NETWORKS

NETWORKS

1. Advantages

   • Share files, so the same files are available whichever computer you use
   • Share resources such as printers and internet connection
   • Share logins, so the same username and password can be used on every computer on the network

2. Disadvantages

   • Cost: Networks are expensive to set up
   • Increased risk: Problems such as viruses can effect every computer on the network
   • Difficulty: Expertise is required to set up and maintain a network

3. Types of Networks

   • LAN
     • Local Area Network: A network in a small area or single organisation
   • WAN
     • Wide Area Network: A network that spans a large area or multiple organisations

4. Topologies

   • BUS
     • Cheap to install
     • Lots of collisions
     • High chance of failure
     • Slows down with more computers
   • RING
     • Cheap to install
     • No collisions (fast)
     • Hard to expand
     • High chance of failure
   • STAR
     • Low chance of failure
     • No collisions
     • Expensive
     • Depends on a switch

5. IP Address

   • An IP Address is a unique value assigned to every computer on a network, which is used to identify it
   • Messages on a network have an IP Address attached, which is how a computer knows whether or not to keep the message