Types of Networks Flashcards
What is a network?
Two or more computers connected together for the purpose of communication
Name some advantages of networks
software and files can be shared
hardware such as printers can be shared
communicate via email etc
centralised maintenance and updates
centralised security
user monitoring
different users can be given different access rights or permissions
Name some disadvantages of networks
cost - additional equipment is needed
additional management by specialist staff
spread of malware
potential for hacking
What does PAN stand for?
Personal Area Network
What is a personal area network?
personal devices connected by Bluetooth
What are the properties of a PAN?
spread over a very small area
connects personal devices
uses Bluetooth
What does LAN stand for?
Local Area Network
What is a local area network?
confined to a single location, owned and maintained by a single organisation
What are the properties of a LAN?
use by organisations such as schools and small businesses
connected by cables or wireless
What does WAN stand for?
Wide Area Network
What is a wide area network?
covers a wide geographical area
What are the properties of a wide area network?
used by organisations with several different sites such as banks or universities
allows all the sites to communicate and share data
uses national or international long distance media
the Internet is the biggest WAN
can be owned collectively by several organisations
What is wired networking?
using fibre or copper cable to connect devices in the network together
What are the advantages of wired networking?
faster data transfer
less likely to suffer from interference
more difficult for unauthorised users to intercept data
What are the disadvantages of wired networking?
Expensive to install or reconfigure
harder to move devices so less flexible
How is fibre cable better than copper cable?
faster connection and can cover longer distances
How is copper cable better than fibre cable?
cheaper and easier to work withWhat
What is wireless networking?
using radio signals or infrared light to connect devices in a network together
What are the advantages of wireless networking?
devices can easily be added
users can move around freely and stay connected
What are the disadvantages of wireless networking?
signals have a limited range
Can suffer from electromagnetic interference from other devices
signals can also be blocked by walls or other objects
each wireless access point (WAP) only has so much bandwidth
signals can be intercepted by unauthorised users
