Page 168 - PYTHON-12

10. Wi-Fi Card: A Wi-Fi card is either an internal or external Local Area Network adapter with a
built-in wireless radio and antenna. A Wi-Fi card is used in a desktop computer that enables
a user to establish an internet connection. Wi-Fi cards are known as wireless fidelity cards
as they allow the user to set up connection without any wire. Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi)
cards are widely used in notebook computers due to their highly portable nature. The most
common Wi-Fi cards used in desktop computers are PCI-Express Wi-Fi cards made to fit
the PCI- Express card slots on the motherboard.

8.10 TYPES OF NETWORKS

A computer network may be small or big depending upon the number of computers and other
network devices linked together. Thus, networks vary in size, complexity and geographical spread.
A computer network can be on a table, in a room, building, city, country, across continents or
around the world.

On the basis of geographical spread, networks may be classified as:
1. PAN

2. LAN
3. MAN

4. WAN
8.10.1 Personal Area Network (PAN)

PANs are small networks used to establish communication between a computer and other handheld
devices in the proximity of up to 10 metres using wired USB connectivity or wireless systems like
Bluetooth or Infrared. PANs are used to connect computers, laptops, mobiles and other IT-enabled
devices to transfer files including emails, digital photos, audio and video, etc. The Bluetooth
technology implements PAN. PAN may include wireless computer keyboard and mouse, Bluetooth-
enabled headphones, wireless printers and TV remotes.

Computer Science with Python–XII 8.14 CTM: The network that belongs to a single person or user is known as PAN.

Fig. 8.14: Personal Area Network (PAN)