1.31 Types of Networks

• Local Area Network (LAN)


  network that covers a small geographical location (switch connects all of it)
• What does LAN stand for?

  Local Area Network
• What is a characteristic of LANs?

  They cover a small geographical area
• What is typically connected by a LAN?

  Houses, schools, and offices
• Who usually owns the LAN hardware?

  The organisation using the LAN
• What can users on a LAN do?

  Access and share files on the network
• What is one function of a LAN regarding internet connections?

  Share an internet connection
• How can security and software updates be managed on a LAN?

  Roll out updates to all computers at once
• What hardware can be shared on a LAN?

  Printers and other peripherals
• What types of devices are typically found on a LAN?

  Servers, printers, PCs, laptops all connected by a switch
• What does WAN stand for?

  Wide Area Network
• What is a characteristic of WANs?

  They cover large geographical locations
• How do WANs relate to LANs?

  WANs connect LANs in different locations
• What analogy is used to describe LANs and WANs?

  LAN is like a house, WAN is like a city
• What is the largest WAN?

  The internet
• What infrastructures do organizations have for WANs?

  Fibre optic lines and satellite links
• Why are WANs more expensive to set up than LANs?

  They cover larger geographical areas
• What is a disadvantage of networks regarding viruses?

  Viruses can spread to other computers throughout the network
• What is a security risk associated with networks

  Danger of hacking particularly with WANs
• What happens if one server breaks down in a network?

  Files on that server become inaccessible
• What is a file server?

  A computer containing files available to all users on LAN
• Are WANs owned by the organisation?

  • No organisations hire infrastructure ( fibre optic lines, satellite links) from telecommunication companies who own + manage WAN
• Advantages of WANs

  • Larger geographical area
  • Increased privacy
  • Allows users to share resources + application software