Computer Networks

Computer Networks

1. Computer network - 2 or more devices / computers connected together that can communicate with each other / share data and resources

   • PAN - Personal Area Network
     • Bluetooth
     • Bluetooth headphones
     • Smart watch
   • LAN - Local Area Network
     • Small geographical area
     • Often owned and controlled/managed by a single person or organisation
   • WAN - Wide Area Network
     • The internet is the largest example of a WAN
     • Cover a wide geographic area
     • Often under collective or distributed ownership
   • Pros:
     • Data can be shared between devices
     • Resources can be shared between devices
     • Can easily monitor devices on the network
     • User can logon / access their files from any device connected to the network
     • Data is stored centrally and so easy to backup
   • Cons:
     • Hardware costs are high
     • Costs of employing people to manage the network are high
     • Single point of failure - if the server goes offline, no one can logon or access files
     • Speeds can decrease with high traffic
     • Security - malware could spread through the network / a single compromised user account could provide access to the network

2. Network hardware

   • Wired
     • Copper
     • Fibre optic
   • Wireless