Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computer networks.
Describe the main types of computer network including:
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
Wide Area Network (WAN).
Computer Networks
A computer network is two or more computers or devices that are linked together.
They are connected either using wires or wirelessly.
This allows them to communicate with each other and share resources.
Some additional examples of networked devices are:
smartphone
tablets
games consoles
wearables
Advantages - Costs
Reduce hardware costs:
Share peripheral devices
Allow a single internet connection to be used by many devices
Advantages - Sharing
Share information
Exchange data between computers without using physical media (memory stick, external hard drive)
Back-up files centrally
Advantages - Security
Improve security
Centrally control security
Maintain the firewall
Centrally control software updates
Control which users have access to the network and what resources they can access
Advantages - Mobility
Improve mobility of users
Log into any computer and still access the same resources
Files can be accessed anywhere
Separate computers are not needed for every user
Disdvantages
Additional hardware is needed to set up a network and large networks will need a network manager to oversee the system.
If one machine is infected with malware, it can quickly spread to the other machines on the network.
Hackers may target a network to gain access to many computers.
If there is a file server that fails, users will not be able to access their files.
Types of Computer Network
Personal area network (PAN)
Local area network (LAN)
Wide area network (WAN)
Personal Area Network (PAN)
Connects devices over a very small area
Range is a few metres (approx. 10 m)
Usually Bluetooth (short-wave radio)
Headphones, printer, speakers...
Local Area Network (LAN)
Connects devices over a small area, usually one site
Home, school, company office
The hardware is usually owned by the organisation using the network
Often uses wired and wireless connections
Wide Area Network (WAN)
Used by large organisations to connect multiple LAN's over a large geographical area.
The largest WAN is the Internet.
The infrastructure (hardware) are usually hired/leased from a telecommunication company.
Banks are a good example of a WAN, multiple branches all around the country, each has its own local area network connected back to the head office using a wide area network.
State two advantages of using a computer network.
State two disadvantages of using a computer network.
Describe the characteristics of a LAN.
Give one example of a type of technology used in a PAN.
Identify two differences between a LAN and a WAN.
Questions
Computer Networks Define what a computer network is. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of computer networks. Describe the main types of computer network including: Personal Area Network (PAN) Local Area Network (LAN) Wide Area Network (WAN).
