Types Of Network Aqa

Networks

What are the different types of networks?

• A network is two of more devices connected together with the purpose of sharing resources

• There are three main types of network

  • Local Area Network (LAN)

  • Wide Area Network (WAN)

  • Personal Area Network (PAN)

• For the exam it is important to know the advantage and disadvantages of each type of network as well as the advantages and disadvantages of networks as a whole

What are the advantages of having a network?

• Users can share resources such as printers and connection to the internet 

• Users can access their files from any computer on the network

• Communication can be made easier via email and social networks

• Users can share files and folders easily such as central databases and spreadsheets

• Servers can be used to provide centralised backups, updates and security

What are the disadvantages of having a network?

• There is an increased security risk to data 

• Malicious software can infiltrate the network and render it unusable

• Servers and switches can provide a central point of failure, resulting in users not being able to complete tasks using their computer

• Factors can impact the performance of the network such as the number of users and data on the network at one time

Types of Network

What is a LAN?

• A local area network (LAN) is a network which has a small geographical area (under 1 mile)

• All of the hardware is owned by the company/organisation/household using it

• LANs will use unshielded twisted pair (UTP) cable, fibre optic cable or wireless connections (Wi-Fi)

What is a WAN?

• A wide area network (WAN) is a network which has a large geographical area (over 1 mile)

• They are a collection of LANs joined together

• The computers on a WAN are connected via routers

• The hardware used to connect the networks together is not all owned by the company/organisation/household using it.

• Telephone lines owned by telecommunication companies are an example

• WANs will use fibre optic cable, telephone lines and satellite to connect the LANs together

What is a PAN?

• A personal area network (PAN) is a network that is used for transmission of data between devices in close proximity

• A PAN has a very short range (10 metres)

• Bluetooth is the most widely used PAN

• Typical examples of devices which make use of a PAN are:

  • Wireless headphones

  • Mobile phones

  • Tablet

  • Laptop etc.

What is Bluetooth?

• Bluetooth is another common standard for wireless networks

• Bluetooth is common in most homes and offices to connect devices such as headphones, controllers, keyboards & mice

• Bluetooth is used typically for a direct connection between two devices