1.3.3d.+e. – Network hardware and client-server and peer-to-peer networks

-Modem -Router -Cables -Network Interface Controller (NIC) -Wireless Access Point (WAP) -Hub -Switch

A modem converts digital signals into analogue signals and vice versa so that a signal can travel between a computer and wires. This allows for internet access over phone or cable lines.

A router connects networks together, assigns IP address to connected devices, and examines and forwards data packets.

Cables connect wired devices to a network and carries digital data between devices.

An Network Interface Card allows a computer system to connect to a network. It assigns a computer system a unique MAC address.

A Wireless Access Point sends and receives radio waves within a designated area. It examines data packets and forwards them and allows wireless devices to communicate with each other.

A hub receives data from a devices and broadcasts it to all devices on a network

A switch joins devices together on a network. It receives data packets, examines them and forwards them to the intended recipient, using MAC addresses to route this data.

Client computers are connected to a server which provides a resource. A client must make requests to a server for data, connections and other services.

-It’s easier to manage users -Easier to backup -Easier to keep data secure -Technicians more easily remotely install applications or monitor user’s actions -Only one point of failure -Shared storage can be managed by a server

-Can be expensive to set up and maintain -IT Specialists are required to set up and maintain it -The server acts as a single point of failure, users lose network access if the server fails -Adding a new machine can require installing specialist client software and setting up OS policies

In a peer-to-peer network each computer (called a peer) is equal to all others. They are each responsible for their own security and backups.

-There is no single point of failure -It is relatively cheap and easy to maintain, specialists are not required -Cheaper and easier to set up as expensive hardware or complicated procedures aren’t required

-Users need to manage their own backup and security, making the network less secure and harder to manage -If a computer is powered down its shared resources (such as secondary storage or connected hardware) are not available