Networks

Networks

1. Advantages

   • Faster
   • Share resources
   • More reliable
   • Can log on to any computer on the same password and username
   • Files available on every computer

2. Disadvantages

   • Cost
   • Security concerns
   • Viruses and malware
   • Lack of robustness
   • Lack of independence

3. Network types

   • LAN: Local area network. A network contained in a single geographical location or organisation.
   • WAN: Wide area network. A network that spans a large geographical area or multiple organisations. Often consists of multiple LANs networked together

4. Topologies

   • Bus topology
     • Consists of a single cable that runs through the network. All devices attach to this single cable.
     • Advantages: Cheap to install.
     • Disadvantages: High chance of catastrophic failure and collisions. More computers means more collisions so the network gets slower as it gets bigger.
   • Ring topology
     • Computers are connected to each other in a ring. Communication only goes in one direction. There is no central cable, each connection is between two computers
     • Disadvantages: High chance of catastrophic failure. If any cable breaks or any computer goes down, the entire network fails. Difficult to add new computers.
     • Advantages: Cheap to install. No collisions - only one computer is transmitting on each cable.
   • Star topology
     • All computers are connected to a central switch. The switch directs the traffic to the appropriate computer.
     • Disadvantages: Expensive and failure of the switch will take down the network.
     • Advantages: Fast and easy to add new computers. Low chance of catastrophic failure.

5. IP address

   • It is a unique identifier given to something.