Networks

NETWORKS
A network is more than one computer system The server controls network security, backups data. Peer to peer is optimal for sharing files
connected allowing for communication and and can be upgraded to manage higher that can then be downloaded.
sharing of resources. demand.
Advantages:
Local Area Network (LAN): Advantages:
 This is a simpler network than client-
A local area network has computer systems  The network can be controlled centrally server to set up as no server is required.
situated geographically close together, usually from the server to easily backup data and  Clients are not dependent on a server.
within the same building or small site, like a update software.  Perfect for quickly sharing files between
school or office.  Hardware, software and resources can be systems, such as downloading media files.
shared across the network, such as
The network infrastructure of LAN (such as Disadvantages:
printers, applications and data files.
servers and routers) is usually owned and
 The network allows for improved  Without a dedicated server there is no
managed by the network owner.
scalability, meaning more clients can be central device to manage security or
Wide Area Network (WAN): easily added to the central server. backups. Backups must be performed on
each individual system.
A wide area network has computer systems Disadvantages:
 Computer performance will decrease with
situated geographically distant to each other,
 Large amounts of traffic congestion will more devices connected to the network,
possibly across a country or even across the
cause the network to slow down. especially if other machines are slow.
world.
 If a fault occurs with the server then the
Data Packets:
WANs often use third party communication whole network will fail.
channels, such as connections by internet  IT technicians may be required to manage When sending data across a network, files are
services providers like BT or Virgin Media. and maintain the network. broken down into smaller parts called data
 Malware, such as viruses, can spread packets.
Client to Server Network: quickly across the network.
Whole files are too large to transfer as one
Clients make requests to a server; the server Peer to Peer: unit, so data packets allow data to be
manages that request and responds.
transferred across a network quickly.
Data is shared directly between systems
The client is completely dependent on the without requiring a central server. Each
server to provide and manage the information. computer is equally responsible for providing
NETWORKS
Each packet of data is redirected by routers Advantages:

across networks until it arrives at its
 A star topology has improved security
destination. Data packets may split up and use
because data packets are sent directly to
alternative routes to reach the destination
and from the hub/switch in the centre and
address.
not necessarily all devices like in a bus or
When all the packets have arrived at the ring topology.
destination the data is reassembled back into  New systems can be attached directly to
the original file. the central system so the network des not
Header: Source need to be shut down. System failures of
address, destination attached computers won’t usually cause
address, packet complete network failure.
number and  Transfer speeds are generally fast in a star
protocol. Network Topology: topology as there are minimal network
collisions.
Payload: The data Network topology refers to layout of
itself. computer systems on a local network.
Trailer: A checksum Devices in a network topology are often called
– this is a calculation ´nodes´.
Disadvantages:
on the data to see if
any error or Star Topology:
 Extra hardware (the hub or switch) is
corruption have Each computer is connected to a central required to be purchased, installed and
occurred during device, usually a hub or switch. maintained.
transmission.  If the central system (hub/switch) fails,
 Each computer system is connected to the then the whole network will be unusable
central hub or switch and transfers its data until the error is fixed.
packets there.
 The hub or switch looks at the destination
address and transfers the packets directly
to the intended computer.
NETWORKS
Advantages:
 If one cable or system fails, then data

packets can take an alternative route and
still reach the destination address.
 Because of the large possible number of
systems and connections, a mesh topology
can usually withstand large amounts of
data traffic.
Mesh Topology: Disadvantages:
Each computer is connected to every other  Because of the possible large amount of
computer system. cables required (especially in a full mesh
topology) this network layout can be
 Data packets are transferred to the
expensive to install and maintain.
destination address along the quickest
 Redundant cabling should be avoided –
path, travelling from node to node.
this is when cables are connected
 If a pathway is broken, there are many
between systems that won´t ever need to
alternative paths that the packets can
communicate.
take.
Bandwidth – The maximum amount of data
that can be sent across a network at once.
Different factors that can affect the

performance (speed) of a network, such as:
 The bandwidth available

 Number of users at the same time
 Interference (e.g. thick walls)
 Signal strength
 Amount of data to transfer

Networks

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NETWORKS

Each packet of data is redirected by routers Advantages:

 If one cable or system fails, then data

Mesh Topology: Disadvantages:

Different factors that can affect the

 The bandwidth available

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