1.3 network set ups Flashcards
What is a network
Group or system of connected devices
What is a LAN
Local Access Network - network that is geographically confined to a building or site
What is a WAN
Wider Access Network - network spread over a wider geographical area
Advantages of networks
- file sharing
- hardware sharing - such as a printer
- communication
- roaming access - sign into any computer to access information from network
- centralised updates, maintenance and security
- user monitoring
- levels of access - different users can be given different levels of access
Disadvantages of networks
Cost
Management
Spread of malware
Hacking
Factors that effect the performance of networks
- amount of devices
- bandwidth and transmission medium - how much data is being transmitted and how
- type of network traffic
- network latency
- number of transmission errors
What is bandwidth
Amount of data that can be transmitted in a certain time. Each connected devices requires it to be able to communicate
What is latency
Measure of how long it takes to send a messages from one device to another across a network. Low latency has few transmission delays whereas high latency has lots of transmission delays
Do hub based networks or switch based networks experience higher latency
Hub based as they broadcast messages to all devices
How do client server networks work
Separate computers into servers and clients. The clients rely on the servers to provide and manage data. They don’t usually store data
What is a server
Store files or provides services to other computers on the network control network and allow other computers to communicate
How does a peer to peer network work
All computers have equal status. Store their own files which can be accessed by other peers on the network
What is an NIC
Network Interface Card - method of connecting to a network. Offers an interface port for a wired connection or a radio transceiver for connecting wirelessly. Most modern PCs come with a NIC built in
What is a hub
Small device that allows wired devices to connect to a network. No knowledge of the computers connected so any data it receives is sent to all computers making it slower
What is a switch
Connects devices using wires like a hub but it also records which devices are connected to which port so only intended recipient gets data. Uses IP and MAC addresses