Computer
Networks
Learning unit 5, page 55 - 73
● Describe a computer network
● Explain reasons for using networks.
Learning Unit
● Identify advantages and
disadvantages of networks
Outline
● List components of a network
● Provide an overview of different
communication media
At the end of this learning ● Describe different types of networks
unit, you will be able to: ● Differentiate between client-server
and peer-to-peer networks
● Explain use of a server in a network.
What is a
Network?
A node is any device connected
NETWORK A network consists
to the network which is able to
of two or more
send and receive data.
devices called
NODES that are
connected by
Nodes: A SERVER node some type of
provides network resources to communication
Nodes: Device that connects other nodes in the network, such media.
devices to each other (SWITCH) as printer access, disk space
allocation, and security.
A switch connects nodes in a Communication media has 2
network using communication parts
media that may be wired such 1. Hardware that acts as a
as cables or wireless media Source (Sender) and
such as radio waves. Nodes: Device that connects Destination (Receiver).
nodes to the Internet (ROUTER) 2. There must be some sort
of connection between
source and destination.
LOCAL VS CLOUD SERVERS
Local server means the company has physical control of their servers
and storage. There is no need to rely on the internet.
Cloud based server would not require expensive upgrading. Data can be
backed up to the cloud very often to prevent any data losses.
Client Server Network
Question: What is the role of a Server Node in a network?
Answer: A server computer shares resources with other computers in a
skipskiop network. There are 5 main Types
● File Server: Has a large capacity so it can store files in a central
location to allows users to access them from any of the nodes.
● Email Server: Stores incoming and facilitates the successful delivery of
outgoing mail
● Proxy Server: Intercepts and checks all traffic maintaining security by
disallowing access to unauthorised users
● Print Server: Many printers can be attached. Printers can be shared in
computer networks
● Web server: Hardware and Software which accepts requests for web
pages
Communication Channel / Transmission Medium
● A communication channel has a bandwidth, which is the
maximum amount of data that it can transfer per unit time
(usually the quantity per second).
● The rate at which data is transferred over a communication
channel is usually measured in thousands of bits per seconds
(kilobits per second Kbps), millions of bits per second
(megabits per second Mbps), or billions of bits per second
(gigabits per second Gbps).
● The higher the bandwidth, the faster the transmission rate.
● Bounded communication channels, consisting of physical
cabling, are used for wired LANs, while Unbounded media,
with no cables, carry signals for Wireless LANs and larger
networks.
BOUNDED
MEDIA
Bounded Media Unbounded Media
Unshielded Twisted Pair (UTP) Wireless networks use the air to
Advantages: Cheap, Common and tested, transmit radio signals. 2 types of
Many different types of networks. transmissions
Disadvantages: Crosstalk, Attenuation
(Signal strength over a distance) 1. Microwaves:
Can be terrestrial (land based) uses
Shielded Twisted Pair (STP) these are the the line of sight method being able to
more stable and bulkier type. communicate at 50 km maximum
Fiber optic cable: Consists of plastic and Or
glass these transmits light rather than satellite (above earth) that uses
electrical signals. transponders (these receive signals
Advantages: Faster and Stronger and converts them to different
transmission, Its very Secure. frequencies and sends them back to a
Disadvantage: Very expensive, Complicated ground station)
to install.
- Fibre Optic cable is often used to join LAN 2. Radio wave:
Local area Network
Metropolitan area Network
(LAN)
(MAN)
● On a campus or a
● In a city.
building.
Home area network (HAN)
● connect devices Global area Network
7 NETWORK
within a household (GAN)
CLASSIFICATIONS
eg. Router, Firewall ● A Worldwide WAN
(Security feature) eg. Internet
Wide area Network Personal area Network
(WAN) (PAN)
● Made up of LANS ● Used by individuals
and WANS In for communication.
different cities or Can be transferred
countries. using bluetooth
ADVANTAGE OF USING COMPUTER NETWORKS
● Printer and Resource Sharing: Expensive devices such as printers
and routers can be shared by computers in a network.
● Data Transfer: When storing data on local servers or ni the
cloud, data needs to be transferred from one device over a
network.
● Communication: Networking allow for ways of
communication that would be previously impossible.
● File sharing: Enables a user to access a file saved onto another
computer within the network.
● Productivity: Made global communication easier, this helps
makes business more efficient.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING COMPUTER NETWORKING
● Security issues: Computers are more susceptible to unauthorized access
than stand alone computers. Therefore they need to download additional
security features.
● Cost: Additional Expensive devices are required to receive the maximum
benefit from networking eg. routers, switches. These machine are also
very expensive to maintain.
● Viruses: If one computer in the network gets a virus there a possibility
other computer will also get a virus.
● Dependence on the central server: If a server is faulty it can affect all the
computers connected to it.
