Networks

Networks

1. Advantages

   • You can log into any computer in the school using the same username and password.
   • Your files are available on every computer you use, even if you created them on a different computer.
   • You can print, use the internet, email and use the same software on any computer.

2. Disadvantages

   • Extra hardware and wiring needed
   • If something goes wrong it can affect every computer
   • It requires a technical expertise
   • Viruses and other malicious software can spread through the network

3. Types of network

   • Wide area networks
     • PSN (Playstation network)
     • XBOX live (Xbox network)
     • Internet
   • Local area networks
     • The school computers

4. Topologies

   • Bus topology
     • Cheap to install
     • Lots of collisions
     • High chance of catastrophic failiure
   • Star topology
     • Low chance of catastrophic failiure
     • No collisions (fast)
     • Expensive
     • Depends on a switch
   • Ring topology
     • Cheap to install
     • No collisions and fast
     • High chance of catastrophic failiure
     • Difficult to expand

5. IP Adresses

   • Each IP address must be unique
   • Messages have an IP adress
   • it is a unique identifier given to something
   • When a computer is added to a network it is assigned to an IP address (Internet Protocol Adress)