Networks Flashcards
What is a WAN?
Wide area network:
Spread over a large area, e.g. large companies use them between countries
What is an internet?
A network of networks
What is an intranet?
A private internal network
What is an extranet?
If you allow access to your intranet from outside it becomes an extranet
What is a router?
Controls the flow of data between networks
What is a switch?
A device that analyses the data that passes through it sending the data to the correct device
What is a gateway?
Links a LAN to a WAN
What is a bridge?
Links a LAN to a LAN
What does a network allow?
The sharing of data, software and peripherals. They also enable electronic communication
State the advantages and disadvantages of a star network
Advantages:
Central back up
If one line breaks network remains active
Easy to expand
High performance - suitable for large networks
Disadvantages:
Expensive
Need experts to maintain
If fileserver breaks network is useless
State the advantages and disadvantages of a ring network
Advantages: Very fast data speeds Not dependent of central server Cheap to install Can be created by non experts
Disadvantages: If one link fails, network fails Backup issues Only suitable for small networks Shut off network to add a node
State the advantages and disadvantages of a bus network
Advantages:
Cheap and easy to install
Fast data transmission
Easy to expand
Disadvantages:
If main cable damaged, network fails
Security issues - data sent to every machine
Backup issues
State the advantages and disadvantages of networks
Advantages:
Can easily share data
Can easily share software
Disadvantages:
If one computer goes down, they all go down in most networks
What is a LAN?
Local area network:
Confined to a small area, e.g. school
