Topic 9.2 Networking

Describes how network devices are physically connected. Via cables, wires, wireless

The way the information and data flows around the network

Each device (printer, computer) has its own connection to the central hub.

• Easy to add new devices • Nobody else can see your data being sent • No possibility of collisions • One cable failing doesnt affect the rest of the network

• If central hub fails, everything fails • Very expensive as lots of cable required

Every device is connected to a main cable which connects to the central hub.

Very cheap as only one cable needs to be installed

No confidentiality - Every device on a network can see all your data being sent Collisions - Data being sent at the same time from 2 different devices means both devices will have to send their data again Risky - Central wire fails, everything fails

Devices behave as though they share a single wire connecting them all to the central hub. Data sent by one device is heard by all devices in the network, but only read by intended recipient.

If we use a hub instead of a switch in a PST, the hub does not make smart decisions about where to send data like a switch would, so it broadcasts data to all devices, exactly the same a bus topology would. This also means that if data is sent at the same time, there will be a data collision and the data will have to be resent.

Every device has equal status. All devices able to share resources with each other without the need for a server Everyone can request each other’s data.

No central points of failure Cheaper due to no server Scalable network so can grow easily

No central authority so very low security Each device has to act as it its own server which uses a lot of computer resources (memory & processing) Performance lowers due to reliance on devices with low-speed connections

Cryptocurrencies - no central security Skype - used to use it for connecting users on voice and video calls Minecraft - reduces latency between multiple computers

One (or more) server(s) provide services to multiple devices on a network. Servers are connected to the network in the same way that devices are but are most likely a lot more powerful. Services could be management of print queues and emails.

Control - all data is managed by a central server Data backup - no risk of losing important data High performance and high scalability Very reliable

Very expensive - servers, security, maintenance If server fails, everything fails Security vulnerabilities

all websites all emails all banks streaming platforms games basically everywhere in all aspects of life

Devices to communicate in a network without being a physical connection to the network (no cables & wires).

A method for devices to connect to the internet without the need for wires. It creates a wireless network in a specific area (home or office) so devices can access the internet. Wifi follows international standards (rules) to ensure all devices, no matter the brand, can connect and work together. So any phone can access any wifi router since they all follow the same standards.

• Wireless router in your home or office • Connects to the internet via a cable from your ISP (internet service provider) (sky, EE) • Wireless access point (WAP) allows wireless devices to connect to a wired network • Boosts the signal to extend the range devices can connect to it from • Modem connects to the ISP to provide access to the internet and connects to the router • Router broadcasts internet signals to your devices • Router also acts as a WAP in most cases • Wireless network interface card or Wireless network adapter are built into most devices and allow the device to connect to the router, which connects it to the wi-fi

They are built into most modern devices and allow the device to connect and communicate with the router, thus allowing the device to connect to wifi.

Allows wireless devices to connect to the wired network by boosting the range in which devices can connect to the router. Most modern-day routers have a built-in function of WAP.

WPA encrypts the transmitted data. requires that a new wireless client must enter the password before connecting to the WiFi.