Networks

Networks

1. Disadvantages

   • The cost of cabling and setting up can be high
   • A virus can spread through a network quite quickly (infecting each computer)
   • Hackers may gain unauthorised access to files saved on a network server

2. Advantages

   • can share printers, save money!
   • Site licenses cheaper than several standalone licenses
   • Files can easily be shared
   • Network users can communicate easily
   • Software can be shared
   • Data can be shared
   • Network computers can be centrally controlled by a network manager
   • Easier back up schedule

3. A file server

   • A file server is a computer on a network that holds files that can be used by other computers on the same network

4. A client server

   • A client server network has one computer acting as a file server

5. A peer to peer network

   • In a peer to peer network all computers are of equal importance

6. Topology

   • Bus
     • Advantages
       • Cheap network setup
       • If the computer fails; the network continues to work
     • Disadvantages
       • Speed of data is slow
       • If the network cable breaks; none of the computers can access the network
   • Ring
     • Advantages
       • CHeap network setup
       • Data speed is continuous (no data collision)
     • Disadvantages
       • If any computers or the network cables breaks; it can affect the whole network
   • Star
     • Advantages
       • If a cable / computer breaks, all the computers will still be able to access the file server
       • Direct access to the file server means the access is faster
     • Disadvantages
       • Expensive to install due to cable needs
       • File server fails; all of the computers are affected

7. Intranet

   • A network providing similar services to the internet but only available within one company / establishment

8. Extranet

   • Part of an Intranet that can be accessed by authorised members on the internet

9. World wide web (www)

   • The collection of multimedia info or resources available on the internet

10. Components

    • Switch
      • A device that filters data packets and forwards them between segment of the network
    • Network interface card (NIC)
      • Computer hardware, generally installed inside the computer or peripheral, that allows devices to connect to wired network
    • Gateway
      • A system to allow a LAN to connect with a WAN such as the internet
    • Router (generally located at gateways)
      • A device that forwards data packets along a network. they determine the best path for forwarding the packets, by communicating with other routers
    • Bridge
      • Connects a LAN to another LAN