What is a network?
An arrangement of computers and other devices connected together to share resources and data
What does LAN stand for?
local area network
What are 3 characteristics of LAN?
Give 3 examples of where LAN is used
1) Home
2) Hospital
3) Factory
What does WLAN stand for?
wireless local area network
What is WLAN?
like a LAN but wireless, all connects to a router
What does WAN stand for?
wide area network
What are 3 characteristics WAN?
What is the largest WAN?
the internet
What is a client-server network?
A network that has at least one server to provide services to the client computers
What is are 3 characteristics of a peer-to-peer network?
What is a network topology?
how the devices on a network are connected to each other
What is a BUS TOPOLOGY?
A bus network consists of a single cable which each workstation is connected
Name 2 advantages of bus topology
1) cheap to install and set up
2) easy to add new devices
Name 2 disadvantages of bus topology
1) if the main cable fails, the whole network will fail
2) lots of data collisions if two or more devices transmit at the same time (lower data transmission speeds)
What is a RING TOPOLOGY?
Cable connects one network device to connect another in a closed ring
Name 2 advantages of ring topology
1) no collisions because of the use of the token system
2) data transmission is simple as data only travels in one direction
Name 2 disadvantages of ring topology
1) slow transmission speeds, as data must pass through each computer before arriving to the destination
2) if the cable breaks then there will be no data transmission
What is a STAR TOPOLOGY?
each workstation is connected to a central point
Name 2 advantages of star topology
1) A damaged cable will not stop the whole network
2) Easy to locate faults
Name 2 disadvantages of star topology
1) If the hub fails, the whole network fails
2) Expensive to install
What are 2 advantages of connecting computer to form a network?
- files can be shared along a network allowing users to work collaboratively
What are the benefits of a peer-to-peer network on a small company?
What are the benefits of a client-server network on a large company?