NETWORKS

NETWORKS

1. Choosing a Network for a Company

   • Cost of Network (1)Initial purchasing of equipment (1)
   • Size of Organisation (1)Needs can range from a small LAN to a global WAN (1)
   • How the system will be used (1) Will they need large data storage? (1)
   • Existing systems to Integrate (1)More often networks are not developed from scratch but need to fit in with existing systems (1)

2. Peer to Peer and Client Server

   • Costs - Peer-to-peer, Cost saving – no server is needed, so all the computers can be the same.Where as a Client Server is more expensive – servers are expensive to buy.
   • Status - Peer-to-peer, All machines have same status. Where as a Client Server has One machine more important than the rest.
   • Knowledge- Peer-to-peer, no network manager is needed, all the users take responsibility for the network. Where as a client server, needs specialist knowledge, someone with technical knowledge to manage the network.
   • Set up - Peer-to-peer, is easy to set up and can be set up by anyone. Where as a client server needs technical knowledge to set up and maintain.
   • Security - Peer-to-peer, has poorer security resources are shared. Whereas a client server security is better as it’s centralised and one persons responsibility.

3. Advantages and Disadvantages of Ring and Star

   • Advantages of a ring network: Each computer has the same access so no one computer can hog the network Higher transmission speeds / Data flows in one direction only (so large volumes can be transmitted) No collisions
     • Disadvantages of a ring network: Faults are difficult to locate Impossible to keep the network running whilst equipment is added/removed because there is only one path # Break in cable and network won’t work*
   • Advantages of a star network: Fault tolerant – if one of the cables fails, then the other computers can still be used * Easy to add extra computers – extra computers can be added without disturbing the network Different speeds are possible on different spokes/ arms of the network
     • Disadvantages of a star network: Higher cost – Large amount of cabling makes it a more expensive topology Dependence on the central hub, switch or router – If the device at the centre of the network fails, then the whole network will fail.

4. Remote Management

   • Check Outgoing e-mails
     • Check Internet Sites Visited
   • Controls Stations
     • Sends Instant Messages
   • Log Users off left on Computers
     • Guide Users through Problems

5. Wireless Networking

   • Advantages of WIFI: Allows inexpensive LANs to be set up without cables Allows people the freedom of working anywhere a signal can be received Ideal for networks in old listed buildings where cables would not be allowed to be installed
   • Disadvantages of WIFI: Power consumption is high – which means laptops soon exhaust their rechargeable batteries May be health problems in using Wi-Fi May be security problems even when encryption is used