Module 2.1- Local area network Flashcards
Hardware
Physical components connected to a network
Main terms used for hardware in networks: client, workstation, server
Client
Any computing device that’s connected to a network
Workstation
Specifically a desktop computer connected in a network
Server
A computer that provides resources to clients instead of serving as a user
Types of servers
File server
Email server
Web server- host websites
Printer server- handle printing requirements
Internet/proxy server- Used for security control and monitoring for viruses that need to be implemented at one place
Database server- Allow access to data stored in central databases
Speeding up internet access
Internet access can be sped up by storing up recently opened web pages on a disk
Switch
- Used to connect computers in a network with a cable so that communication can happen between the computers (not used for internet access)
- One end of the network cable connects into port that’s connected to NIC and other end is connected to switch
- Switch can send data that was sent fr one computer to another on a network
- Switches are stored in cabinets
- Large networks will have multiple switches
“100/10” this refers to the data transmission speed
WLAN (wireless LAN)
- Easier to install
- More practical between buildings
- Reduces clutter
- Adds mobility for mobile users
Fibre Optic vs UTP
Fibre
* More expensive
* More complex to install
* No electromagnetic interferance
* Signal travels furhther and faster
* Uses light
* Is immune to eavesdropping
UTP
* Cheap
* Easy to install
* Loses signal over a distance
* Slower
* Is succeptible to electromagnetic interferance
* Can be eavesdropped on
Wireless connection
- Access points are needed in a wireless network to allow radio waves to communicate between devices
- These access points are connected via a cable
Wireless connection
- Devices s in a network communocate wirelessly through access points
- Access points consist of antennas and senders that communicate with each other using radio waves
- Access points are connected using cables to a port
- Wireless connections are slower than wired ones
“802.11” refers to the speed that the wireless adaptor os capable of
Network Software
- Software that controls all the security and communication in a network
- Some Operating Systems like Microsoft 10 have bulit-in network software
- Larger operating systems will have a server like edition that provieds more security and allows more people to be connected to it
Advantages to LAN
- External portrable devices are not necessary to transfer files
- Files are stored on one main computer so the file can be accessed through any deivce connected iin that network
- All computer can share hardware like printers
- All computers can share internet access
- Easier to update/install things like anti-virus as they do not have to be installed one by one, only by the main computer
- All computers share software applications
- Security is easier to manage as user’s access to certain info can be limited al at once
Disadvantages to LAN
- Can be expensive to install
- If an issue occurs at the main server then all other connected computers may get affected
- If its a WLAN then the signal may be affected by electrical interference
- WLAN is not as secure as it can be hacked
- Data must be maintained regularly
- A network administrator is needed to manage the network
Network security
- This refers to policies put in place to make sure that unauthotised users do not have access to information to ensure safety
