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.
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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.