Networks

Question 1

Factors when choosing a network

Answer 1

• Size of Organisation (Small LAN up to large international WAN)
• How the system will be used (Applications/Storage/Where)
• Existing systems to integrate (Expansion and compatibility with peripherals
• Performance (Reliability/Capacity/Speed of Processing)

Question 2

Advantages of Ring

Answer 2

• Same access so no computer can hog the network
• Higher transmission speeds (Flows in one direction)
• No collisions

Question 3

Disadvantages of Ring

Answer 3

• Faults difficult to locate
• Impossible to keep network running when equipment added or removed
• Break in cable, network won’t work (Flow broken)

Question 4

Advantages of Star

Answer 4

• Fault tolerant, if cable breaks computers still usable
• Load tolerant, computers added without loss in performance
• Easy to add computers without disturbing network
• Different speeds possible on different arms of the network

Question 5

Disadvantages of star

Answer 5

• Higher cost, large amount of cabling needed

- Dependence on central server/hub