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ScienceNetworking - LANsname…………………………………………

Stand Alone computer Networked computer

a computer that can operate independently, without interconnected computing devices that can exchange
external connections or dependencies data and share resources with each other

The advantages and disadvantages of using a computer network

Advantages Disadvantages

performance enhancement high setup costs

resource sharing limited resource capacities.

increasing storage capacity server dependence

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Advantages Disadvantages

Types of area networks:

PAN - Personal area network connects electronic devices within a user's immediate area.

LAN - Local area network is a collection of devices connected together in one physical location,

MAN - Metropolitan area network is a computer network that connects computers within a metropolitan area

WAN - Wide-area network is the technology that connects your offices, data centres, cloud applications, and
cloud storage together over a large geographical area

Difference between LAN and WAN

LAN WAN

LAN means local area network WAN means wide area network

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LANs connect users and applications in close WANs connect users and applications in
geographical proximity (same building) geographically dispersed locations (across the globe).

LANs use local connections like ethernet cables and WANs use wide area connections like MPLS, VPNs,
wireless access points leased lines, and the cloud.

Wired connection

NIC

Peer-to-peer and Client-Server network

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Peer-to-peer Client-Server

where devices are reliant on services provided and

managed by a central server
there is no server and each device provides services
and files to other devices on the network.

Easier to manage security files.

Very easy to maintain.

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Specialist staff are not required. Easier to install software updates to all computers.

Easier to take backups of all shared data.

No dependency on a single computer

Network Topologies

A network topology is the physical and logical arrangement of nodes and connections in a network.

Bus topology

Bus topology is a type of network topology in which all

devices are connected to a single cable called a "bus."

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Ring topology

Ring topology is a type of network configuration where

devices are connected in a circular manner, forming a
closed loop. In this setup, each device is connected to
exactly two other devices
Star topology

A star topology is a network design where all devices are

connected to a central hub or switch

Mesh topology

Mesh topology is a network configuration where devices are

interconnected in a decentralised manner.

Wireless mesh

A wireless mesh is a group of connectivity devices, such as

Wi-Fi routers that act as a single network, so there are

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multiple sources of connectivity around your house instead

of just a single router.