1. Networks
1.1. Facilitating communications
1.2. Sharing hardware
1.3. Sharing data and information
1.4. Sharing software
1.5. Transferring funds
1.6. local area network (LAN)
1.6.1. is a network that connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area
1.7. wireless LAN (WLAN)
1.7.1. is a LAN that uses no physical wires
1.8. metropolitan area network (MAN)
1.8.1. connects LANs in a metropolitan area
1.9. wide area network (WAN)
1.9.1. is a network that covers a large geographical area
2. Network Communications Standards
2.1. Ethernet
2.2. Token ring
2.3. TCP/IP
2.4. Wi-Fi
2.4.1. identifies any network based on the 802.11 standard that facilitates wireless communication Sometimes referred to as wireless Ethernet
2.5. Bluetooth
2.5.1. defines how two Bluetooth devices use short-range radio waves to transmit data
2.6. UWB (ultra-wideband)
2.6.1. specifies how two UWB devices use short-range radio waves to communicate at high speeds
3. Communications Software
3.1. Help users establish a connection to another computer or network
3.2. Manage the transmission of data, instructions, and information
3.3. Provide an interface for users to communicate with one another
4. Home Networks
4.1. Connect to the Internet at the same time
4.2. Share a single high-speed Internet connection
4.3. Access files and programs on other computers
4.4. Share peripherals
4.5. Play multiplayer games
4.6. Connect game consoles to the Internet
4.7. Subscribe to and use VoIP
5. Uses of Computer Communications
5.1. Text messaging
5.2. Picture messaging
5.3. Video messaging
5.4. Wireless Internet access points
5.4.1. allow people to connect wirelessly to the Internet from home, work, school, and in many public locations
5.5. global positioning system (GPS)
5.5.1. is a navigation system that consists of one or more earth-based receivers that accept and analyze signals sent by satellites in order to determine the GPS receiver’s geographic location