Network Topologies Computer Science

Page 1

• Contents Overview

  • Topics covered: Types of Network, Factors of Network Performance, Client Server & Peer-to-Peer Networks, Local Area Network Hardware, The Internet, Star & Mesh Networks.

  • Resources available: www.savemyexams.com for additional study materials.

Page 2: Types of Network

• Definition of Network

  • A connection of two or more devices aimed at resource sharing.

• Main Types of Networks

  • Local Area Networks (LANs)

    • Small geographical area (under 1 mile).

    • Owned by the organization.

  • Wide Area Networks (WANs)

    • Large geographical area (over 1 mile).

    • Collection of LANs connected through external hardware like routers.

• Advantages of Networks

  • Resource sharing (printers, internet).

  • File access from any connected computer.

  • Easier communication through email/socials.

  • Centralized backups and updates.

• Disadvantages of Networks

  • Increased data security risks.

  • Vulnerability to malware and server issues.

  • Potential central point of failure hindering task completion.

Page 3: Local Area Networks & Wide Area Networks

• LAN Characteristics

  • Owned hardware, using UTP, fiber optic, or wireless connections.

• WAN Characteristics

  • Spans large areas (e.g., cities).

  • Involves external connections like telecommunication lines.

Page 4: Worked Example

• Compare LAN and WAN

  • LAN: Small area, typically owned infrastructure.

  • WAN: Large area, usually involves shared infrastructure.

Page 5: Network Ownership

• LAN typically has dedicated infrastructure.

• WAN utilizes external/shared hardware.

Page 6: Factors of Network Performance

• Key Factors Affecting Performance

  • Number of Users: Too many users may slow down networks due to limited bandwidth.

  • Bandwidth: Measures data transfer rate; lower bandwidth leads to slower performance.

  • Latency: Delay in data transfer; higher latency can cause data collisions.

  • Error Rate: Rate of data packets lost; high rates indicate poor connections.

  • Transmission Media: Quality and type of cables/connectivity affect data transfer rates.

Page 7: Transmission Media (Wired vs Wireless)

• Wired Connections

  • Generally have higher bandwidth than wireless.

  • Major types: UTP, fiber optic (high bandwidth, less noise).

• Wired vs. Wireless Performance

  • UTP is affordable but low bandwidth; fiber optic offers highest bandwidth.

Page 8: Worked Example and Responses

• Explain impacts of device numbers on network performance.

• Identify factors affecting performance (e.g., bandwidth, interference).

Page 9: Client Server & Peer-to-Peer Networks

• Network Models

  • Defines how networks operate based on their structure (e.g., Star, Mesh).

• Client-Server Model

  • Clients connect to a powerful centralized server.

  • Servers manage services such as backups and security.

  • Advantages/Disadvantages

    • Easier backups and updates

    • Costly setup and maintenance.

Page 10: Peer-to-Peer Model

• Definition

  • Each computer (peer) has equal status, manages its own files, and backups.

• Advantages/Disadvantages

  • Easy to set up, low cost.

  • Users manage their own software and security.

Page 11: Worked Example Illustrated

• Characteristics of Peer-to-Peer setups.

Page 12: Worked Example

• Identify network type based on coverage and ownership.

Page 13: Advantages of Peer-to-Peer

• Simple maintenance, ease of device addition.

Page 14: LAN Hardware

• Necessary Hardware for LAN

  • Router, WAP, Switch, NIC, transmission media.

Page 15: Hardware Functions

• Router: Connects networks, manages IP addresses.

• WAP: Connects wireless devices.

• Switch: Connects multiple wired devices, routes data traffic.

• NIC: Enables devices to connect to the network.

Page 16: Transmission Media Types

• UTP: Generally low bandwidth and affordable.

• Coaxial: Medium bandwidth, used in larger scale networks.

• Fiber Optic: High bandwidth, expensive, ideal for long-distance connections.

Page 17: Router Functions

• Example tasks performed by routers.

Page 18: The Internet

• Definition: Global collection of interlinked networks (largest WAN).

• Functionality: Provides connectivity and utilizes ISPs.

Page 19: Domain Name System (DNS)

• Function: Translates user-friendly URLs into IP addresses.

• Process Overview: URL entry, DNS query, server-response mechanism.

Page 20: Web Servers & Clients

• Web Servers: Store websites and handle requests.

• Clients: Make requests for resources using browsers.

Page 21: Hosting & Cloud Storage

• Hosting: The process of making websites accessible.

• Cloud: Data stored remotely on accessible servers.

Page 22: Cloud Storage Pros & Cons

• Advantages: Accessibility, large storage, collaboration features.

• Disadvantages: Security vulnerabilities, reliance on internet access.

Page 23: Key Terms Summary

• Definitions of key terms: Internet, LAN, WAN, DNS, URL, ISP.

Page 24: Network Topologies

• Definition: Physical arrangement of network devices.

• Common Types: Star topology, Mesh topology.

• Star Topology: Central switch, easy to manage.

Page 25: Mesh Topology Explanation

• Allows all devices to connect to one another directly.

Page 26: Full Mesh Advantages

• Offers redundancy; if one link fails, alternative routes are available.

Page 27: Full Mesh Disadvantages

• Requires significant hardware, is expensive and complex to set up.

• Partial Mesh Topology: Reduces hardware needs while preserving some connectivity.