LaNs and waNs

1. A network is a series of computer systems linked together to share computing power or storage facilities.

2. The device that monitors and controls the network is the dedicated file server.

3. Local area networks (LANs) are confined to a small area.

4. Wide area networks (WANs) cover a wide geographical area.

5. Computers are linked in WANs by means of satellites, microwaves or telecommunication links.

6. In practice, LANs are often connected to WANs via a special gateway.

7. To connect the terminal and other equipment, cables or radio communication links can be used.

8. Devices in a network are called nodes.

9. They can be connected in a variety of different ways or topologies.

10. There are four common network topologies called ring, line (bus), star and hierarchical.

Monitoring Physical Quantities

1. For monitoring physical values we use such equipment as a computer, an interface, suitable software and a sensor.

2. First we load the software and inform the computer about the sensors connected.

3. Then we must state the logging period and the logging interval.

4. Logging period is the time period over which the measurements take place.

5. Logging interval is the frequency with which the individual readings are taken.

6. Most data loggers record the data in the form of a table.

7. The recorded data can be imported into other software, such as spreadsheet or graphics packages.

8. Readings can be displayed graphically during or after the experiment.

9. Data logging can be used for recording data both about fast and slow events.

10. Since readings are taken automatically accurate measurements are made without error and exactly at the right time.