Networks

-NIC/ network interface card - Cabling or WAP/ wireless access point - A router - A hub or switch in some networks - Standards and Protocols

Network interface card either installed or plugged into the computer. Most computers have them installed

Wired: cabling Wireless: WAP

Connect network to other networks like the internet

Hub is “dumb” and sends messages down every wire A switch has a processor which it uses to direct messages down the correct wire

Standards - shared methods Protocols - standards for communication

No one enforced them but it makes sense to follow them if they want to be connected

Local area network- all computers on the same site , connections privately owned

Wide Area Network - a collection of LANS. That communicate with each other eg. The internet Joins devices remotely using public infrastructure

One cable connects every node / device All data is transmitted via said cable • cheap • slow -insecure -cable fail = total fail

Each device has it’s own cable. Seperately connected to a hub or switch which directs traffic • fast , large • greater privacy • more robust • expensive to set up

No wired connections , every device uses a wireless adapter. WAP at the centre , around 20m . Devices can be portable Every device needs an adapter Signals could be inercepted

Many routes through the network No central hub Most reliable form of network

All computers are equal Cheap, slow , smaller capabilities/capacity

Server stores files for other computers (clients) More data can be used more work can be done faster if server has a fault the network fails Needs technicians Expensive

Work done by the client

Work done by the server

• works even if network down • less strain on server • more capable computers needed • need to buy more software • less control of clients

• cheaper computers • buy less software • control over clients • relies entirely on server • created more traffic as constantly communicating w server

Connected to a shared printer and pass files through to it

Sent messages from one client to another

Store process and deliver requested info / web pages to users

• hackers -malware • social engineering

Creates copies of itself Not a complete file, a short bit of code Has an effect when copied into an executable file When run the virus is executed and does harm