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Network Definitions

By: Bihu Malhotra 10DD

A group of interconnected computers and peripherals that is capable of sharing software and hardware resources between many users. 

Network

Device that is capable of performing its own task, without the need of any other device or component.

Standalone

(local area network) is a group of interlinked computers which can communicate and share resources wirelessly.

LAN

A network that is able to communicate and allow devices such as telephone lines and satellites to work on a larger geographical area than LAN.

WAN

An individual or an organization utilizing the help of a professional(s) such as a lawyer.

Clients

It is a software program that is dedicated to do a specific type of service.

Server

A place where a few programs, files etc. are located on a computer’s server, but are also available to various systems on the client network.

Client Server Network

It is a network which can enable communication services between two individuals.

Peer to Peer Network

A few peripherals can be shared between all workstations, instead of individual computers.

Files and documents can be uploaded on the server, and can be accessed by any workstation.

The transfer of data is much simpler between all users.

Single application packages can be shared between all workstations.

LINK: http://education.mu/forum/index.php?topic=306.0http://computer-networks.blurtit.com/q372184.html4 Advantages of LAN

If one computer receives a virus or a serious fault, it is transferred to the other computers connected to the network.

Networks are difficult to set up and are required to be maintained by technicians.

A powerful/good LAN is compulsory at all times for the network to run.

The workstations are more prone to hacking due to more access points.

LINK: http://education.mu/forum/index.php?topic=306.0http://computer-networks.blurtit.com/q372184.html

4 Disadvantages

A cabled LAN is when a wire is connected to the computers in order for them to use the network.

The three types are; - Twisted pair cable: two individual

wires twisted around each other to make one.

- Optical fibre cable: made up of transparent material that carry beams of light.

- Coaxial cable: transmission line for high frequency signals.

Cabled LAN

It is essential for all computers to have LAN interfaces in order for them to work in the network. The port has to be connected to the appropriate socket.

LINK: http://www.ehow.com/about_5443702_lan-network-requirements.html

LAN Interface

It describes the arrangement of systems which are located on a computer network.

LAN Topologies

There are structures for this including;- Star: A central node connected to

the rest and interlinking them together- Ring: Each node is connected to

two other nodes exactly, forming the shape of a ring.

- Line: Nodes arranged in a straight, only linking between the one in front and behind.LINK: http://www.techterms.com/definition/networktopologyLAN Topologies Structure

It is easy to use, one main cable connects to all the computers. This makes reduces installation time and cost.

It is quite appropriate to use for small networks, as it helps with the interlinking.

Line/Bus Topology Advantages

It is easy to manage networks in star topology, quite simple to follow and highly capable of functioning at all times.

Data transfer is not required to go through several nodes. This makes data transfer fast and efficient.

Adding new machines to the network topology is quite easy, as the entire network won’t be interrupted. 3 Star Topology Advantages

This topology is highly dependent on the central hub. If that breaks down, the entire network would break down.

More cables are required here, than in the bus topology, which can increase expenses.

Performance of the topology is reliant on the hub’s performance. If the server is slow, the network as a whole will slow down as well.

3 Star TopologyDisadvantages

LAN (Local Area Network) links are when two or more devices are connected to a wireless distribution.

This feature enables us to freely move around the area where the routers’ signal reaches.

This has many advantages, you don’t need to have the hassle of cables, and one LAN can be used for several devices.

However, this can have disadvantages, for example, if you move too far away, the signal becomes weak, and it is more prone to viruses and damage, than a simple Ethernet cable.

Wireless LAN

WAN (Wide Area Network). WAN is related to telecommunications.

It has a higher capability than LAN, as the internet signal can reach a wider range which could be a community, region, or even across countries.

Businesses with international branches, make high use of this feature, as it is easier share/transfer data between clients, employees, managers etc.

WAN

Bandwidth is related to information capacity, which is also linked and applied to things such telephone networks, radio frequency signals etc.

It can also be classified as the amount of information which is able to be sent through a connection between two computers in a certain period of time.

Data Transmission; Bandwidth

Narrowband, quite similar to bandwidth, is also related to telecommunication. It carries voice information in a ‘narrow band’  of frequencies.

To be quite specific, narrowband is also the term which is used by the U.S to specify a certain frequency range. This could include things such as mobile/radio networks.

Data Transmission; Narrowband

Broadband is a wide variety of frequencies which are able to transmit information.

Due to the high number of frequencies, more information is able to transfer in several different frequencies (also known as multiplexing), in a certain amount of time.

Data Transmission; Broadband

Baud is a unit which is used to state the speed of how many electronic signals are sent/transferred each second.

Data Transmission; Baud

Half Duplex Line is when data can be transferred in two directions, but not at the same time (bidirectional line).

Data Transmission; Half Duplex Line

Full Duplex Line is when data can be transferred in two different directions, like the Half Duplex Line, but they are able to be transmitted at the same time.

Data Transmission;Full Duplex Line