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3.3 Network Characteristics - Coggle Diagram
3.3 Network Characteristics
Peer-to-peer
- computers are linked to each other, where they send data packets between/through each other instead of having a dedicated server.
Advantages:
Doesn’t need network OS as there is no server
Doesn’t need ICT specialists because each user sets access rights
One PC failing will not bring down entire network
Disadvantages:
Performance will decrease with more people logged in
Cannot perform a central backup of files
Files may be difficult to locate due to each individual's folder structure.
Client server network
- where files are stored on a dedicated server - these servers can be accessed at all times to retrieve and save files
Advantages:
All files are stored centrally
Back ups can be initiated by ICT specialists
Files will be available even if some client PCs fail
Disadvantages:
Requires a network OS
Servers are expensive
Specialist staff required to maintain the network
Mesh topology
- all nodes cooperate to distribute data amongst each other. They are typically used for smart buildings, home automation etc.
Advantages:
Broken cable or computer won't affect the rest of the network
Extra computers/devices will NOT slow down
Can handle high amount of traffic
Disadvantages:
Harder to manage
Required skilled ICT staff
Extremely expensive
Bus topology
- this is the simplest topology. A single cable joins all of the workstations, printer, file server and other components together.
Advantages:
Easy to install
Cheap as it doesn't require much Cabling
Disadvantages:
Main cable failing can result in the whole network failing
Adding more workstations will slow the network down (data collisions)
All data pass through the main cable so this can be a security risk
Star topology
- each workstation is connected by its own cable directly to the server. Star networks are usually the layout of choice in schools and offices.
Advantages:
Reliable (one cable or device failing won’t affect the others)
High performance (no data collisions can occur)
Easy to add new nodes
Disadvantages:
Expensive
Extra Hardware (hub or switches are required for a star network)
Hub/switch failure (all connected devices will lose the network connection)
Ring topology
- all of the computers are connected to one another in a circle. The data passes from one computer to the next one and then all the way around the ring layout until it reaches the destination computer.
Advantages:
Data is transferred quickly because it travels in one direction (no data collisions)
Disadvantages:
If the cable fails OR any device is faulty the whole network will go down.