Computing networks

Give two advantages of a computer network.

Shared storage and resources: A network allows connected devices to make use of shared resources such as printers or files.

Shared Internet access: Depending on the network’s configuration, devices connected to the network may have access to the Internet.

Give two disadvantages of a computer network

Initial costs: Installing a network could be more expensive due to setup and hardware costs.

Security risks: As files are shared through a single network, there is the risk of unauthorised access to data and virus or worm attacks spreading throughout the network, even through a single infected device.

Define computer network

system of two or more devices that are connected by a transmission medium for the exchange of data

Describe the difference between wired and wireless transmission media and explain the factors that will determine the use of each medium.

Wired network is network of devices connected by physical cables while wireless network is network of devices in which signals are transmitted without the use of physical cables.

One factor is cost. Wired is initially cheaper but becomes more expensive due to the cost of cables, while wireless is initially expensive due to cost of wireless networking hardware but becomes cost-effective as the network grows

Compare and contrast the client-server and peer-to-peer network architectures in terms of purpose, organisation and bandwidth.

Client-server has more bandwidth as servers centrally control bandwidth use more efficiently and offer more reliable connections, whereas P2P bandwidth may be reduced if a single device must handle many large requests

Client-server consists of multiple clients connected to one or more dedicated severs, whereas with P2P, each device in the network is client and server

Client-server allows for centralised sharing of resources, whereas peer-to-peer allows for direct sharing of resources

Company X has a remote office in another country that needs to access information from its main headquarters. What is the type of network that should be used in this case?

WAN

The main office of Y Corporation occupies five floors in their building. What type of network that should be used in this case?

LAN

State whether each of the features below describes a client-server network or a peer-to-peer network:

a) Every device is able to directly share resources with other devices in the network.

b) Each device has a distinct role in the network.

c) It is easier to schedule backups of shared files on this type of network.

peer-to-peer, client-server, client-server

Identify and state common applications of star and mesh topologies in a home network.

Star topologies are suitable for wired and wireless networks

Mesh topologies are only suitable for wireless networking, especially home automation

Define protocols

standards and rules that govern communication over a network