1.4 wired and wireless networks

1.4 wired and wireless networks

1. network

   • a group of two or more computer systems linked together

2. LAN

   • Local Area network
   • computers are connected together within a certain geographical area
     • eg a single building
   • home network
   • school network
   • network in a shop
   • has its own infrastructure of cables due to practicalities

3. WAN

   • wide area network
   • computers are connected together over a large geographic area
     • eg many buildings
   • the biggest WAN would be a global connection of networks
     • (the internet)
   • uses exterior infrastructure and hardware
     • satellite,phone lines,the internet

4. client-to-server

   • relies on a central server
   • all clients (devices) request services from the server
   • additional hardware is needed (aka high end powerful servers)
   • all files can be stored centrally
   • workers can access files from any computer
   • all computers can update central data bases

5. peer-to-peer

   • all computers have an equal status
   • each device can act as a client and a server
   • all devices can request and provide network services
   • no additional hardware/software needed to set up this type of network
   • files are stored on their own computers
   • users have to log into the same computer every time