Local Area Network

Local Area Network

1. Switches

   • Advantages
     • Switches run 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
     • Switches are used to interconnect the hardware cabling throughout the LAN and permit the flow of data.
     • Switches are a primary hardware component in LAN's, enabling network communication.
   • Disadvantages

2. servers

   • Advantages
     • Like switches, servers operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
     • Servers are designed for high availability and are located in secured computer rooms and data centers.
     • Servers are equipped with multiple processors, power supplies and increased memory.
   • Disadvantages

3. Router

   • Disadvantages
     • Routers are more expensive than other devices.
     • Dynamic router communications (inter-router communication) cause additional network overhead, which results in less bandwidth for user data.
   • Advantages
     • In order for devices on the network to connect to the Internet, the router must be connected.

4. Wireless Access Points

   • Advantages
     • To provide greater flexibility and reduce cabling requirements, wireless access points can be introduced into the LAN.
     • open-space areas like schools are popular installation points. The access point connects to a LAN switch to extend network services.
     • Security features including the ability to encrypt data are important qualities when introducing this device into a LAN.
   • Disadvantages

5. Phone Line

   • You need a phone line so you can access the internet.
     • telephone overhead lines are connected to the public telephone network.

6. Adapters

   • Advantages
     • LAN adapter is the most common alternate name for a Network Interface Card.
     • A LAN adapter is an expansion board that is used to connect a computer or computing device to a network.
   • Disadvantages

7. WPAN (Wireless Personal Area Network)

   • Pairing devices over a short range. This is called Bluetooth.
     • Advantages
       • Travels at 25 MBPS
       • Has a range of 30 metres
     • Hardware needed to connect to a WPAN
       • Bluetooth

8. WANS(Wide Area Network)