Know more about USB

USB is a high-performance serial bus communication technology. Most new computers and associated peripheral devices like printers and scanners contain built-in support for this technology. USB hubs for file and printer sharing also exist. USB and FireWire are the most popular, competing standards for networking computer peripherals.

Multiple versions of USB have been developed by the computer industry:

* USB 1.0 and 1.1: the first commercial versions supported a maximum data rate of 12 Mbps
* USB 2.0: the current version supports a much faster theoretical maximum rate of 480 Mbps
* USB 3.0: the future standard is expected to support up to 4.8 Gbps

Using USB for Local Networking
To build a USB network, simply connect USB cables to the USB ports on those devices. USB is plug and play compatible, meaning the operating system USB driver software automatically detects and configures device connections. One USB network supports up to 127 devices.

USB interfaces are backward compatible; for example, a USB 2.0 and a USB 1.1 can be networked. When two ends of a connection support different versions of USB, the link automatically runs at the lower speed of the older version.

Hotspot in WiFi Network

A hotspot is any location where Wi-Fi network access (usually Internet access) is made publicly available. You can often find hotspots in airports, hotels, coffee shops, and other places where business people tend to congregate. Hotspots are considered a valuable productivity tool for business travelers and other frequent users of network services.Technically speaking, hotspots consist of one or several wireless access points installed inside buildngs and/or adjoining outdoor areas. These APs are typically networked to printers and/or a shared high-speed Internet connection. Some hotspots require special application software be installed on the Wi-Fi client, primarily for billing and security purposes, but others require no configuration other than knowledge of the network name (SSID).

TraceRoute command

Traceroute is a utility program that monitors the network path of test data sent to a remote computer. On Unix and Linux computers, the "traceroute" application is available in the shell, while on Windows computers, the "tracert" program can be accessed from DOS.Traceroute programs take the name or IP address of a remote computer on the command line. When run, traceroute sends a series test messages over the network (using ICMP) to each intermediate router progressing until the last message finally reaches its destination. When finished, traceroute displays the ordered list of routers that represent the path from that computer to the destination.

Concept of Aircards

An aircard is a type of wireless broadband modem used for connecting to cellular networks. Aircards provide roaming access to the Internet from mobile computers outside the range of Wi-Fi hotspots. They may also be used as an alternative to home dial up Internet service in rural areas.

Types of Aircards
Several manufacturers produce wireless network modems including Kyocera, Novatel, Option and Pantech. In recent years, however, the term "aircard" has become associated most closely with the Sierra Wireless AirCard brand of wireless modem products.

Cellular network service providers typically bundle (and sometimes rebrand) compatible wireless modems together with their service contracts. In the U.S., for example, both AT&T and Verizon utilize Sierra Wireless products even though these may be called "AT&T AirCard" and "Verizon AirCard."

Understand Broadband Router

A broadband router combines the features of a traditional network switch, a firewall, and a DHCP server. Broadband routers are designed for convenience in setting up home networks, particularly for homes with high-speed cable modem or DSL Internet service. A broadband router supports file sharing, Internet connection sharing, and home LAN gaming.

A broadband router follow the Ethernet standard for home networking. Traditional broadband routers required Ethernet cables be run between the router, the broadband modem, and each computer on the home LAN. The newer wireless routers also support broadband Internet access and the Ethernet standard without the need for cabling.

Several manufacturers offer broadband router products to the consumer. Features that differentiate broadband router products include the number and type of ports available on the unit for cabling computers, external modems, or other network devices.

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Understand ASP in field of Computer Networks

An Application Service Provider (ASP) is a business that offers software services to customers, using computer networks and the Internet as the mechanism to deliver and manage the service. Among the most well-known Application Service Providers are Clickability, Salesforce.com and WebEx.

The goal of an ASP business is to reduce the cost of software distribution and maintenance. Using a client/server model (often Web-based), network software can be installed in a centrally-controlled place and hosted - accessed by the customers over remote links. This method to providing software solutions is sometimes called the software as a service (SaaS) approach.

Apache Web Servers

Apache is generally recognized as the world's most popular Web server (HTTP server). Originally designed for Unix servers, the Apache Web server has been ported to Windows and other network operating systems (NOS). The name "Apache" derives from the word "patchy" that the Apache developers used to describe early versions of their software.The Apache Web server provides a full range of Web server features, including CGI, SSL, and virtual domains. Apache also supports plug-in modules for extensibility. Apache is reliable, free, and relatively easy to configure.Apache is free software distributed by the Apache Software Foundation. The Apache Software Foundation promotes various free and open source advanced Web technologies.