7.2.1-7.1.3

• RAID

  Redundant Array of Independent Disks
• RAID 5


  1. Data is striped across multiple disks

  2. Requires 3 or more disks
• Network


  A linked set of computer systems, which may be capable of sharing computer power and resources such as printers and databases
• Network communication


  Sending packets of data through the switches using IP addresses
• Internet

  • A world-wide communications infrastructure
  • A 'network of networks'
• Wired Networks

  A common type of wired configuration- most wired networks use Ethernet cables to transfer data between connected PCs
• Benefits of wired networks

  • Provides greater bandwidth / a faster (network) connection
  • Allows more files to be transmitted at the same time
  • Improves productivity
  • Improves security
  • Doesn't radiate signals / it provides a fixed connection
  • Makes hacking more difficult
• Drawbacks of a wired network

  • Expensive to install and reconfigure
  • Users can't instantly move a device from one location to another as there may not be a network connection available
• Benefits of a wireless network

  • New nodes can be added to the network without interruption
  • Users can move freely without any threat to the connection being interrupted
• Drawbacks of a wireless network

  • Radio signals have a limited range
  • Radio signals can suffer for electromagnetic inference for other devices and even other radio signals
  • They can also be blocked by walls, leading to dead spots where no signal can be found
• Connecting a laptop to a home network using an ethernet cable

  • Increased stability and speed
  • Network speeds run faster when compared to wireless networks
  • Guarantees a more stable connection