3.2 Local Area Network Flashcards
What is a LAN
Local Area Network and operates on a single site such as a school, or house system etc.
Difference between LAN and WAN
LAN is located within one building, WAN connect networks at remote locations via leased lines
Advantages of networks
- Computers can share resources such as printers
- Files can be accessed through any computer in the network
- Data is easy to back up as it is stored centrally on the server
Disadvantages of networks
- Purchasing the network hardware is expensive
- Managing a large network is complicated
- Viruses may be able to infiltrate the network and infect every computer
What is a network topology?
A way in which clients of the network can be connected to each other
What are the 2 types of topologies?
Star and Mesh
What is a star network?
Computers and other devices (nodes) are connected to a central switch
Star network advantages
Fast data transfers to the hub as each wire isn’t shared with other computers
If one cable fails the other computers are not affected
Star network disadvantages
Requires additional hardware such as the central switch and network cables
If the central switch fails the whole network goes down
What is mesh networking
Nodes act as routers for data in order to relay propagate data in the network
What is a partial mesh network?
Half inter-connected connections and used in conjunction with star topologies to create larger networks
What topology does the internet use?
Internet topology in which many parts operate as a partial mesh so there can be many routes
Mesh network advantages
- No single point of failure - it is resilient
- Expansion and modification can be done without disrupting the network
- Data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously
Mesh network disadvantages
- Can involve redundant connections
- Expensive to install cabling if using wired connections
- Network maintenance and administration is difficult
Give examples of Network hardware
- NIC (Network Interface Card)
- A router or switch
- A modem
- A WAP (Wireless Access Point)
What does a router do?
- Looks at the destination of packets of data and sends them to the network that is closer towards their destination
- A home router will route packets between the home LAN and the Internet
What does a switch do?
- Switches connect each node (computer) in a network
- They know the MAC address if all connected computers and devices
- When a packet of data arrives, they can send it to the correct computer
- Hubs will send data to all computers
What is an ethernet protocol
It describes how devices should format data ready for transmission between computers on the same network
What is transmission media?
- The way that communication is sent through the network
- Ethernet is sent with fibre optic cables.
- In the UK, connections are usually sent through copper or coaxial cables
LAN
local area network
Star network
each computer connects to a central switch
Mesh network
Each computer/router can connect to other nodes
Router
Routes packets of data towards their destination
Switch
Sends data to the appropriate connected computer
NIC
Network Interface Card/Controller
Name 4 types of transmission media
Ethernet cable, fibre optic cable, WIFI/wireless/microwaves, coaxial cable, copper cable
