Network

Network

1. Types

   • WAN
     • A WAN covers a large geographical area. Most WANs are made from several LANs connected together.
     • WANs can be connected together using the Internet, leased lines or satellite links.
   • LAN
     • A LAN covers a small area such as one site or building, eg a school or a college.
     • LANs are often connected to WANs, for example a school network could be connected to the Internet.

2. Advantages

   • Sharing devices such as printers saves money.
   • Site (software) licences are likely to be cheaper than buying several standalone licences.
   • Files can easily be shared between users.
   • Network users can communicate with each other over instant messenger and emails
   • Security is good - users cannot see other users' files unlike on stand-alone machines.
   • Data is easy to back up as it is as stored on the file server

3. Disadvantages

   • Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive.
   • Managing a large network is complicated, requires training and a network manager usually needs to be employed.
   • Viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer network.
   • If the file server breaks down the files on the file server become inaccessible. Email might still work if it is on a separate server. The computers can still be used but are isolated.
   • Danger of hacking with WAN network. Security procedures are needed to prevent hacking