networks

Question 1

LAN advantages

Answer 1

• easy to share equipment such as printers and photocopiers which reduces costs
• makes it easier to share files and information with employees. networked software eg databases allow users to access centrally stored information at their desks.
• backups can be taken on a regular basis which reduces chance of losing files.
• security can be set to restrict access to certain areas of the network (access rights)
• email allows fast communication without staff leaving their desks - documents can be sent between departments and meetings can be held online

Question 2

LAN disadvantages

Answer 2

• if the network goes down, then no-one can access files, which will slow down productivity
• if the server file is damaged or stolen then all files could be lost
• a virus can spread very quickly over a LAN

Question 3

WAN advantages

Answer 3

• data can be transmitted between branches very quickly
• gives easy access to the internet

Question 4

WAN disadvantages

Answer 4

• people outside the organisation could have access to your data so there need to be tight security measures in place
• there is no control over external websites - they can be removed or changed by the owner so some pages could become unavailable

Question 5

describe LAN

Answer 5

local area networks use servers to connect computes and equipment within small geographical areas, eg within a building

Question 6

describe WAN

Answer 6

wide area network connects computers on a world-wide scale, eg the internet.

can also connect different branches of an organisation anywhere in the world