Network

Network

1. What is it?

   • Connected devices
     • Computer
     • Printer

2. Advantages and disadvantages

   • Advantages
     • Allows communication between workers
     • Allows data to be shared
     • Allows peripherals to be shared
     • Allows computers to be upgraded more easily
     • Allows distributed processing
   • Disadvantages
     • Expertise required to set up a large network
     • Security issues from unauthorised access to data
       • Measures to secure a network include:
         • Passwords
         • Changing passwords more frequently
         • Don't allow user to install software
         • With wireless access, use encryption

3. Two types of Network

   • LAN
     • Local Area Network
       • Located on one site/it does not cover a wide geographical area
       • Owner of the network owns the infrastructure
   • WAN
     • Wide Area Network
       • Covers a large geographical area
       • Infrastructure may be provided by telecom companies

4. Network Hardware

   • NIC
     • Network Interface Card
       • Produces the electrical signals that carry data
       • Each node needs a NIC to connect to the LAN
   • Hub
     • Device that connects nodes together
   • Switch
     • smart device that can create and connect to different segments of the network
       • reduces network traffic because...
         • data is confined to the segment where it is needed
   • Routers
     • connect networks together
       • example - . your home network and the internet network are connected by a router
   • Wireless Access Point
     • allows a device and network to connect through wireless devices
       • including...
         • wifi
         • bluetooth