Networks

Networks

1. Advantages

   • Share files - so the same files are available whichever computer you use.
   • share resources - such as printers and internet connection etc...
   • Share logins - so the same username and password can be used on every computer on the network

2. Disadvantages

   • Expensive - pricey to set up and a lot of money for the equipment needed.
   • Malware - there is more room for error so if one computer gets a virus it can or will effect all the computers in the network.
   • Difficulty - it requires very technical expertise.

3. Types of networks

   • LAN - this stands for Local Area Network:
     • a network in a small area or single organisation.
   • WAN - this stands for Wide Area Network:
     • a network that spans a large area or multiple organisations.

4. Topologies

   • Bus topology
     • Advantages: cheap to install
     • Disadvantages: high chance of catastrophic failure; lots of collisions; slows down as more computers are added.
   • Star topology
     • Advantages: low chance of failure; no collisions (fast)
     • Disadvantages: expensive; depends on a switch.
   • Ring topology
     • Advantages: cheap to install; no collisions (fast)
     • Disadvantages: high chance of catastrophic failure; difficult to expand.

5. IP Addresses

   • IP Address is a unique value assigned to every computer on a network, used to identify
     • Messages on a network have an IP Addresses attached, which is how a computer knows whether or not to keep the messages.
   • the internet is a huge network with more devices than it's possible to asign a unique address to.
     • Unique addresses are assigned to businesses and houses.
       • these house and businesses run their own mini-networks inside with IP Addresses.