Networks

What Is A NetworkA network is a group of computers

interconnected with communication lines which allows users to share information and resources

Stand AloneA stand alone device is a device that does not

need the help of any other machine to work. An example is a Fax machine

LANLAN (Local Area Network) is a network that

connects computers in a limited area E.g. school or house

Advantages and Disadvantages of LAN (http://computer-networks.blurtit.com/q372184.html)

ADVANTAGES Devices can be shared in small areas. Computers don’t have to have their own hard disk Users can communicate and transfer data very easily Files can be loaded on one computer and then sent to all other computers

Disadvantages Special security measures have to be installed Difficult to set up and maintain All users are effected if there is virus in one computer Cannot be set up in buildings

Cabled LANA LAN network with cables instead of

wireless LAN network

Wireless LANWireless LAN is a network that is

interconnects computers without any wires

Necessary LAN HardwareA hub

LAN TopologiesDifferent networks that use LAN networks Bus Star Ring

Advantages of Line Topology (http://www.klbict.co.uk/gcse/theory/5_3/5_3_4_topologies.htm)

It is the cheapest and the most simple to announce

Well suited as a temporary network with few computers

Advantages and Disadvantages of Star Topology (http://www.klbict.co.uk/gcse/theory/5_3/5_3_4_topologies.htm)

Advantages The most reliable topology Adding more computers will not affect the network Can easily be upgraded from a hub to a switch Easy to install

Disadvantages Uses the most wires which make it very expensive Extra hardware further increase the cost Whole network affected if central computer fails If the switch or server fails the network fails

Types of Cables (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Networking_cables)

Twisted PairOptical FiberCoaxial CablePatch Cable

WANWAN (Wide Area Network) is a network in

which covers a broad area E.G. a region, country, city

Connection Using WANA WAN connection helps computers connect

between large distances. International Companies use this Network to have a track recode of their finances Etc. if a company has a WAN network connection they can send and receive files from other countries and even other continents this helps the company keep track of things they want to

Client NetworksA client uses an application made by a server.

The server is often another computer which is accessed by a network.

Server NetworksA server is a network program designed to

run programs for “Clients”

Client server networkThis is a computing model that divides the

work given by clients amongst servers

Peer to Peer networkEach computer in the network acts as a

client or server to another computer.

Data TransmissionData