Networking

Networking

1. LANs and WANs

   • LAN stands for Local Area Network.
     • Network users can access the same files and work on them at the same time. You can share printers. You can install and update software on all the computers at once.
   • WAN stands for Wide Area Network.
   • LAN is a private computer network that connects computers in a small area like a house whereas a WAN is a type of computer network that connects offices which are connected in a geographical location. A WAN also connects LANs.

2. Hardware

   • To connect to a LAN you can use an ethernet cable or a wireless connection(Wi-Fi
   • WANs are connected by telephone lines, satellite links or radio links.

3. Client Sever Network Vs Peer to Peer networks

   • A client server network is managed by a server, the devices connected are the clients.
     • Client server netowkrs are easier to keep track of the files.
   • Peer to Peer networks connect directly to each other without using any servers
     • Peer to Peer networks are easy to maintain.

4. Star Topology

   • In a Star Topology all devices are connected to the centre.
   • If one node fails or gets disconnected it doesn't effect the rest of the network.