Computer Networking and Data Transfer

Computer Networking and Data Transfer

1. Computers can make a wireless connection if they have a NIC (Network Interface Card). A wireless router provides a connection with the physical network.

   • Cheap set up costs, not tied down to a specific location and can connect multiple devices without the need of extra hardware.
     • Slower than wired connections, more open to hacking and the connection is not as stable.
       • Disadvantages of Wireless Connections
     • Advantages of Wireless Connections
   • Wireless Connections

2. Computers can be connected through ethernet cables which connect to the ethernet port.

   • Faster than wireless connections, it has more security as it is not on a network, you don't need to wait around for a connection because you just need to plug it in then it's connected instantly.
     • The equipment needed can be high in price, doesn't connect to a wide range of devices and can only reach a certain distance
       • Disadvantages of Wired Connections
     • Advantages of Wired Connections
   • Wired Connections

3. LAN

   • This stands for local area network. A local area network is a wired connection between local/ nearby buildings
     • The difference is that a LAN is local (closer together) and is wired whereas WAN is more further away in uses a wireless connection

4. WAN

   • WAN stands for wide area network. A wide area network is a wireless connection between buildings that are far away. over a large area.

5. A Hub

   • A hub broadcasts data to all devices on a network. this can use a lot of bandwidth (measures amount of data being transferred) as it results unnecessary data being sent- not all computers might need to receive the data.

6. A Bridge

   • A bridge is used to connect two seperate LAN networks. A bridge looks for the receiving message if the receiving computer is not there.
     • TOPOLGY
       • This is the shape of our network.

7. Factors Affecting Data Transfer speeds

   • Bandwidth, cheap modem, viruses length of cables, distance travelled to the server, poorly positioned modem and up-to date software.
     • Length of cables affect data transfer speeds because if the cable is long, it will have more cable to travel through which will take more time whereas if it was shorter it would take less time.
       • Viruses affects the speed at which data is transferred because viruses are something like a disease to the computer, they slow everything down and take information/data so when you open your files it may take longer to open as the virus has accessed it.

Images and files in the map