networks

networks

1. advantages

   • hardware/ software/ data can be shared
   • network computers can communicate
   • The usage of a computer can be controlled by a network manager

2. disadvantages

   • The cost of cabling and setting up can be high
   • Computers on a network are liable to attacks from viruses if files are being sent between the computers
   • Hackers may gain unauthorised access to files saved on a network server
   • Network may fail to work properly and this can cause havoc.

3. file server

   • A computer on a network that holds files that can be used by other computers on the same network.

4. client–server network

   • Has one computer acting as a file server

5. peer-to-peer network

   • All computers are of equal importance

6. bus network topology

   • advantages
     • Simple type of network
     • Cheap to set up
     • If computer fails the network continues to work.
   • disadvantages
     • Speed of data is slow
     • If the network cable breaks, none of the computers can access the network.

7. star network topology

   • advantages
     • If a cable/computer breaks, all the other computers will still be accessible.
     • Direct access to the file server means the file server is fast
   • disadvantages
     • Expensive to install due to cabling needs
     • If the file server fails all the computers are affected

8. ring network topology

   • advantages
     • Cheap network setup
     • Data speed is continuous (no data collision)
   • disadvantages
     • If any computers or network cables break, it can affect the whole network