Networks

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What is a computer network?
A network is two or more computers
that are linked together so that they
are able to share resources.

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 Resources which can be
shared include
• Hardware - printers, scanners,
storage, etc.
• Software – need only be installed
on one computer
• Data (e.g. database files)
• An Internet connection

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 LANs and WANs
Local area networks:
• Confined to a small area
• Usually located in a single
building
• Use cable, wireless, infra-red
and microwave links which are
usually owned by the
organization
• Less expensive to build as
equipment is owned by the
organization so no rental of lines
and equipment needed
Wide area networks:
• Cover a wide geographical area
(e.g. between cities, countries and
even continents) in lots of different
buildings, etc.
• Uses more expensive
telecommunication links that are
supplied by telecommunication
companies
• More expensive to build as
sophisticated communication
systems are used and rental of
lines and equipment needed
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 WLAN
• Stands for wireless local
area network
• Is a LAN where all the
devices on the network
communicate wirelessly

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 Network topology
• Is the way the devices are arranged
in a network
• In a wired network, it shows how the
computers are connected together
• In a wireless network it shows how
the computers communicate with
each other

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Network topologies
The three main network
topologies are:
•Bus
•Star
•Tree

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 The bus topology
• A backbone cable is usually used
• A small amount of cable is
needed
• Simple to install
• Easy to add extra devices
• Slow for larger networks
• Reliance on the backbone cable

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 The star topology
• Uses a central connection point
• This can be a server or a hub/switch
• They use a lot of wire
• They depend on the central
device
• Easy to add extra computers
without disturbing the network
• Fault tolerant

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 The tree topology
• Combines bus and star
topologies
• If a bus cable failed, the
computers in a single star
could still communicate
• Good for widely spread
networks
• Not suitable for small
networks as it uses too
much cable

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 Question
Produce a list outlining the advantages and
disadvantages in networking computers.
The first advantage and disadvantage has
been completed for you.

Advantages Disadvantages
Ability to share files Technical knowledge needed to
set one up

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 Answers
Advantages Disadvantages
Ability to share files Technical knowledge needed to set one up
Can share hardware Networks can fail
Can share software May need to employ a network manager
Saves time as software can be installed Risk of viruses entering the system
centrally rather than on each computer

Improved security (e.g., passwords, Danger of hackers accessing files using the
encryption, etc.) Internet

Can back up data centrally Wiring can be expensive

Can use services such as email
Access to a central store of data

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 Network devices
A hub:
• is used to join computers
in a network
• allows the connection of
cables
• allows the sharing of
files and Internet access

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 Network devices
A switch:
• is a similar device to a hub
but more intelligent
• can look at a packet of
data to decide where it
should go
• reduces the number of
packets of data on a
network which speeds the
network up

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 Network devices
A router:
• can be wired or wireless
• is used to join several
networks together
• is often used to connect
several computers in the
home to the Internet

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 Network devices
A network interface card:
• prepares data for sending
over the network
• sends the data
• controls the flow of data

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