Networks and the internet

an interconnected set of devices

The actual architecture of a network i.e. how its laid out

• allows sharing of data • allows collaberative working • good for communication • allows sharing of resources e.g. printers, storage and scanners • easy to backup to a central point

• The user can become dependent on the network (If the network stops operating then it may not be possible to access various resources) • Efficiency of a network can be very dependent on a network manager • It is difficult to make a network of computer secure for hackers and outside threats • As traffic increases on a network the performance can degrade

A protocol is a set of rules relating to the communication between devices.

Transmission Control Protocol – used with IP to ensure error free transmission and package switching

Internet Protocol – used to transfer all packets across the internet between routers

receive and send electrical signals in a network.

devices which are used to connect networks. they receive data packets from one network and based on the address on the packet forward them of

devices used to connect devices on a network, they use the physical hardware MAC address to send data on to the required destination node.

identifier that is permanently added to a device by the manufacturer

connects nodes together by broadcasting a signal to all possible destinations. The correct destination will accept the signal

use wireless to connect a node to a WiFi network avoiding the need for lots of physical caballing

the wires that connect a network

older, slower and cheaper

newer, faster and high-capacity

an arrangement where nodes are connected to a central communication channel. Each end of the backbone is connected to a terminator. Each node is passive and data is sent in one direction at a time only

Inexpensive to set up Devices can easily be added Good for small networks

Main cable is a single point of failure Limited cable length Performance degrades with heavy use Poor security

an arrangement where a central node or hub provides a common connection point for all other nodes.

Easy to isolate problems Good performance More secure is a switch is used a data is sent only to the recipient

Can be expensive to set up because of the length of cable required Central device is a point of failure

an arrangement where on node is connect to two others to form and ring.

an arrangement where ever node is connected to every other node.