- Explain what a network is
- Be able to explain how networks are connected together
- Be able to explain the difference between the peer-to-peer model and client-server model
- I am able to explain what a computer network is
- I can discuss the advantages and disadvantages of client-server based networks vs peer-to-peer networks
Examples of computer networks include:
- The school network
- Your home network
- Government networks
- Company networks
Computers that are not on an network are called stand alone computers.
Computer networks are made up of multiple computers which all communicate using agreed protocols.
Each computer is given an IP address that allows the computer to uniquely identify itself.
There are two main type of network:
-
Local Area Network (LAN) - E.g. your home network or the school network
-
Wide Area Network (WAN) - E.g. The Internet
There are two formats of transmission media used to carry data:
- Wired (using a cable)
- Wireless (e.g. WiFi)
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1
Tick which points relate to which kind of network:
Client-server Peer-to-peer Cheap to set up Backups are easy to make Security is easy to enforce due to the single central location Easy to set up Requires someone to manage the whole system -
2
Tick which network type would be more suitable in the following examples. Explain why you have chosen that one.
Client-server Peer-to-peer Explanation A government network used for storing details about who has passed their driving test A school network where each pupil can login and access their files anywhere A home network where each computer connects to the network to access the internet A large company office where thousands of employees use the same software A small office with five employees who all work on different independent tasks A software development company who has a single copy of code for a program they are developing A movie company who requires backups be made every 2 hours of the latest copy of the film