Network

Networks

1. Advantages

   • Hardware can be shared.
     • Software can be shared.
       • Data can be shared. Data can be accessed from any of the computers on the network.
         • Usage of computers 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
       • Hackers can gain unauthorised access to a server and then access to the files within the network
         • Sometimes the network can fail to work properly

3. Topology

   • Bus topology
     • Disadvantages
       • Speed is slow
         • If the network cable breaks, then non of the computers can access the network
     • Advantages
       • Cheap and easy to setup
         • If a computer fails then the network continues to work
   • Star
     • Advantages
       • If one of the computers cables break then the network continues to work and non of the other computers are affected.
         • Direct access to the file server means it is faster
     • Disadvantages
       • It is expensive to install due to the cabling needs
         • File server fails, then all the computers are affected.
   • Ring
     • Advantages
       • Cheap network to setup.
         • Data speed is continuous ( no data collisions).
     • Disadvantages
       • If any computers or the network cable breaks , it can affect the whole network.

4. Exam Questions

   • Give brief descriptions of each of the following: a file server [1] - A file server has programs and data files stored on its backing storage. It probably has a large capacity hard drive. b) a client–server network [1] - A client-server is organised so that on computer acting as a file server c) a peer-to-peer network. [1] - In a peer-to-peer network all computers are of equal importance
   • Give brief descriptions of each of the following: a) an intranet [1] b) an extranet [1] c) World Wide Web (www) [1]
   • Security of a network is the responsibility of the network manager. a) Give three ways in which the network could be protected from unauthorised access. [3] b) Give two ways in which the network could be protected from viruses. [2]

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