NETWORKS (2)Mr Conti Lesson 2

Learning Objectives By the end of this presentation we will

have learned: what a network is the advantages and disadvantages of

networks about the topology of networks about different types of network.

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Using school computers

What rules are there about using school computers?

Each user must have a unique username and password.

Users must log on and log off each time they use a computer.

Users must choose a password that only they know, and remember it and keep it private.

Why do these rules exist? Because the computers are in a network.

What is a Network? A network is a group of computers that are linked

together. Each computer is connected (via a switch) to a server.

The server is a very powerful computer that provides programs and storage space for other computers.

When you use programs and save files on school computers, you are actually saving them on the server.

Networks are beneficial because software, storage, peripherals and processing power can be shared.

What is your school computer network made up of?

Starter TaskThink-Pair-Share

Today anyone who uses a computer, tablet, e-reader, smartphone or many other digital devices is likely to be connected to a network.

Networks differ in size. They may cover a room, house or office, or could even be global.

Which devices have you used to connect to a network this week?

The Advantages of Networks As with any form of technology, networks are

only used when the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

The main advantage of a network is that resources such as printers are shared. This means that each computer on the network does not need its own printer, and a user does not have to move to a different computer to print something.How is business 2 better organised than

business 1?

Business 1 Business 2

Answer Business 2 saves money in comparison

with business 1 because it doesn’t need to buy as many printers.

It also saves time as employees don’t have to keep moving around to use a printer.

Network cardsIn order for a computer to function as part

of a network, it has to have a special piece of equipment called a network interface card (NIC) installed.

A NIC has a port for a network cable to be connected.

NICs are still very common, but increasingly people are using wireless network cards or wireless USB adaptors.

Wireless networks It is possible to connect computers on a LAN

without using wires. A wireless network card is similar to a

standard NIC but has a transmitter/receiver for sending signals via radio waves.

Wireless networks are popular as they allow the user more freedom, such as working outside.

Are there any disadvantages to using wireless networks?

Answer Wireless networks can drop out due to

interference. They may also be a lot slower at data transfer than wired networks. Wireless networks are also more susceptible to being accessed by unauthorised users. ‘Piggybacking’ is a term used to describe someone accessing a wireless network without authorisation.

Hubs

Routers

Switches

Describing Networks

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Extension TaskConsider different parts of your school buildings, or the places where you live, and discuss their suitability for wireless

networks.