Networks

Networks

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

   • - A network in a single location/building
   • - The connection of computers within the house comprise a LAN

2. Wide Area Network (WAN)

   • - A network spread over a wide geographical area
   • - Internet is a global WAN
   • - The pupils could access the school network from home

3. A Hub/Router

   • - Passes all communications/ data it receives to all the computers within the network.

4. File Server

   • - To manage communications from nodes
   • - To store shared applications software
   • - To store shared files such as documents, databases
   • To control central resources such as storage media/ printers

5. Switch

   • - Acts as a traffic control centre for the LAN
   • - When the switch receives a data packet it reads the address from the header
     • The data packet is then routed to the destination
   • - Check the destination of all communications/ data it receives. then forwards it to the computer it is intended for

6. Firewall

   • - Consists of software or a communication of hardware and software.
   • - Controls the flow of traffic going into the network by implementing security rules
   • - It controls the flow of traffic going out of a network
   • - Prevents viruses/ hacking