Networks - Hardware & Commercial Usage

Networks - Hardware & Commercial Usage

1. An ICT network consists of...

   • Hardware/Communication devices
     • Routers
     • Switches
     • Hubs
   • Network Software
   • Data transfer media: Wires
     • Fibre Optic Cable
     • Metal
     • The medium/method by which the data is transferred in a network can be
       • Metal Wire
       • Fibre Optic Cable
       • Wireless

2. Communication Devices

   • Network Interface Card
     • Prepares data for sending over the network
     • Send the data
     • Controls the flow of data
   • Hub
     • Is used to join computers in a network
     • Allows the connection of cables
     • Allows the sharing of files and internet access
   • Switch
     • Similar to a hub but more intelligant
     • Can look at a pocket of data and decides where it should go
     • Reduces the number of packets of data on a network which speeds it up
   • Router
     • Can be wired or wireless
     • Used to join several networks together
     • Often used to connect several computers in the home to the internet

3. Network Software consists of...

   • Network Operating Sytems
     • Specialist operating systems designed specifically for networks
   • Network Management Software
     • Used to help a network manager run a network by keeping task of software, keeping software up-to-date, installing software security patches and helping to manage the help disk etc.

4. POS - Point of Sales Systems

   • Where you pay for goods at a shop/store, which can use networks to automatically record stock levels and work out what is selling well
   • POS Hardware
     • Bar Code Reader: reads the codes between dark and light
     • Keyboard: Used to enter codes if bar-codes are damaged
     • Touch Screens
     • Swipe Card Readers
     • Chip and Pin Readers
   • How It Works
     • A product is scanned via a barcode
       • Price is matched in the database and displayed
         • If items are brought, then they are deducted from the stock file
           • Automatically records when stock levels gets low/certain level
             • Updates stock levels when stock arrives

5. Network Advantages

   • Can share hardware, so you can just have one printer and share it
   • Software installed in one place so not needed on every system, which can save money
   • Improve security - work saved on network - network manager back it up
   • Cost - schools can save money on network versions

6. Network Disadvantages

   • Network manager needed - can be expensive
   • Security problems - a virus can get into the whole system and effect all items
   • Breakdown problems - if network breaks, it can have an effect on all computers
   • Expensive - servers and cables and other devices - installation cost is also an issue