Benefits of using a Local Area Network (LAN) (Edexcel IGCSE ICT): Flashcards
Exam code: 4IT1
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Give four benefits of using a local area network.
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Give four benefits of using a local area network.
Users can share peripherals such as printers, have shared access to the internet, access their files from any computer on the network, communicate more easily, share files and folders, use servers for centralised backups, updates and security, and use media streaming.
Why is sharing peripherals on a LAN a benefit?
Sharing peripherals reduces the cost and time needed to access a central one, rather than buying a device for every user.
Why is sharing data on a LAN a benefit?
Shared data allows easier collaboration between users.
What does flexible access on a LAN allow a user to do?
Flexible access allows hot desking, because users can access their files from any computer on the network.
Why is shared access to the internet a benefit of a LAN?
It reduces the need for individual connectivity for every device.
What three things can a server provide centrally on a LAN?
A server can provide centralised backups, updates and security.
Servers and switches can provide a central point of , so users cannot complete tasks if one fails.
Servers and switches can provide a central point of failure, so users cannot complete tasks if one fails.
Give two security drawbacks of using a LAN.
There is an increased security risk to data, and malicious software can infiltrate the network and render it unusable.
What factors can affect the performance of a LAN?
Performance is affected by the number of users and the amount of data on the network at one time.
True or False?
Connecting computers on a LAN removes the security risk to data.
False.
A LAN brings an increased security risk to data, because malicious software can spread across the network.
Name two kinds of media a LAN can be used to stream.
A LAN can stream movies, music and gaming content.
Define peer-to-peer network.
A peer-to-peer network is a network with no server providing services, where every computer is equal to all other computers.
Name three things each peer on a peer-to-peer network is responsible for.
Each peer provides access to its own files and is responsible for its own backups and its own security, and often has its own printer attached.
Give three advantages of a peer-to-peer network.
It is very easy to set up and maintain, very cheap because there is no expensive hardware to purchase, and no specialist knowledge or staff are required to run it.
Give three disadvantages of a peer-to-peer network.
Users must manage their own backups and their own software updates, and the network can be less secure.
Why does a lack of centralised backup on a peer-to-peer network cost more?
Each client has to be backed up separately, so individual backup devices are needed on every device.
Why can users not hot-desk on a peer-to-peer network?
There are no roaming profiles, so a user's files and settings do not follow them to another machine.
Define client-server network.
A client-server network is a network that uses a server, with clients connecting to it via a switch.
Name four single purposes a server on a client-server network might have.
A server might manage access to the internet, manage printing, provide email services, provide backups or control security.
How does a server compare with the client machines on the network?
Servers are often more powerful than the client machines, are seen as more significant, and can require specialist hardware and software.
Give three advantages of a client-server network.
Backups are easier because they are done from one central point, updating and installing software can be done centrally rather than on each machine, and security of files can be managed easily.
A server can be a single point of , meaning all users would lose access to the network if it fails.
A server can be a single point of failure, meaning all users would lose access to the network if it fails.
Give two cost-related disadvantages of a client-server network.
Servers can be expensive to purchase, set up and maintain, and a specialist network manager is required because servers need specialist IT knowledge.
True or False?
Most schools and companies use a peer-to-peer network model.
False.
Most companies, organisations and schools use a client-server model; it is most homes that use a peer-to-peer model.
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