Review + Topology

NETWORKS

A computer network is a number of computers linked together to allow them to share resources. Networked computers can share hardware, software, and data.

Most computer networks have at least one server. A server is a powerful computer that provides one or more services to a network at its users. For example, fi le storage and email.

REVIEW

There are two main types of Network:

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

2. Wide Area Network (WAN)

LANS & WANS

A LAN covers a small area such as one site or building, e.g. a school or college.

LAN

A WAN covers a large

geographical area. Most WANs are

made from several LANs connected together.

WAN

The Internet is a WAN. A network of ATM (bancomat) dispensers is a WAN. A school network is usually a LAN. LANs are often connected to WANs, for example a

school network could be connected to the Internet. WANs can be connected together using the Internet,

leased lines or satellite links.

WAN

Domain Name Server???

An Internet service that translates domain names into IP addresses.

Domain names are alphabetic, they're easier to remember.

The Internet however, is really based on IP addresses. Every time you use a domain name, therefore, a DNS

service must translate the name into the corresponding IP address.

For example, the domain name www.example.com might translate to 198.105.232.4.

DNS

Advantages Sharing devices such as printers saves money. Site (Software) licenses are likely to be cheaper

than buying several standalone licenses. Files can easily be shared between users. Network users can communicate by email and

instant messenger. Security is good – users cannot see other users’

fi les unlike on stand-alone machines. Data is easy to backup as all the data is stored on

the file server.

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES OF NETWORKS

Purchasing the network cabling and fi le servers can be expensive.

Managing a large network is complicated, requires training and a network manager usually needs to be employed.

If the fi le server breaks down, the fi les on the server become inaccessible. Email might still work if it is on a separate server. The computers can still be used but would be isolated.

Viruses can spread to other computers throughout a computer network.

There is a danger of hacking, particularly with wide area networks. Security procedures are needed to prevent such abuse, e.g. a firewall.

DISADVANTAGES

A school with 20 stand-alone PC’s is considering networking them together and adding a fi le server.

Consider FOUR possible benefits of doing this.

SAMPLE QUESTION ON NETWORKS

In a bus network all the workstations, servers and printers are joined to one cable (the bus). At each end of the cable a terminator is fitted to stop signals reflecting back down the bus.

THE BUS NETWORK

BUS NETWORK

Advantages Disadvantages

Easy to InstallIf Main Cable fails/damaged,

network will fail

Cheap to install, as it doesn't require much cable

As more workstations are connected, performance - slower

Every workstation sees “sees” all data

http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/networks/topologies/djp/mov_busnetwork.swf

BUS NETWORK ANIMATION

In a ring network each device (workstation, server, printer) is connected to two other devices, this forms a ring for the signals to travel around. Each packet of data on the network travels in one direction and each device receives each packet in turn until the destination device receives it.

THE RING NETWORK

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Advantage Disadvantage

This type of network can transfer data quickly, even if there are a large number of

devices connected because the data only flows in one direction,

so there won’t be any data collisions.

If the main cable fails or any device is faulty then the whole

network will fail.

http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/networks/topologies/djp/mov_ringnetwork.swf

RING NETWORK ANIMATION

In a star network each device on the network has its own cable that connects to a switch or hub. A hub sends every packet of data to every device, whereas a switch only sends a packet of data to the destination device.

THE STAR NETWORK

ADVANTAGES & DISADVANTAGES

Advantages Disadvantages

Very reliable – If one cable or device fails then all the others

will continue to work

Expensive to install as this type of network uses the most cable

(network cable is expensive)

High performing as no data collisions can occur

Extra hardware required (hubs or switches) which adds to cost

If a hub or switch fails all the devices connected to it will have

no network connection

http://www.teach-ict.com/gcse_new/networks/topologies/djp/mov_starnetwork.swf

STAR NETWORK ANIMATION

MORE ADVANCED NETWORKS

Tree or star bus Mesh