart home devices, such as lights, thermostats, and security cameras, from a smartphone or tablet.
File Sharing: Transferring files between devices, such as between smartphones, laptops, or cameras.
PANs provide convenience, flexibility, and mobility by allowing devices to communicate and interact seamlessly within a limited range, enhancing the user’s experience and productivity.
other kinds of wireless protocols
- Z-Wave
- Ant+
- Bluetooth
- NFC
- IR
- RFID
- 802.11
IoT Tech: Z-Wave
IoT Tech: Ant+
IoT Tech: Bluetooth
IoT Tech: NFC
IoT Tech: IR
IoT Tech: RFID
IoT Tech: 802.11
six protocols standard for short range wireless communications with low power consumption
ZigBee,
Bluetooth LE,
Z Wave,
NFC,
HomePlug GP and
Wi-Fi
What was Zigbee designed for?
reliable wirelessly networked monitoring and control network (from an application point of view)
Zigbee was designed for creating low-power, low-data-rate wireless networks for applications such as home automation, industrial control, and sensor networks. Its primary focus is on enabling communication between devices that require short-range, low-power wireless connectivity, allowing for efficient and reliable data exchange in various IoT (Internet of Things) scenarios. Zigbee’s design emphasizes energy efficiency, scalability, and reliability, making it well-suited for battery-powered devices and environments where numerous devices need to communicate wirelessly over relatively short distances.
Several characteristics distinguish Zigbee from other IoT protocols:
- Low Power Consumption: Zigbee is designed for low-power operation, making it suitable for battery-powered devices and applications where energy efficiency is critical. It achieves this through features like low duty cycles, sleep modes, and efficient communication protocols.
- Mesh Networking: Zigbee supports mesh networking, where devices can communicate with each other directly or through intermediate devices (routers), forming a self-healing and self-organizing network. This enables extended coverage and robustness, as data can be relayed through multiple paths.
- Reliability: Zigbee employs collision avoidance techniques and packet retransmission mechanisms to ensure reliable data transmission, even in noisy environments. It uses the IEEE 802.15.4 standard for physical and MAC (Media Access Control) layer communication, which provides robustness against interference and packet loss.
- Scalability: Zigbee networks can scale from a few devices to hundreds or even thousands of devices, thanks to its mesh networking architecture and efficient use of network resources. This scalability makes Zigbee suitable for large-scale IoT deployments.
- Interoperability: Zigbee Alliance, the organization behind Zigbee, promotes interoperability among Zigbee-certified devices, ensuring that products from different manufacturers can work together seamlessly within a Zigbee network. This allows for a diverse ecosystem of devices and applications.
- Application Profiles: Zigbee supports various application profiles tailored for specific use cases, such as home automation, lighting control, smart energy, and healthcare. These standardized profiles define how devices communicate and interact within a Zigbee network, promoting compatibility and interoperability.
Overall, Zigbee’s focus on low power consumption, mesh networking, reliability, scalability, interoperability, and support for specialized application profiles distinguishes it as a versatile and robust IoT protocol.
What was Bluetooth LE designed for?
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE), also known as Bluetooth Smart, was designed primarily for low-power, low-data-rate wireless communication in various IoT (Internet of Things) applications. It was developed to address the growing demand for energy-efficient wireless connectivity in devices such as wearables, fitness trackers, smart home sensors, medical devices, and other battery-powered gadgets.
Bluetooth LE’s design focuses on minimizing power consumption while still providing reliable connectivity over short distances. This makes it ideal for applications where devices need to operate for extended periods on small batteries or energy harvesting sources. Additionally, Bluetooth LE’s compatibility with smartphones and other Bluetooth-enabled devices enables seamless integration and control, enhancing its versatility for a wide range of IoT scenarios.
Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) stands out among other IoT protocols due to several key features:
- Low Power Consumption: Bluetooth LE is designed for energy-efficient operation, making it suitable for battery-powered devices and applications where power consumption is critical. It achieves this by employing low-duty cycle communication, optimized data packets, and power-saving modes.
- Low Cost: Bluetooth LE technology is cost-effective, both in terms of hardware components and implementation. This makes it accessible for a wide range of IoT devices, including those with budget constraints.
