networks

networks

1. Disadvantages

   • Expensive
     • extra hardware and wiring 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

2. 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 oganisations

3. advantages

   • share files
     • so the same files are available whichever computer you use
   • share resources
     • such as printers & internet connection
   • share logins
     • so the same username & password can be used on every computer on the network

4. Topologies

   • Bus topology
     • advantages
       • cheap to install
     • disadvantages
       • high chance of catastrophic failure
       • slows down as more computers are added
       • lots of collisions
   • Ring topology
     • advantages
       • cheap to install
       • no collisions (fast)
     • disadvantages
       • high chance of catastrophic failure
       • difficult to expand
   • Star topology
     • advantages
       • no chance of failure
       • no collisions (fast)
     • disadvantages
       • expensive
       • depends on a switch

5. IP addresses

   • An IP Address is a unique value assigned to every computer on a network, used to identify it
   • Messages on a network have an IP address attached, which is how a computer knows whether or not to keep the message
   • external IP
     • Buildings
   • Internal IP
     • Devices