Networks

Networks

1. Types of Networks

   • WAN
     • Wide area network
       • A network that spans a large area or multiple organisations
   • LAN
     • Local area network
       • A network in a small area or single organisation

2. Advantages

   • Share files
     • The same files are avalible to whichever computer you see
   • Share resourses
     • Such as printers and the internet connection
   • Share logins
     • So the same username and password can be used on every computer on the network

3. Disadvantages

   • Cost
     • Networks are expensive to set up
   • Increased risk
     • Problems such as viruses can affect every computer on the network
   • Difficulty
     • Expertise is needed to setup and maintain a network

4. Network Topologies

   • Bus
     • Advantages
       • Cheap
     • Disadvantages
       • High chance of failure
       • Lots of colisions
       • Slows down as more computers are added
   • Ring
     • Advantages
       • Cheap
       • No collisions
     • Disadvantages
       • High chance of failure
       • Difficult to extend
   • Star
     • Advantages
       • Fast
       • Easy to add new computers
       • Low chance of failure
     • Disadvantages
       • Expensive
       • Failure of switch will take down network

5. IP Adress

   • A unique value assigned to every computer on a network, to identify it
   • Unique addresses are assigned to buisnesses and houses
     • These houses and businesses run their own mini network inside with different IP addresses
   • Messages on a network have an IP address attached, which a computer knows weather or not to keep the message