networks Flashcards
computer network
System that connects two or more computing devices for transmitting and sharing information
advantages of computer networks
file sharing
hardware sharing
communication
roaming access
security
reduces costs
disadvantages of computer networks
lose access to info quickly
high cost
distractions
what is PAN
personal area network
only requires bluetooth to connect
what is a LAN
local area network
covers small geographical area
often owned and controlled by a single person
what is WAN
wide area network
internet
cover wide area
often under collected or distributed ownership
star topology
all devices connected to one hub or switch
bus topology
all devices connected together on a long line
NIC
network interface card
hardware device that allows it to connect to networks
wan advantages and disadvantages
expensive
covers large geographical area
uses copper or fibre optic cables
star topology advantages
one broken wire won’t affect rest of network
adding more devices is easy
transmit data at the same time
few data collisions
star topology disadvantage
wires expensive
expensive switch hardware
switch problem can affect whole network
max number of possible connections
bus topology pros
network unaffected if a device fails
aren’t dependant on central switch
relatively cheap (less wiring then star)
bus topology cons
data collisions are common
more devices ==more collisions
bus cable being broken can shut down entire network
ethernet
like wifi but only used in wired connections
