1.3 Types of Networks

Question 1

What are advantages of networking?

Answer 1

• Users can share files
• Users can share peripherals: printers and connections to other networks, e.g. The Internet
• Users can access their files from any computer on the network
• Servers can control security, software updates and backup of data
• Communication with other people, e.g. email and social networking

Question 2

What is a LAN?

Answer 2

• Covers a small geographical area located on a single site
• All the hardware for a LAN is owned b the organisation using it
• LANs are wired with UTP cables, fibre optic, or wireless using Wi-Fi

Question 3

What is a WAN?

Answer 3

• Covers a large geographical area, connecting LANs together
• Infrastructure between the LANs is leased from telecommunication companies who own and manage it
• WANs are connected with telephone lines, fibre optic cables or satellite links

Question 4

What are the disadvantages of networking?

Answer 4

• Increased security risks to data
• Malware and viruses spread very easily between computers
• If a server fails, the computers connected to it may not work
• The computer may run slower if there is a lot of data travelling on the network