Page 11 - Computer Class 08

Repeater : A repeater operates at the physical layer. Its job is to

regenerates the signal over the same network before the signal
becomes too weak or corrupted so as to extend the length to
which the signal can be transmitted over the same network.
An important point to be noted about repeaters is that they do
not amplify the signal. When the signal becomes weak, they

copy the signal by bit and regenerate it at the original strength.
It is a 2 port device.

Bluetooth is a wireless technology which allows electronic devices such as mobiles and
computers to communicate over short distance. It was invented in 1994 by the engineers of a
Swedish Company named Ericson.
Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) is a very popular wireless network. It uses radio waves technology and
provides high speed wireless internet and network connection. Now-a-days, even mobile
phones have this technology and laptops come with in-built wireless network card.

Classification of Networks

Computer networks can be classified into different categories based on the following:

1. Based on Area Covered

2. Based on Topology
3. Based on the Architecture

4. Based on the Transmission Media
Now, let us learn more about these classifications.

1. Networks Based on Area Covered

Based on the area it covers a network can be a PAN, LAN, MAN and WAN.

8 MAN
MAN stands for Metropolitan Area Network . A MAN
interconnects user with computer resources in a
geographical area like a city. A Scottish MAN called

FatMan, links universities all over Scotland with fiber
option cables.

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