Networking Keywords

Networking Keywords

1. Local Area Network

   • A Local Area Network is a computer network that connects nodes locally
     • + Shared peripherals (printers, etc.), shared software, data can be stored on a central machine
     • - Difficult to set up, viruses spread easily, expensive

2. Wide Area Network

   • A Wide Area Network is a computer network that covers a large area
     • + Data can be shared world-wide, shared peripherals and software,
     • - Can be less secure, encryption of data can be essential,

3. Client/Server Network

   • A Client/Server Network is where the nodes connect to a central server
     • + Files are stored in a central server, printers and other peripherals are controlled centrally, backups and security is controlled centrally
     • - A network operating system is required, servers can

4. Peer to Peer Network

   • A Peer to Peer Network is a network where peers recieve and send resources
     • + Easy to set up, no need for network operating system, no need for network staff
     • - PCs being accessed will decrease performance, cannot centrally back up files, viruses spread easily

5. Intranet

   • An intranet is where a network uses an Internet Protocol to share data

6. Extranet

   • An extranet is a network that allows access from the outside

7. Stand-alone Computer

   • A stand-alone computer is a computer that isn't connected to a network/other computer

8. Node

   • A node is a device connected to a network

9. Wireless Local Area Network

   • A wireless local area network links devices wirelessly
     • + Easy to add devices and install, flexible, cheaper depending on amount of devices
     • - The more devices connected will decrease speed, less secure.

10. Bus Network

    • This network is where all the nodes are connected with a single cable
      • - Difficult to troubleshoot and one malfunctioning node brings down entire network
      • + Cheap, quick and easy to set up

11. Star Network

    • This is where the nodes connect to a central hub
      • + Good performance and easy to expand
      • - Expensive to set up because of the required extra hardware

12. Ring Network

    • This network is where all the nodes/PCs connect to the adjacent node/PCs
      • + Adding nodes doesn't affect bandwidth
      • - If one node fails the entire network will have problems

13. More Keywords

    • Acceptable use
      • A set of rules to assure that the users of the network understand what they're are expected to do/not do
    • Failover
      • A failover are ways to prevent disasters, for example a UPS, secondary servers
    • Archiving
      • Archiving files takes data away from a main server and saves it in a different location to increase system speed and reduce storage space.
    • Disaster recovery
      • Having a plan of action to recover from network failures to prevent data loss and backing up your data from a remote location. Security guards, strong passwords, anti-viruses.
    • Back up
      • Backing up data is where you save data to a secondary location to prevent data loss. Should be backed up remotely.