Networks

Networks

1. Peer to peer and client server

   • Cost saving
     • P2P No server is needed so all the computers can be the same
     • CS More expensive as servers are expensive to buy
   • Status
     • P2P All machines have the same status
     • CS One machine more important than the rest
   • Knowledge
     • P2P Users need more IT knowledge
     • CS Network manager allocates access to resources on the network
   • Easy to set up
     • P2P Simple to set up and anyone can do it
     • CS Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain
   • Search for files
     • P2P Harder to find files which are not stored centrally
     • CS Centrally stored files are easier to find
   • Network size
     • P2P only suitable for very small networks
     • CS More efficient for large networks

2. Remote Managment

   • Take control of stations
   • Update software
   • Shut down stations
   • Log off users who have forgotten to do so
   • Clear printer queues
   • Send instant messages
   • Guide users through problems

3. Choosing a network

   • Existing systems to intergate
     • Sometimes an extension is required, e.g: when a new branch opens
   • Size of the organistation
     • Needs can range from a small LAN to a global WAN
   • Performance in terms of reliability
     • Different parts of the organisation may have different peformance requirements
   • How the system will be used
     • Will they need large data storage

4. ·

   • Ring
     • Disadvantages
       • Faults are difficult to locate
       • Impossible to keep the network running while equipment is being added or removed due only one path
       • Break in the cable and the network won't work
     • Advantages
       • Each computer has the same access as the others so no one hogs the network
       • Higher transmission speeds
       • No collisions
   • Star
     • Disadvantages
       • Higher costs, large amount of cable needed making it more expensive
       • Dependence on the central server/hub
     • Advantages
       • Easy to add extra computers without distirbuing the network
       • Fault tolerant, if one cable fails the other computers can still be used
       • Different speeds are possible on different arms of the network

5. Wireless networking

   • Advantages
     • Allows people the freedom of working anywhere a signal can be received
     • Can use a variety of devices such as tablets, mobile phones and etc
     • Health and safety, tidier desktop with no trailing cables
   • Disadvantages
     • Transmission speed slower than cable
     • There may be health problems in using WI-FI
     • WI-FI networks have very limited ranges