Networks - Hardware/Commercial Usage

Networks - Hardware/Commercial Usage

1. Hardware/Communication Devices

   • Hardware
   • Software
   • Data transfer media

2. Data Transfer Media

   • Metal wire
   • Fibre optic cable
   • Wireless

3. Network Interface Card

   • Prepares data for sending over network
   • Controls flow of data

4. Hub

   • Join computers in a network
   • Allows connection of cables
   • Share files and Internet access

5. Router

   • Join several networks together
   • Wired/wireless
   • Connect several computers to Internet

6. Switch

   • Looks at a packet of data and decides where to send it to
   • Reduces number of packets on network, speed increases

7. Network Software

   • Network Operating Systems
   • Network Management Software

8. Point of Sale Systems

   • Where you pay for goods
   • Use networks to automatically record stock levels
   • Hardware
     • Barcode reader
     • Keyboard
     • Touch Screens
     • Chip and Pin readers
     • Swipe Card Readers
   • Point of Sale Networks
     • Payment Systems
     • Loyalty Systems
     • Automatic stock control systems

9. Network Advantages

   • Share hardware
   • Share software
   • Central backup system
     • Improves security
   • Share files/data
   • Cost-effective

10. Network Disadvantages

    • Network manager needed
      • Expensive
    • Security problems - viruses
    • Breakdown problems - network breaks, all computers affected.
    • Expensive - installation