Networks

Networks

1. LAN

   • Local area network
   • E.G. school, college
   • covers a small area such as one site or building

2. WAN

   • Wide area network
   • E.G. Internet, NHS
   • covers a large area, most WANs are made from several LANs

3. Advantages

   • Sharing devices such as printers saves mony
   • Files can easily be shared between users
   • Site licenses are likely to be cheaper than buying several standalone licenses.
   • Network users can commounicate
   • Security is good
   • Data is easy to back up

4. Disadvantages

   • Viruses can spread
   • Hacking
   • Large network is complicated need training so new employees
   • Purchasing the network cabling and file servers can be expensive
   • If the server breaks down files on the server became inaccessable

5. Bus Network

   • In a bus network all the workstations, servers and printers are joined to one cable (the bus)
   • Advantages
     • Easy to install
     • Cheap to install
   • Disadvantages
     • If the main cable fails/damaged network fails. As more work stations are connected, performance is slower
     • Every workstation sees 'sees' all data

6. Ring network

   • Each device (workstation, server and printer) is connected to two other devices, this forms a ring for the signals to travel around
   • Advantages
     • can transfer data quickly
   • Disadvantages
     • if main cable fails it all fails

7. Star Network

   • Each device on the network has its own cable that connects to a switch or hub.
   • Advantages
     • Reliable
     • If one cable fails others will continue to work
     • Quick as no data collisions occur
   • Disadvantages
     • Expensive
     • If hub or switch fails all devices fail

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