Wired and wireless networks Flashcards
What is a network?
A computer network is two or more computing devices connected together in order to share resources
How many types of networks are there?
Wide Area Networks and Local Area Networks
What is a LAN?
A Local Area Network is one that has two or more network-enabled devices connected within a fairly close geographical area.
Where can LANs be located?
LANs may be located within a single building such as a home or business office or it may cover a few nearby buildings as well, such as a University campus, hospital, library or school.
What would be the typical LAN layout?
A hub or switch in the centre, a WAP (wireless access point), two or more workstations and/or a printer and a server to power the LAN
How can computers and laptops get connected to a LAN
Computers and devices can be connected by physical Ethernet cables, which are usually owned by the organisation. They can also be connected wirelessly by using Wi-Fi connections.
How can someone connect to a network?
To log onto a LAN, you usually need a username and password, just like you do at school. The username identifies you to the file server so that it can ‘serve’ you the correct files. The password ensures that the username really does belong to you
What is the key device in a home LAN?
The key device at the centre of a home LAN is the router which connects all of the devices to each other and where required, to the internet.
Whats the difference between wired and wireless connection?
The router can be either wired or wireless. A wired connection is faster and provides high bandwidth (e.g. Gigabit 1000 Mb/s) use whereas the wireless link is much slower (54Mb/s)
What are the advantages of LANs
A user can log on from any workstation and still access all of their files. Peripherals such as printers and photocopiers can be shared among many users, thus reducing costs Resources and files can be shared by users, this means that they can collaborate on a project. Backups of files and documents can be done centrally rather than needing to do it from each machine When software needs to be installed it can be done centrally rather than having to go to each individual workstation. An anti-virus and malware check can be carried out from the server to all workstations. Data can be transmitted very quickly between networked computers LANs at home allows many devices to connect to one another, such as a smart TV or a media server
What are the issues with LANs
Network failure, if there’s a problem with the file server and no one can access their files. Slow service, if there are too many users on the network sharing files and such, network slows due to limited bandwidth. Cost, networks are usually expensive to set up and keep running.
How can you secure a LAN
Password should be strong, each user should be given specific rights, hierarchy-type of order (employee, boss, IT, admin)