networks

networks

1. Advantages

   • Can log into every computer.
   • Files are able to work on every computer.
   • Print, use the internet, email and use software on every computer.

2. Disadvantages

   • Extra software is expensive.
   • If something happens, it will affect all computers.
     • Viruses can spread through networks.
   • Needs technical expertise.

3. Lan - Local Area Network

   • Spans a small area, single organisation

4. Wan - Wide Area Network

   • Spans a large area, multiple organisations

5. Bus Topology

   • Single cable that runs through the network.
   • Cheap to install.
   • High chance of catastrophic failure.
   • High chance of collisions.

6. Ring Topology

   • Computers are connected to each other in a ring.
   • Communication only goes in one direction.
   • No central cable, each connection is between 2 computers.
   • Difficult to add new computers.
   • High chance of catastrophic failure.

7. Star Topology

   • All computers are connected to a central switch.
   • The switch directs the traffic to the appropriate computer.
   • Easy to add new computers.
     • Low chance of catastrophic failure.
   • Expensive and if the switch fails, the entire network will be taken down.

8. I.P.

   • A unique value assigned to every computer on the network, to identify it.
   • Messages can reach the correct devices.
   • Messages on a network have an IP address attached, the computer knows whether or not to keep the message.
   • Each computer in the school has an internal IP address, which the internet can not see.
   • The school's main router uses the school's one external IP address when communicating outside of school.