Types of Network 1

Learning Outcomes:

Describe the characteristics of the different types of network, including the LAN, WAN and Personal Area Network (PAN).
Describe the characteristics of basic network topology such as bus, ring and star.
Describe the characteristics of a client-server network and a peer-to-peer network, and explain the factors that need to be considered in choosing between them as a network solution.

The factors include the network services required, set-up and maintenance costs, and the workload of the network administrators, etc.

LAN, WAN, PAN

WAN

LAN

PAN

Characteristics

Wide Area Network

Not limited by locations e.g. a large company network with multiple LANs in different locations (interconnected by public network provided by internet service provider)

e.g. internet

Connect LANs together

Local Area Network

Used in local area

e.g. within a floor or building

Connect local devices together: share resources and communicate with others

Personal Area Network

Connect personal devices together

e.g. Bluetooth headphone

e.g. home office

Advantages

Large coverage

Faster than WAN

Less complex than LAN

Less expensive than LAN

Flexible and adhoc connection

Easy to set up and use

Low cost

Relevant past paper:

DSE ICT Elect B(SP-2017): SP 1ai. 2013 4eii. 2017 4ai.

CE CIT Elec C(2005-2011): 2005 2cde. 2007 3a.

Basic Network Topology

Bus topology:

Advantages: fewer cables needed, simple setup, lower cost (fewer cables, no active communication devices)
Disadvantages: all nodes receive and examine signals, backbone failure causes failure of entire network

Ring topology:

Advantages: only one station can send data at a time thus avoid collisions
Disadvantages: failure of any nodes or cables causes failure of the entire network, longer data transmission time

Star topology:

Advantages: centralized network management, easy to expand the network
Disadvantages: central connecting device failure causes failure of the entire network, more expensive to setup

Tree topology:

Advantages: easy to expand the network
Disadvantages: delay in receiving data of the child node

Relevant past paper:

DSE ICT Elect B(SP-2017): SP 4b. PP 1a. 2012 3e.

CE CIT Elec C(2005-2011): 2005 1def, 4a. 2006 3ab, 4b. 2007 3bc. 2008 1a. 2009 1a. 2010 1cii, iii. 2011 1ei.

AS CA(2000-2013): 2009 9ciii.

Client-server Network and Peer-to-peer (P2P) Network

	Client-server network	Peer-to-peer network
Characteristics	A server grade computer acts as the server to provide resources for its clients	No central server Each node can act as client or server i.e. request for or provide services Each node can control its own resource sharing
Advantages	Centralized management Easier to manage security	Less expensive and easier to setup No single point of failure
Considerations in choosing client-server / P2P network	Large number of users Centralized security management Centralized data management and backup Applications that require high processing power of the server	Small number of users Centralised security management not required Lower cost