Characteristics of LAN
Local area network covers a small geographical area
- Infrastructure is privately owned
- Usually owned and managed by one organisation
- High data transfer speeds
- Low latency (fast response)
- Relatively low setup cost
- Easier security setup
- Uses technologies such as Ethernet or Wi-Fi
Characteristics of WAN
wide area network
- Covers a large geographical area (e.g. country or global)
- Connects multiple LANs together
- Usually relies on public or leased infrastructure
- Lower data transfer speeds than LAN
- Higher latency
- More expensive to set up and maintain
- The internet is the largest example of a WAN
What is the purpose of networking devices
Networking devices are used to connect computers and other devices together so they can communicate and share resources.
Purpose
- Allow devices to send and receive data
- Control and manage data traffic
- Connect different networks together
- Provide access to the internet
Benefits of network
- Sharing of resources (files, printers, internet connection)
- Improved communication between users
- Centralised management of data
- Increased efficiency and collaboration
- Allows remote access to systems
What is a switch?
- Connects devices within a LAN
- Forwards data only to the intended device
- Uses MAC addresses
- Reduces network congestion
What is the purpose of a router.
Connects different networks
- Routes data packets between networks
- Uses IP addresses
- Provides access to the internet
What is the purpose of the MODEM
- Converts signals between digital and analogue
- Allows connection to an ISP
- Used for internet access
What is the purpose of a WAP
Wireless Access Point (WAP)
- Allows wireless devices to connect to a network
- Uses radio signals (Wi-Fi)
- Extends network access without cables
What is the client-server model?
- One or more servers provide services
- Clients request services from the server
- Server responds to requests (files, webpages, email, authentication)
- web pages/data saved on servers
- client sends request
web servers process requests/performs requested tasks and returns results to the client - client displays result to user
What is the role of a server?
-Stores data centrally
-Manages network resources
-Controls security and access rights
-Handles client requests
What is the role of a client?
-Requests data or services
-Sends queries to the server
-Displays or uses returned data
Benefits and drawback of a client-server model
Benefits
- Centralised data storage
- Easier to manage users and security
- Reliable backups
- Better performance for large networks
- Scales well as number of clients increases
Drawbacks
- Server is a single point of failure
- Expensive hardware and setup
- Requires specialist administration
- Higher maintenance costs
How does a peer-2-peer network work and features
- No dedicated server
-All computers are equal peers and have equal admin rights - Each computer can act as both client and server
-devices can request or share data. - Request resources
- Provide resources to others
- No central management
- each computer is responsible for their
Benefits of a p-2-p network
-Cheap and easy to set up
-No dedicated server needed
-Suitable for small networks
-No reliance on a central computer
- if one node goes down the whole system still functions.
- data can be shared from multiple nodes
Drawbakcs of a p2p network
-Poor security
-No central backup
-Performance degrades as the network grows
-Difficult to manage
-Files may be unavailable if a peer is offline
-files may have viruses
Why use a client-server model?
Many users need access to shared data
Security and permissions are important
Regular backups are required
Example:
School network
Business network
Web services
Justification:
Centralised management improves security, reliability, and performance.
Why use a peer2peer network?
-Small number of users
-Low budget
-Minimal security requirements
Example:
Home network
Small office
Temporary file sharing
Justification:
Simple setup and low cost outweigh the need for central control.
What is a thin client
A thin-client is a computer or device with minimal processing
Most processing and data storage is done on a central server
client sends request to server and tehn the information is displayed
What is the benefit of think client?
Cheap to buy and maintain
Easier to manage centrally
Easier to update software (done on server)
More secure (data stored centrally)
How does a thin client work?
User input is sent to the server
Server processes the data
Output is sent back to the thin-client
What are the characteristics of a thin client
Low-spec hardware
Relies heavily on network connection
Minimal local storage and software
Drawbacks of think client
Depends on server and network
Poor performance if network is slow
Server failure affects all clients
What is a thick client?
A thick-client is a fully functional computer
Most processing is done locally on the client device
server performs minimal processing for client
most resources are installed locally - clients do most of their processing independently
How does a thick client work?
Programs run on the local machine
Local storage and CPU are heavily used
Server mainly provides data or shared services
