Networks - LANs and WANs Flashcards
What is a LAN?
A local area network for small geographical area on a single site
All hardware is owned by the organisation
LANs can be wired or wireless. What do wired LANs use?
Ethernet
LANs can be wired or wireless. What do wireless LANs use?
Wi-Fi
Where are LANs used?
Schools, Universities
Homes -> to connect devies e.g. tablets, PCs, printers
Benefits of using a LAN
Sharing files is easier
Can share hardware e.g. printer
Shared internet connection
Install/update software on all computes at once
Cheaper
What is a WAN?
A wide area network in different geographical locations
They hire infrastructure due to expenses e.g. communication lines
Uses of WANs
Businesses with office abroad
How are WANs connected?
Copper telephone lines
Satellite links
Radio links
What factors can affect the Performance of Networks?
Bandwidth = the amount of data that can be transferred in a given time
Wired connections -> more reliable and faster
Network topology
