Networks

Networks

1. Advantages

   • Hardware can be shared so a printer on a network can be used by all the computers connected to that network.
   • Software can be shared
   • Networked computers can communicate with each other.
   • Networked computers can be controlled by network manager.

2. Disadvantages

   • The cost of cabling is expensive.
   • Computers on a network are liable to attacks from viruses.
   • Hackers may gain unauthorised access.
   • Sometimes a network fails to work and can cause havoc.

3. Types of networks

   • a file server is a device which controls access to separately stored files, as part of a multi-user system.
   • a client–server network is one computer acting as a file server.
   • a peer-to-peer network. is a network all computers are of equal importance

4. Bus network topology

   • Advantages
     • Cheap to set up – no cabling
     • If a computer fails the network continues to work
   • Disadvantages
     • If the network breaks, no of the computers can access the network.
     • Can be slow

5. Star network topology

   • Adavantages
     • All the computers are connected to a central hub which directs the flow of data
     • Each computer had its own connecti0n to the hub so if one connection cable breaks down it will not affect the other computers
     • Direct access to the file server which means the access is fast
   • Disadvantages
     • Expensive to install due to cabling
     • If the hub or file server at the centre of the network fails, all the computers are affected.

6. Ring network topology

   • Advantages
     • Cheap to set-up
     • Date speed is continuous (no data collision)
   • Disadvantages
     • If any cable/computer breaks it affects the whole network (stops the flow of data)

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