Networks

Networks

1. Disadvantages

   • It can be very expensive.
   • It is difficult to manage and set up.
   • There is lack of independence.
   • Viruses can spread over the accounts.

2. Advantages

   • You can use the same username and password.
   • You can share files, resources and logins.
   • User restrictions are easier to enable.

3. WAN

   • Wide Area Network
   • Often consists of multiple LAN networks networked together.
   • Spans a large geographical area.

4. LAN

   • Local Area Network
   • Contained in a single geographical location or organisation.

5. Topologies

   • Bus Topology
     • Consists of a single cable that runs through the network.
     • All devices attach to the single cable.
     • Cheap to install, but there is a high chance of failure, collisions and slows down when expanded.
   • Ring Topology
     • Cheap with no collisions.
     • High chance of failure and difficult expansion.
     • No terminator.
     • One direction in a ring.
   • Star Topology
     • Low chance of failures and no collisions
     • Expensive and depends on the switch.
     • Connected to a central switch.
     • Switch directs the traffic to the appropriate computer.
   • Mesh Topology
     • All nodes cooperate to distribute data amongst each other (no terminator or switch).
     • Manages high amounts of traffic and low chance of failure.
     • Most expensive and is difficult to maintain.
     • The internet is one huge mesh topology.

6. IP Addresses

   • A unique value assigned to every computer on a network, used to identify it.
   • There are "external" and "internal" IP Addresses.
   • It is a 32-bit binary value (0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255).
   • Devices on the internet need and IP Address.