- Compatibility: Bluetooth LE is backward compatible with Bluetooth Classic, allowing devices to support both protocols if needed. This compatibility enhances interoperability and simplifies the integration of Bluetooth LE into existing systems.
- Short Range: Bluetooth LE operates over short distances, typically up to 100 meters, which is suitable for many IoT applications, including smart home devices, wearables, and proximity-based solutions.
- Scalability: Bluetooth LE supports various network topologies, including star, mesh, and point-to-point, allowing for scalable deployments in diverse IoT environments. Mesh networking in Bluetooth LE enables extended coverage and robustness, especially in large-scale deployments.
- Ease of Development: Bluetooth LE development is facilitated by standardized protocols, well-defined profiles, and mature development tools and frameworks. This accelerates the development process and reduces time-to-market for IoT solutions.
- Security: Bluetooth LE incorporates robust security features, including encryption, authentication, and privacy mechanisms, to protect data transmission and prevent unauthorized access. These security measures are essential for ensuring the integrity and confidentiality of IoT communications.
Overall, Bluetooth Low Energy’s combination of low power consumption, low cost, compatibility, short-range communication, scalability, ease of development, and security makes it a compelling choice for a wide range of IoT applications.
What was Z-Wave designed for?
Z-Wave was designed primarily for home automation and smart home applications. It was developed to provide a reliable, low-power, and interoperable wireless communication protocol specifically tailored for controlling and monitoring devices within residential environments.
Z-Wave technology enables various devices, such as lights, thermostats, door locks, sensors, and appliances, to communicate with each other and be controlled remotely from a central hub or smartphone app. Its focus on low-power operation allows battery-powered devices to operate for extended periods without frequent battery replacements, making it suitable for a wide range of home automation applications.
Z-Wave’s interoperability and scalability enable users to build comprehensive smart home ecosystems with devices from different manufacturers, all working together seamlessly. With its emphasis on reliability, security, and ease of use, Z-Wave has become a popular choice for homeowners, integrators, and manufacturers looking to create smart, connected homes.
Several characteristics distinguish Z-Wave from other IoT protocols:
- Mesh Networking: Z-Wave utilizes a mesh networking topology, allowing devices to communicate with each other directly or through intermediate devices (repeaters). This enables extended coverage, robustness, and reliability, as data can be relayed through multiple paths, reducing the likelihood of communication failures.
- Interoperability: Z-Wave is governed by the Z-Wave Alliance, which ensures interoperability among Z-Wave certified devices. This means that devices from different manufacturers can work together seamlessly within a Z-Wave network, promoting compatibility and ease of integration.
- Low Power Consumption: Z-Wave is designed for low-power operation, making it suitable for battery-powered devices and applications where energy efficiency is critical. This allows Z-Wave devices to operate for extended periods without frequent battery replacements, enhancing their practicality for home automation.
- Security: Z-Wave incorporates robust security features, including encryption, authentication, and network security keys, to protect data transmission and prevent unauthorized access. These security measures ensure the integrity and confidentiality of communication within a Z-Wave network.
- Scalability: Z-Wave networks can scale from a few devices to hundreds or even thousands of devices, thanks to its mesh networking architecture and efficient use of network resources. This scalability makes Z-Wave suitable for small-scale home automation setups as well as larger deployments in commercial buildings or multi-unit dwellings.
- Application Support: Z-Wave supports various application profiles tailored for specific use cases, such as home lighting, climate control, security, energy management, and healthcare. These standardized profiles define how devices communicate and interact within a Z-Wave network, promoting interoperability and compatibility.
Overall, Z-Wave’s focus on mesh networking, interoperability, low power consumption, security, scalability, and support for specialized application profiles distinguishes it as a robust and versatile IoT protocol, particularly well-suited for home automation and smart home applications.
What was NFC designed for?
Near Field Communication (NFC) was designed primarily for short-range wireless communication between electronic devices. It enables devices to establish communication by bringing them close together, typically within a few centimeters. NFC technology was developed to facilitate various applications, including contactless payments, data exchange, access control, and identification.
