Communications & Networks National 4 & 5 Computing Science

Learning Intentions We will learn:  What is a Network  What is a LAN  Client/Server Networks  Peer-to-Peer Networks  Advantages & Disadvantages of a LAN

Learning Objectives Understand what a network is Know what a LAN is Know the difference between a client server and a peer-to-peer network Know the advantages of a LAN Know the advantages and disadvantages of a client server network

What is a Network? A network is a group of computers that are linked together in order to: Share files Send s Share devices, such as printers There are two types of network: Local Area Network – LAN Wide Area Network – WAN

Local Area Network (LAN) Cover a small area such as one room or building The school has a LAN They are usually owned by an individual, a company or an organisation

Types of Network – Client/Server Client – name given to a workstation on this type of network Server – computer on the network that handles requests for data, s, file transfers, and other network services from the clients Different types of server – File, Printer, Mail, & Web

Types of Network – Peer-to-Peer Each workstation has the same status Each workstation has its own applications, programs and storage device The user is responsible for storing and backing up the data on the workstation If the user moves from one workstation to another their data is no longer easy to access

Advantages of a Network Share data Share peripherals Passwords keep data secure Many users can use the same document at the same time (workgroup computing)

Advantages of Client/Server Network Flexible access Use any workstation connected to the LAN Backup done centrally – network manager is responsible for ensuring this is done regularly Different users are given different levels of access – this is to prevent unauthorised use of files/data

Disadvantages of Client/Server Network If the file server stops working users have no access to their files All users are affected It is expensive to setup as a file server and server software would be required.

Learning Objectives I know… What a network is what a Local Area Network is and how it is used The difference between a client server and a peer-to-peer network The advantages of a LAN The advantages and disadvantages of a client server network