3.3.1
Networks Introduction
Benefits of Networks
Benefits of Networks
A network is a collection of connected computers. These computers can communicate by sending data between themselves. There are many reasons that we might choose to set up a network:
![Illustrative background for Data exchange](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-06/f43e53b5-3a4b-4683-894b-da5e6ac1cc89/board-electronics-computer-data-processing-50711,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpeg)
![Illustrative background for Data exchange ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-06/f43e53b5-3a4b-4683-894b-da5e6ac1cc89/board-electronics-computer-data-processing-50711,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpeg)
Data exchange
Data exchange
- Data can be sent between computers without the need for external storage.
![Illustrative background for Resource sharing](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/Edexcel/7 electricity/photocopying,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Resource sharing ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/Edexcel/7 electricity/photocopying,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Resource sharing
Resource sharing
- Resources can be shared:
- E.g. Printers.
- E.g. Scanners.
- E.g. Internet connections.
![Illustrative background for Managing computers](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/AQA New Modules/7.4.1/magnifying glass,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Managing computers ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/AQA New Modules/7.4.1/magnifying glass,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Managing computers
Managing computers
- A network manager can manage other computers over a network by:
- Updating software.
- Fixing problems.
- Help users e.g. resetting passwords.
Network Performance
Network Performance
There are many factors which affect the overall performance on a network:
![Illustrative background for Bandwidth](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/0a18813c-bd29-4490-a4cf-2818a9d61ce0/Broadband-Bandwidth-Fibre-Optic-Cables-Computer-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Bandwidth ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-07/0a18813c-bd29-4490-a4cf-2818a9d61ce0/Broadband-Bandwidth-Fibre-Optic-Cables-Computer-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Bandwidth
Bandwidth
- Bandwidth is the amount of data that can be transferred in a given time.
- The greater the bandwidth, the better the network's performance potential.
- Bandwidth is shared between all active users, so performance can decrease if there are too many users.
![Illustrative background for Wired vs wireless](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/1.5.1 Energy Changes/wires - Edited-min,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Wired vs wireless ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/physics/1.5.1 Energy Changes/wires - Edited-min,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Wired vs wireless
Wired vs wireless
- Wired networks are usually much faster and more reliable.
- Wireless performance depends on how well a computer can pick up the signal but is rarely better than a wired connection would be.
![Illustrative background for Choice of hardware](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/1.1.2 - Cell specialisation/cables-1080555_640-min,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Choice of hardware ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/1.1.2 - Cell specialisation/cables-1080555_640-min,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Choice of hardware
Choice of hardware
- The choice of cabling and other networking hardware can have a big impact on the speed of a network.
![Illustrative background for Topology](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/2.3.3 - Carbon structures/board-730797_640-min,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Topology ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/chemistry/2.3.3 - Carbon structures/board-730797_640-min,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Topology
Topology
- The topology of the network (how the computers are laid out and connected together) can have a large impact on the network performance.
1Components of a Computer
1.1Structure & Function of the Processor
1.2Types of Processors
2Software & Software Development
2.1Systems Software
2.2Applications Generation
2.3Software Development
3Exchanging Data
3.1Compression, Encryption & Hashing
3.3Networks
4Data Types, Data Structures & Algorithms
4.1Data Types
5Legal, Moral, Cultural & Ethical Issues
5.1Computing Related Legislation
6Elements of Computational Thinking
6.1Thinking Abstractly
6.2Thinking Procedurally
6.3Thinking Logically
7Problem Solving & Programming
7.1Programming Techniques
7.2Programming Construction
Jump to other topics
1Components of a Computer
1.1Structure & Function of the Processor
1.2Types of Processors
2Software & Software Development
2.1Systems Software
2.2Applications Generation
2.3Software Development
3Exchanging Data
3.1Compression, Encryption & Hashing
3.3Networks
4Data Types, Data Structures & Algorithms
4.1Data Types
5Legal, Moral, Cultural & Ethical Issues
5.1Computing Related Legislation
6Elements of Computational Thinking
6.1Thinking Abstractly
6.2Thinking Procedurally
6.3Thinking Logically
7Problem Solving & Programming
7.1Programming Techniques
7.2Programming Construction
![Go student ad image](/en-GB/revision-notes/_next/image?url=%2Fen-GB%2Frevision-notes%2Fimages%2Fgo-student-uk-ad.jpg&w=640&q=100)
Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring
Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home
Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs
30+ school subjects covered