1.4 | Network

1.4 | Network

1. What is a network?

   • A collection of computers, servers, mainframes, network devices, peripherals, or other devices connected to one other to allow the sharing of data.
   • A group of interconnected computers / devices.

2. What are the main types of network?

   • Local Area Network (LAN)
     • What is LAN?
       • It covers a small area such as one site or building.
         • eg. a school
   • Wide Area Network (WAN)
     • What is WAN?
       • It covers a large geographical area.
         • eg. the internet
       • Most are made from several LANs connected together.

3. What are the advantages?

   • Sharing devices saves money.
     • eg. printers
   • Files can be easily shared between users.
   • Data is easy to backup as all the data is stored on the file server.
   • Security is good.
     • Users cannot see other users' files unlike on stand-alone machines.

4. What are the disadvantages?

   • Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive.
   • Viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer network.
   • Danger of hacking, particularly with WAN.
     • To prevent this, security procedures are needed.
       • eg. a firewall