networks!

networks!

1. advantages

   • Share files- so the same files are available whichever computer you use,
   • Share resources-such as printers and internet connection.
   • Share logins-so the same username and password can be used on every computer on the network.

2. disadvantages

   • Expensive-extra hardware and writing needed.
   • More room for error -if something goes wrong it can affect every computer.
   • Difficult-it requires a technical expertise,.
   • Malware-viruses and other malicious software can spread through the network.

3. types of networks

   • LAN - local area network.
     • A network in a small area or single organisation.
   • WAN-wide area network
     • A network that spans a large area or multiple organisations.

4. topology

   • ring
     • advantages
       • cheap to install.
       • fast ( no collisions )
   • disadvantages
     • high chance of catastrophic failure
     • difficult to expand
   • star
     • advantages
       • fast (low chance of collision )
       • easy to add new computers
       • low chance of catastrophic failure
     • disadvantages
       • expensive (needs a lot of cabling )
       • failure of the switch

5. IP ADDRESS

   • an IP address is a unique value assigned to every computer on a network, used to identify it.

6. Internet

   • disadvantages
     • While a mesh network like the Internet is very reliable, it has a big downside when compared to other topologies like a star
   • Packets
     • Huge amounts of data travels around the internet
     • A 4K move streamed from Netflix can be up to 40GB in size