networks

networks

1. types of networks

   • LAN (local area network)
   • WAN (wide area network)
   • PAN (personal area network)

2. advantages

   • can share
     • files
     • resources
     • logins

3. disadvantages

   • they cost a lot to set up
   • if one computer gets a virus they all do
   • they are difficult to set up

4. topologies

   • bus
     • advantages
       • cheap
     • disadvantages
       • high chance of catastrophic failure
       • lots of collisions
       • slows as more computers are added
   • star
     • advantages
       • low chance of catastrophic failure
       • no collisions
     • disadvantages
       • expensive
       • depends on the switch
   • ring
     • advantages
       • cheap to install
       • no collisions
     • disadvantages
       • high chance of catastrophic failure
       • difficult to expand

5. IP addresses

   • an IP address is a unique value assigned to every computer on a network
   • messages on networks have an IP address attached, which is how a computer knows whether keep the message
   • the internet is huge and has more devices than addresses to assign to individual devices (there are only 4 billion devices)
   • unique addresses are assigned to businesses and homes
   • these houses and businesses run their own mini-network inside with different IP addresses