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3.3 Network characteristics - Coggle Diagram
3.3 Network characteristics
Peer to peer network
This is where the computer is linked together
They send data packets between/through each other instead of a dedicated server
+
Don't need network OS as there is no sever
+
Don't need ICT specialists because each user gets access rights
-
Performance will decrease with more people logged on
-
Cannot perform a central backup of files
Client sever
Files are stored on a dedicated server
Server will be accessed at all times to retrieve and save files.
+
All files stored centrally
+
Files will be available even if some client PC’s fail
-
severs are expensive
-
Specialists staff required to maintain the network
Topologies
Topologies are the layout computers are in
Types of topologies
Bus
A single cable joins all of the workstations, printer, file server and other components together.
+
Easy to install
+
Cheap as it doesn't require much cabling
-
Main cable failing result in the whole network failing
-
Adding more workstations will slow the network down (data collisions)
-
All data pass through the main cable this can be a security risk
Star
Each workstation is connected by its own cable directly to the server
+
Reliable (One cable or device failing will not affect the others
+
High performance (no data collisions can occur)
-
Expensive
-
Extra hardware (Hub or switches are required for a star network)
-
Hub or switch failure (all connected devices will lose the network connection)
Mesh
In a mesh network, each node relays the data it receives to other nodes within reach.
+
Broken cable or computer won't affect the rest of the network
+
Extra computers/devices will not slow it down
+
Can handle high amounts of traffic
-
Harder to manage
-
Requires skilled ICT
-
Extremely expensive
Ring
All of the computers are connected to one another in a circle.
+
Data is transferred quickly because it travels in one direction (no data collisions)
-
If the cable fails OR any device is faulty the whole network will go down
