networks

networks

1. WAN

   • wide area network. A network that spans a large area or multiple organisations
   • LAN
     • local area network. A network in a small area or single organisation

2. Advantages

   • Share Files
     • so that the same files are available whichever computer you use.
   • share rescources
     • such as printers and internet connection,
   • share logins
     • so that the same username can be used on every computer on the network.

3. disadvantages

   • cost
     • networks are expensive to set up
   • difficulty
     • expertise is needed to set up and maintain a network
   • increased risk
     • problems such as viruses can affect every computer on the network

4. topologies

   • ring topologies
     • advantages
       • cheap to install
       • no collisions (fast)
       • disadvantages
         • high chance of catastrophic failure
         • difficult to expand
   • star topologies
     • advantages
       • low chance of failure
       • no collisions (fast)
     • disadvantages
       • expensive
       • depends on switch
   • bus topologies
     • advantages
       • cheap to install
       • convinient
     • disadvantages
       • high chance of catastrophic failurer
       • lots of colisions
       • slows down when more computers are added

5. IP Address

   • An IP address is a unique value assigned to every computer on a network,used to identify it.
     • Messages on a network have an IP address attached , which is how a computer knows whether or not to keep the messge