1.4 wired and wireless networks

1.4 wired and wireless networks

1. LAN: local area network

   • A LAN is a network that is geographically confined to one building or site. Examples include networks employed by small businesses, small organisations, schools, colleges, universities and in homes.

2. WAN: wide area network

   • A wide area network (WAN) is a network that is spread over a wide geographical area. It can cover more than one site, or be spread across a country, or even the world.

3. A network is two or more computers (or other electronic devices) that are connected together for the purpose of communication. They are connected by a wired medium such as cables, or by a wireless medium such as Wi-Fi.

4. Advantages

   • file sharing - users can share files with other users
   • hardware sharing - users can share hardware, such as a printer
   • communication - users can communicate via email, chat, or by video
   • roaming access - users can sign in to any computer on the network and be able to access their files

5. Disadvantages

   • cost - additional equipment is needed to allow computers to communicate
   • management - networks require management by technical staff such as a network manager
   • spread of malware - viruses and other forms of malware can easily spread across an improperly secured network
   • hacking - once a device is connected to another device, it is possible that data may be accessed without the device owner's permission