Types of Networks (Edexcel GCSE Computer Science)
Revision Note
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Advantages & Disadvantages of Networks
What is a network?
A network is two of more devices connected together that exchange data and share resources
There are two different types of networks
Local Area Networks (LANs)
Wide Area Networks (WANs)
For the exam it is important to understand the properties as well as the advantages and disadvantages of LANs and WANs
It is also important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of having a network
What are the advantages of having a network?
Users can share resources such as printers and connection to the internet
Users can access their files from any computer on the network
Communication can be made easier via email and social networks
Users can share files and folders easily such as central databases and spreadsheets
Servers can be used to provide centralised backups, updates and security
What are the disadvantages of having a network?
There is an increased security risk to data
Malicious software can infiltrate the network and render it unusable
Servers and switches can provide a central point of failure, resulting in users not being able to complete tasks using their computer
Factors can impact the performance of the network such as the number of users and data on the network at one time
Local Area Network (LAN)
What is a local area network?
A local area network (LAN) is a network which has a small geographical area (under 1 mile)
All of the hardware is owned by the company/organisation/household using it
LANs will use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable, fibre optic cable or wireless connections (Wi-Fi)
Wide Area Network (WAN)
What is a wide area network?
A wide area network (WAN) is a network which has a large geographical area (over 1 mile)
They are a collection of LANs joined together
The computers on a WAN are connected via routers
The hardware used to connect the networks together is not all owned by the company/organisation/household using it.
Telephone lines owned by telecommunication companies are an example
WANs will use fibre optic cable, telephone lines and satellite to connect the LANs together
Worked Example
A travel agent has offices in two sites that are 10 miles apart. Describe the difference between a LAN and a WAN [2]
1 mark per bullet
LAN is small geographical area
WAN is over a large geographical area
or
LAN (usually) has its own/dedicated infrastructure
WAN uses external / shared infrastructure or hardware
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