NETWORKSYear 12 Unit 1

Lesson objectives

To understand and define•What is a network?•LANs and WANs •The Internet, Intranet and Extranet •Network Hardware and Software•Networks and standalone computers

What is a network?

•A group of ICT devices which are able to communicate with each other. They may be able to communicate via a wired or wireless connection.

What is a LAN?

•A LAN or local area network is generally confined to a single building or site

•The organisation running a LAN owns all the equipment that links the terminals (Computers)

What is a WAN?

•A WAN or wide area network spans over a wide geographical area, including multiple buildings and sites

•Third party telecommunications equipment is used, i.e. Telephone, radio and satellite communications are needed which are supplied by third party companies such as BT.

What is an Intranet?

•An intranet is a private network that uses the same technology as the internet used for sending messages around a network.

•Its main use is to share resources and organisational information

What is an Extranet?

•An Extranet allows customers, suppliers as well as employees of an organisation to access information.

•They are protected by usernames and passwords.

•This is usually accessed through the internet.

What is the Internet?

•The internet is a network of networks enabling people to exchange information and share data.

Internet Advantages and disadvantagesAdvantages Disadvantages

Methods of cheap communication all around the world

The ability to access inappropriate material

Access to video such as tv programmes Cyber bullying

Ability to send/receive files Advertising pressures – constant bombarding of advertising material

Ability to research information Health problems – such as RSI

Opportunity to share resources Privacy is eroded and lost as information about surfing habits are logged

Wide range of software available Gambling addictions

Incorrect and inaccurate information

Email

•Electronic email sent from one communication device to another.

Email services

Service Use

Search Searching for specific emails

Reply Reply to a message keeping log and doesn’t require you to add email address

Forward Passing on emails

Address Book A list of contacts of people you are likely send an email too

Groups Lists of people and email addressed for group emails

File attachments A file attached to an email

Voice Mailboxes Allows voice messages to be sent

Email advantages and disadvantagesAdvantages Disadvantages

Virtually instantaneous Not everyone has email

No need for the familiarity of a letter Junk email is a problem

Minus the cost of software and hardware, email is free

Worries about security

Emails can be accessed from a wide range of devices

Relies on checking emails

More environmentally friendly Not always secure, emails can be intercepted and attachments may contain viruses

Wifi

Advantages Disadvantages

Allows inexpensive LANs to be set up without cables

Power consumption is high – i.e. laptop battery drains quicker

Allows the freedom of working anywhere within signal

MAY be health problems using Wifi

Ideal for networks in old listed buildings where cables would not be allowed to be install

May be security issues even when using encryption

Can be used worldwide Home networks have limited range

Possible interference if wireless signals overlap