networks

networks

1. advantages

   • share files
     • so the same files are available on which ever computer you use
   • share logins
     • so the same username and password can be used on every computer network
   • share resources
     • such as printers and internet connections.

2. disadvantages

   • cost
     • networks are expensive to set up
   • increased risks
     • problems such as viruses can effect every computer on the network
   • difficulty
     • expertise is needed to set up and maintain the network.

3. types of networks

   • LAN
     • local area network
       • a small area or singal organisation
   • WAN
     • wide area network
       • large area or multiple organisation

4. topologies

   • bus topology
     • advantages
       • cheap to install
     • disadvantages
       • high chance of catastrophic failure
     • it is where a single cable runs through the network, all devices are attached to this single cable
   • ring topology
     • advantages
       • cheap to install
       • no collisions (fast)
     • disadvantages
       • high chance of catastrophic failure
       • difficult to expand
     • Computers are connected to each other in a ring Communication only goes in one direction Each computer receives a message, and if it is not the intended recipient, passes it on to the next computer No central cable, each connection is between two computers
   • star topology
     • advantages
       • low chance of failure
       • no collisions (fast)
     • disadvantages
       • expensive
       • depends on switch
     • All computers are connected to a central switch. The switch directs the traffic to the appropriate computer

5. IP addresses

   • an IP address is a unique value assigned to every computer on a network
     • it is used to identify the computer
   • IP addresses range from 0.0.0.0 to 255.255.255.255.
   • unique addresses are assigned to businesses and houses
   • IPv6 uses 16 bits for each section of the address, creating a 128-bit address. This allows almost 80 octillion unique IP addresses.
     • adoption of IPv6 has been delayed in part due to network address translation (NAT), which takes private IP addresses and turns them into public IP addresses.