Network infrastructure

Network infrastructure

1. Network hardware

   • Hub
     • Effectively repeaters but with more than one output port
     • A device for connecting multiple devices in one segment
   • Switch
     • A high speed bridge
     • Has a dedicated CPU to perform switches
     • Data traffic is reduces as only data confined to the segmant where needed
   • WAP
     • Wireless access point
   • NIC
     • Network interface card
     • Normally integrated into the motherboard
   • Terminator
     • A device attached to the end of a bus network to stop the signal from bouncing back through the network
   • Repeaters
     • Boosts the signal as it passes along the network
   • Bridges
     • Devices that can connect different network segments as well as different media
     • Can help speed up a networks performance
     • Has a general purpose CPU
   • Routers
     • Works with data packets
     • Connects a device ot the internet

2. Types of networks

   • Peer-to-peer
     • All computers are equal
       • No computer has more power over another
     • Often use a hub to connect the computers
     • Most operating systems enable peer to peer networking
     • Disadvantages
       • No network wide security
         • Security is up to each user
       • A machine slows down when being accessed by another
       • A user might restart a machine when someone else is accessing it
       • Difficult to keep track of who has what information
       • Backup becomes complicated
     • Suitable for homes/small offices
   • Client-server
     • Most common model in medium to large organisations
     • One or more computers are designated as servers
       • They provide servives to the other machines (clients)
     • Advantages
       • Central contol of security
       • Easier to supervise network performance
       • Easier ot upgrade software
       • Faster performance (fewer data collisions)
       • Easier to perform backups
       • Client machines freed up to perform their jobs
     • Disadvantages
       • Knowledgable administrator needed
       • Only the administrator can setup access and enforce security rules
       • More infrastructure required (installing wiring cabinets)
       • If a server goes down, everyone connected to it will be affected