Networks

Networks

1. Types of networks

   • WAN
     • Wide Area Network
     • A widely spread network that usually has multiple LAN'S connected.
   • LAN
     • Local Area Network
     • A local network that can be part of a WAN

2. Advantages of a network

   • There is no need to use the same computer every time as your login can transfer
   • You can communicate to other computers

3. Disadvantages of a network

   • If one computer catches a virus all computers in the network will be infected
   • Only specialist people can set it up
   • Very expensive

4. Types of topologys

   • Star
     • 'Star' shaped
     • Very expensive
     • Very fast
     • Low chance of failures and collisions
     • Easy to add new computers
   • Bus
     • Chance of catastrophic failure
     • Slows down when new computers added
     • Cheap
   • Ring
     • 'Ring' shaped
     • No collisions
     • Chance of failures
     • Cheap

5. IP addresses

   • A unique value assigned to every computer in a network.
   • Messages on a network have an assigned IP address so computers know when to pass on a message.
   • The internet has so many devices there are not enough IP addresses for them all
     • This means that businesses, homes ect. have their own networks with their own IP addresses