GNVQ ICT - Intermediate

Unit 10 - Networks and Communications

LANs

Hyperlinks on the level above: [Home Page for Unit 10] [ Specification ] [ Assessment Guidance ] [ Assessment Grid ] [ Learning Resources ] [ Assignment ] [ Useful Links ] [ Terms to understand ] [ Site Map ] [ Bulletin board ]

Hyperlinks:

On this level:

Stand-alone computers
LANs
WANs
Standard ways of working
Electronic communications
Advantages and Disadvantages
Using a network

On the level below:

Network Hardware
Network Software
Network Security
Other Security Issues
Network Manager

 

Local Area Networks (LAN)

A single stand-alone computer can be very useful – but it is when connected to other computers that it becomes possible to do some of the most powerful things.

There are many different types of network – the simplest being one called a peer-to-peer network.  In the diagram this type of network will look like a “ring” – bottom centre. 

This is a type of network in which each workstation has the same things that it can do.  

A peer to peer network is very different from client/server networks, (shown as a “star” in the diagram) in which some computers are dedicated to serving the others. Peer-to-peer networks are generally simpler, but they usually do not offer the same performance under heavy loads.  

At Hyde Technology School the network is like the star design shown in the image above.

You need Flash Player to view this animation

This animation shows what happens when the network is running properly - and also what happens when there is a fault either at the hub or the file server (which is connected to the hub).  Click the button to view.

This list shows some of the tutorials on a superb website called: How Stuff Works.   You should find them really useful:

› Introduction to How Home Networking Works
› Ways to Connect
› Networking Basics
› Networking Basics: File Sharing and Security
› Networking Basics: Printers
› Networking Basics: Internet
› Routers and Firewalls
› Building a Network
› What You Need for Ethernet
› Other Types of Home Networks
› A Word About Macs
› The Future of Home Networking
› Lots More Information!
› Search Google
› Shop and Compare Prices
› What do you think?

 

One of the advantages of any kind of network is that peripherals can be shared.  For example, a printer can be connected to the network so that all the computers in a certain room can share it.  At Hyde Technology School we have a printer in each computer suite so that the workstations in the room can all print successfully to it.  If the computers were not part of a network they would each need a separate printer – putting up the cost of providing Information and Communication Technology facilities by a lot!

 

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Please email your comments to mail@ictgnvq.org.uk    Created by K C Parry - Please email your comments to kcparry@ictgnvq.org.uk