NFC (Near Field Communication) stands out among other IoT protocols due to several key characteristics:
- Short Range: NFC operates over very short distances, typically within a few centimeters. This limited range enhances security and privacy, as devices must be close together to establish communication. It also simplifies interactions, as users can initiate communication simply by bringing devices into close proximity.
- Contactless: NFC communication is contactless, meaning that devices do not need to physically connect or align in a specific way to establish communication. This feature enables quick and seamless interactions, such as tap-to-pay transactions or pairing devices by tapping them together.
- Simplicity: NFC is designed for simplicity and ease of use. It requires minimal setup or configuration, making it accessible to users without technical expertise. NFC interactions often involve intuitive actions, such as tapping or holding devices close together, which simplifies user interactions.
- Security: NFC incorporates robust security features, including encryption and mutual authentication, to protect data transmission and prevent unauthorized access. These security measures ensure the integrity and confidentiality of communication, making NFC suitable for applications requiring secure transactions or data exchange.
- Versatility: NFC supports a wide range of applications, including contactless payments, data exchange, access control, ticketing, and identification. Its versatility makes it suitable for various IoT scenarios, from mobile payments and smart ticketing to smart packaging and device pairing.
- Integration with Mobile Devices: NFC is integrated into many smartphones and mobile devices, enabling them to interact with NFC-enabled tags, cards, and other devices. This widespread adoption makes NFC accessible to a large user base and facilitates the development of innovative IoT applications leveraging mobile platforms.
Overall, NFC’s combination of short range, contactless operation, simplicity, security, versatility, and integration with mobile devices distinguishes it as a unique and valuable IoT protocol for a wide range of applications and use cases.
What was Homeplug GP designed for?
HomePlug Green PHY (GP) was designed as a powerline communication (PLC) standard specifically for smart grid and smart energy applications. It aimed to provide a reliable and efficient communication protocol for connecting smart meters, home energy management systems, electric vehicles, and other energy-related devices over existing power lines within homes and buildings.
HomePlug GP focused on low-power operation, interoperability, and robustness, making it suitable for use in environments with electrical noise and interference. It offered data rates sufficient for smart grid applications while minimizing power consumption to prolong the lifespan of battery-powered devices and reduce overall energy consumption.
Overall, HomePlug GP aimed to facilitate the deployment of smart grid technologies and enable more efficient energy management within homes and buildings by leveraging existing power line infrastructure for communication purposes.
HomePlug Green PHY (GP) stands out among other IoT protocols, particularly in the context of smart grid and smart energy applications, due to several distinguishing features:
- Powerline Communication (PLC): HomePlug GP utilizes powerline communication technology, enabling devices to communicate over existing electrical wiring within homes and buildings. This eliminates the need for additional communication infrastructure, such as dedicated cables or wireless networks, making it particularly well-suited for environments where deploying new communication infrastructure may be impractical or costly.
- Low-Power Operation: HomePlug GP is designed for low-power operation, making it suitable for battery-powered devices and applications where energy efficiency is crucial. It aims to minimize power consumption while still providing reliable communication, which is essential for smart energy management systems and other IoT devices deployed in homes and buildings.
- Interoperability: HomePlug GP aims to ensure interoperability among devices from different manufacturers by adhering to standardized protocols and specifications. This promotes compatibility and ease of integration, allowing devices from various vendors to communicate and work together seamlessly within a HomePlug GP network.
- Robustness: HomePlug GP is designed to be robust and resilient in the face of electrical noise and interference commonly encountered in powerline communication environments. It incorporates error correction techniques, adaptive modulation schemes, and other features to maintain reliable communication even in challenging conditions, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of data transmission.
- Smart Grid Focus: HomePlug GP is specifically tailored for smart grid and smart energy applications, addressing the unique requirements and challenges of these use cases. It offers data rates and capabilities optimized for smart metering, demand response, electric vehicle charging, and other energy management applications, making it a specialized solution for the smart grid ecosystem.
Overall, HomePlug GP’s focus on powerline communication, low-power operation, interoperability, robustness, and smart grid applications distinguishes it as a unique and valuable IoT protocol for smart energy management and related use cases.