Networks - Topologies

What is a network?

• A group of 1 or more devices which communicate

• A group of 2 or more devices which communicate

• When 2 or more computers are in the same building.

• A group of 3 or more devices which communicate

What are networks used for?

• to access the internet

• To connect devices to each other

an advantage of networks?

• Easy to set up

• Allows devices to communicate with each other

• File security is more protected with a WAN

What is a network topology?

• How the network interacts with other devices

• A layout of a network

Wide Area Networks (WANs)

• cover a large geographical area

• use cables, telephone lines, satellites and radio waves to connect

• are used by international organisations

• All 3 options

A Local Area Network (LAN)

• is typically used by no more than six users simultaneously

• usually operates on a single site or within a single building

• always uses cables to connect

• all 3 options

Hospitals, banks and supermarkets are all linked using which network type?

• WAN

• LAN

• BUS

• WiFi

A bus is one possible local area network topology. One advantage of a bus network is

• the failure of one node does not affect the rest of the network

• the performance of the network is unaffected by the number of users

• failure of the main bus cable will only affect a few users

• it has the fastest performance of any network topology

The advantage of a star network is

• It uses less cable than other topologies

• It requires no extra hardware such as hubs and switches

• It is easy to install and expand with extra nodes

• It is unaffected by a breakdown of the central computer

One disadvantage of a ring network is:

• Data collisions can occur if there is heavy traffic on the network

• It uses a lot of cable

• The ‘token’ used to transmit data can get lost

• In order for the nodes to communicate they must all be switched on