Topic 1 Networks Flashcards
Factors when choosing a network (6)
Cost of network Size of organisation How the system will be used Existing systems Performance required Security
Costs associated with a network (6)
Staffing cost Network maintenance costs Hardware costs Software Cost of third party communication lines Training costs
Advantages of peer-to-peer networks (5)
Cost saving (no server required) No network manager is required Easy to set up - simple There is no reliance on a server Lower operating costs
Disadvantages of peer-to-peer networks (4)
Backups can’t be made centrally
Poorer security - shared resources
Harder to find files - not stored centrally
Only suitable for small networks (>15 computers)
Advantages Client-server networks (5)
Security is better - centralised
Centralised data - all users access the same data
Backups are taken centrally - data unlikely to be lost
Faster access to programs and files
Centralised administration
Disadvantages Client-server networks (4)
More expensive
Need specialist knowledge
Software is sophisticated and expensive
If the server breaks down it makes the network unusable
Advantages and Disadvantages of Ring topology (2) (3)
+
Not dependent on a central computer
Each computer has the same access ( no one computer can ‘hog’ the network
-
One break in connection breaks the whole network
Faults are difficult to locate
Impossible to keep the network working when equipment is added or removed
Advantages and Disadvantages of Star topology (3) (2)
+
Fault-tolerant
Load tolerant - no loss in performance
Easy to add extra computers
-
Higher costs
Dependant on the central hub
Advantages and Disadvantages of Bus topology (3) (2)
+
Cost effective because of the small amount of cable required
Simple cable runs make it easy to install
Easy to add extra devices to the network
-
If more than about 12 devices are connected, performance is degraded
If there is a break in the backbone cable, the network can’t be used
Advantages of Wi-Fi (3)
Ideal for use in old buildings
Allows inexpensive LANs to be set up
Work anywhere there is a signal
Disadvantages of Wi-Fi (5)
High power consumption May be health problems in using Wi-Fi May be security problems Home networks have a very limited range Transmission speed slower than cable
Remote management (6)
Check hardware to see what needs upgrading Shut down stations Check for unauthorised software Clear printer queues at their stations Take control of stations Update software
Log-in
Identifying yourself to the network in order to gain access
Log-Out
Informing the network you want to close access to the network facilities until the next log-in.
Username
A unique series of characters the user or the network manager chooses.
