Networks
LAN
Internet, Intranet & WWW
Using networks
WAN
Local Area Network
Works in a small geographical area e.g. building.
Wide Area Network
Works in a large geographical area e.g. on a global scale.
Requires a telecommunications link, such as fibre optic or satellite.
Pros
Cons
Users can save their work on a file server, which can be retrieved from any device on the network.
Files and expensive hardware can both be shared.
Backing up of data can be completed at the file server (faster and more efficient than backing up individual computers).
Security can be managed centrally.
Updates on the file server allows computers to access software quickly.
When a virus is installed, it can quickly spread to all computers/organisations software.
If a lot of users are using the system, can slow down dramatically.
High set-up costs e.g. file servers, network switches.
Additional staff might required for maintenance which would increase staff costs.
Intranet
A private network owned and managed by a private organisation.
It can only be accessed by people belonging to the organisation through usernames and passwords.
It looks similar to the internet.
Difference between internet and WWW
Separate technologies yet they work closely together.
The internet is an example of WAN (allows information to pass between computers linked to a global network) i.e. it is a method of transporting data.
The WWW is an application which uses the internet.
Internet Of Things (IOT)
"Things" embedded with circuitry and sensors with network capability which enables these objects to exchange data.
Amazon Alexa
Fitbit