Networking

Networking

1. Different types of topologys

   • Star network
     • They are all connected on one cable directly to one server
       • Advantage: if one computer stops working, the rest will still work
       • Disadvantage: if the central device stops working then they all stop working
   • Bus network
     • All of the devices are connected by one cable
       • Disadvantage: if one computer stops working then they all stop working
       • Advantage: Cheap and easy to install
   • Ring network
     • All the devices are connected in a circle
       • Advantage:it can transfer data quickly
       • Disadvantage: if on device fails, all of the devices fail

2. Wireless Local area network (WLAN)

3. Local area network (LAN)

4. Wide area network (WAN)

5. Client/Server network

6. Peer to peer network

7. Network policies

   • Disaster recovery
     • If the system fails there needs to be a way to get the network up and running again as quickly as possible.
     • If a hard drive fails, there is usually a backup which can take the strain. Networks can be backed up on an online cloud storage or stored off site or in a fire proof safe in the event of a disaster in the building
   • Fail over and backups
     • If there is a power cut most networks have UPS (uninterrupted power supplies) which are large batteries with enough power to keep the network running so it can shut down correctly
   • Maintenance
     • Sometimes data needs to be kept but not accessed regularly. This frees up space on the network
   • Acceptable use
     • This is a policy for all the users to say what they can do and can't do.