Networks

Networks

1. Types of Networks

   • WAN
     • Stands for Wide Area Network.
       • Covers a large area, often multiple LAN networks together.
   • LAN
     • Stands for Local Area Network.
       • Covers a single area.

2. Advantages

   • The same files are available whichever computer you use.
   • Share resources such as printers and internet connection.
   • Usernames and passwords can be used on every computer in the network.

3. Disadvantages

   • Extra hardware and wiring needed.
   • If something goes wrong all computers in that network will be effected.
   • A technical expert is usually required.
   • Viruses can spread throughout the network.

4. Topology

   • Star
     • All computers are connected to a central switch
     • Advantages
       • Low chance of failure
         • No collision.
     • Disadvantages
       • Expensive to install.
         • Depends on a switch.
   • Bus
     • Consists of a single cable that runs through the network.
     • Advantages
       • Cheap to install
     • Disadvantages
       • High chance of faliure
         • Lots of colisions
           • Slows down the more computers added.
   • Ring
     • Advantages
       • Cheap to install.
         • No collisions
     • Compters are connected in a ring.
       • Communication only goes in one direction.
     • Disadvantages
       • High chance of faliure
         • Difficult too add new computers.

5. IP adresses

   • Used to identify each computer and IP address is a unique address for each computer.
   • There are 4,228,250,625 IP addresses
     • For example 86.188.242.210 is the Catmose IP address.

6. Internet

   • Large files are sent in smaller parts and are merged together at the end.
   • Routes between nodes are chosen by there quickest time.
     • The internet is a giant mesh of computers.
   • The internet is a mesh topology.
     • This means a message can take any route to send it.