Network Flashcards
What is a network?
It is a collection of computers connected together so that they can communicate
Define LAN and what it’s used for
Local Area Network suitable for smaller areas such as single organisations
Define WAN and what it’s used for
Wide Area Network available over very large areas in many different organisations
Give an advantage of a ring topology
It is fast as all data travels one way
Give a disadvantage of a ring topology
If one cable breaks, all the computers will not work
Describe a bus network
They join all networks to one big cable called a backbone
Give two advantages of a bus netwok
They are cheap and easy to install
Why are bus networks not suitable for large LANs?
As too many computers can slow down the network
Describe a star network
Computers are connected directly to one big server using hubs or switches
A star network is fast because each computer has its own line to the server, give another advantage
If one cable breaks, all of the other cables will still work
Give a disadvantage for using a star network
It is expensive to buy the hardware
Define a router
These are used to allow different networks to speak to each other to communicate
What is a Gateway?
These allow different networks to speak to each other by translating the data
Describe a bridge
They are used to join two LANS together to form one larger network
Give an advantage and disadvantage of using networks over stand alone computers
An advantage is that data can be shared making it easier to work together. A disadvantage is that viruses can spread easily through networks
