1.3 Networks Flashcards
Network
Two or more linked computers.
Advantages of Networks
- Users can share files
- Users can share peripherals
- Users can access their files from other computers on the network
- Servers can control security software updates and backup of data.
Disadvantages of Networks
- Increased security risks to data.
- Malware and viruses spread easily between computers.
- Computer may run slowly if there is a lot of data travelling through the network.
LAN
Local Area Network
WAN
Wide Area Network
Characteristics of LAN
- Covers small geographical area.
- All the hardware for a LAN is owned internally.
- Wired with a UTP/fibre optic cable
- Wireless using Wi-Fi.
Characteristics of WAN
- Covers large geographical area, linking
LANs together. - Infrastructure between LANs is leased
from the companies who own them. - WANs are connected with telephone lines,
fibre optic cables or satellite links
Advantages of LAN
- Cheap to set up
- Easy to set up
- Secure
- Rapid communication between devices.
Disadvantages of LAN
- Limited distance covered.
Advantages of WAN
- Large distance covered.
- Higher bandwidth.
Disadvantages of WAN
- Less secure
- Large installation cost
Factors affecting Network Performance
- Bandwidth
- Contention rate
- Latency
- Error rate
- Transmission media
Bandwidth
The amount of data that can be sent and received at a given time. Measured in bits per second.
Contention rate
Too many users on the same network can cause it to slow down as bandwidth is limited.
Latency
The delay from transmitting to receiving data.
Caused by bottlenecks in infrastructure of network or hardware not operating at the same speed.
Error Rate
The number of data collisions per second. The higher the error rate, the network slows down as data must be resent.
Client-server networks
A server controls access and security to one shared file store, manages peripherals and backup of data.
A client makes requests to the server for data and connections.
Advantages of Client-server networks
(3)
- Easier to manage security files.
- Easier to backup all shared data.
- Easier to install updates on all connected computers.
Disadvantages of Client-server networks (4)
- Expensive to set up and maintain.
- Needs IT specialists to maintain.
- Single point of failure.
- Users lose access if server fails.
Peer-to-Peer Networks
All computers on the network are equal and are responsible for their own security and backups.
Advantages of Peer-to-Peer networks (4)
- Easy to maintain
- No specialists required
- No dependency on single computer
- Cheaper to set up
Disadvantages of Peer-to-Peer networks
- Less secure
- Difficult to maintain file store
- Users manage own backups
Modes of Connection
Wired - Ethernet
Wireless - Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Wired Networks
Use physical wires to connect devices. Typically used in offices as cables limit their ability to move.