Computer Networks Flashcards
What are the advantages of networking?
-users can share files
-users can share peripherals (printers)
-users can access their files from any computer on the network
-servers can control security, software updates and backup of data
-Communication with other people
What are the disadvantages if networking?
-Increased security risks to data
-Malware and viruses spread easily
-If a server fails, the computers connected may fail too
-The computer may run slower
What is a LAN?
Local area network.
-covers a small geographical area
-All the hardware for a LAN is owned by the organisation using it
What are LANs wired with?
UTP cables
What is a WAN?
Wide area network
Covers a wide geographical area
What are WANs connected by?
Telephone lines, fibre optic cables or satellite links
What is a stand alone computer?
A computer not connected to any network
What are the factors affecting network performance?
-Bandwidth
-Number of users
-Transmission media
-The error rate
-Latency
What is bandwidth?
How much data can be sent on transmission media
