Networks and the effects of using them

Network devices

Hub vs switch

Describe how computers can use Bluetooth to connect to a device

Bluetooth sends and receives radio waves. Enable Bluetooth Bluetooth searches for the other devices. Pairs the two devices by entering the same code on both devices Devices automatically detect and connect to each other

Describe the process of using WiFi to connect to a WLAN.

computer sends radio waves / signals to search any wifi network in range wireless router responds by sending back signal to computer name of network is displayed to the user user will choose the network and enter the password if the network has been used before saved password is used wireless router ensures password is correct connection is established and data can be exchanged between devices

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using the cloud rather than a hard disk

A: Files stored in the cloud can be accessed from any device/any place with internet access

Don't have to pay for large computer/mobile storage capacity, Only pay for the storage you use as much of the space on the hard disk may be wasted

Easier to add storage capacity on the cloud (unlimited storage capacity) , Ability to synchronize files across multiple devices (automatically if requested) easily

Backups are automatic on the cloud, User does not have to worry about security measures as service provider manages securing the data

D:I the internet connection is unstable/slow there will be a problem accessing/downloading files on the cloud

Cloud storage can be expensive if extra storage capacity is required, Easier to hack the cloud as the data is stored for a long period of time on servers,

Data is controlled by the storage service provider; customers should choose a trusted company

Risk of fire, floods etc. at the server can cause data loss

Describe the differences between an intranet and the internet

Intranet has restricted access/its private//Internet is world-wide/everywhere Intranet is used only within a company/organisation/school Intranet access has more control of data whereas the internet access is open/public access//the internet anyone can add material Intranet is policed/moderated/managed The intranet has reduced unauthorised access to material Intranet can restrict access to some websites//internet has no restrictions on websites Data on the intranet is more reliable/relevant// Intranet is protected by passwords/more secure Intranet is used to give information relating to the company whereas the internet gives general information Internet has more information

Extranet

when an employee is accessing intranet remotely

Network types

Web conferencing

used in presentations, training and online courses, participants online at the same time .

presenter controls what the participants can see/hear. presenter has a control panel to decide when participants can interact . a chat box is provided for participants to type in their questions. could be accessed by invitation link. participants do not need to have a webcam

Audio conferencing

participants can only hear each other as it uses mobile phones / telephones and mobile /telephone networks. the organizer of the conference is given 2 PINs by the phone company (one for the organizer and one for the participants) at the time of the conference the organizer dials the conference phone number and enters his PIN to start the conference. then the participants dial the same number and enter their PINs to join the conference

Video conferencing

two or more people at different places, online at the same time, using the same program where they can all see and hear each other. Benefits Can call meetings at short notice Employees save time travelling No hotel expenses No need to transport/carry equipment/lots of documents suitable in bad weather conditions no need for a conference room Drawbacks Takes time/costs money to be trained Difficult to have international meetings because of time differences Initial cost of hardware (and software) Loss of personal/social contact Legal documents cannot be signed problems in internet connection may interrupt the meeting/lag between video and audio

Internet telephony/VOIP

Voice over internet protocol. A service that enables people to use the Internet as the transmission medium for telephone calls by converting sound into digital packets.

Authentication techniques