Local Area Networks (LANs)

What is a network?
A network can be defined as “two or more computers connected together to share information and
resources”. This can involve physical or wireless connections or both.
What is a LAN?
A LAN is a Local Area Network. It is a connection of computers and devices which are confined to a
small geographical area. They are therefore relatively small and quite often the network infrastructure
will be the property of the organisation.
Top fact: Each device on a network is known as a node (e.g. computer, printer, etc.)!
Advantages of Local Area Networks
They enable:
 Digital communication between people
 The sharing of digital information
 The sharing of peripheral devices such as printers and scanners
 Computers to be updated with the latest software from a central point
 Distributed processing – the ability for a single program to be run simultaneously at various
computers.
Disadvantages of Local Area Networks
 They require a bit of ‘expertise’ to install and maintain a large network which can be costly.
 There are many security issues from unauthorised access to data.
Measures to secure a network include:
 Passwords – strong passwords use a range of character types
 Not allowing users to install software
 With wireless access, use encryption
 Changing passwords frequently
What is needed to make a LAN?
At least two computers (nodes), each having a NIC (Network Interface Card (either wired or

wireless)).
The NICs convert the data signals from the nodes into data signals that can be transferred across the
network.
Data Transfer Media:
  Wires
 Wireless Technology

A Hub or a Switch
A hub is a device that connects nodes together. It makes all connected nodes act as a single segment.
It is not considered intelligent as data packets are transmitted across the whole of the network. They
are however cheap devices. For example, USB hubs are often used in home network installations.

A switch is also a device that connects nodes together. It is considered as an intelligent device as it
can create and connect to different segments of the network which reduces network traffic because
data packets are sent to the nodes or segment where they are needed rather than being broadcast to the

whole network.
A Router
Although no need to form a LAN, a router is required if the LAN is to connect to the Internet. Routers
manage the data packets enabling them to be sent between networks (e.g. over the internet).
WAP – Wireless Access Point
If the LAN is to make use of wireless technology if will require a ‘Wireless Access Point’. Wireless

technology has many advantages over wired networks:

 There is no need to do building work
 You can add a new node with ease
 The general public can access network/internet if allowed.
But there are drawbacks. There can be performance issues as a result of signal interference. There can
also be security issues if the data being transferred is not encrypted and is intercepted.
Types of Network in a Local Area Network
There are two types of LAN:
 Peer-to-Peer
  Client-Server
In a peer-to-peer network, all computers have the same status. Data transfer may be very slow
because of data collisions and shared processor power. They are only really suitable for small and low
traffic networks and as a result, are a very popular design for a home network

In a client-server network, at least one computer is designated as a server which is usually required to
be a high spec machine due to the jobs it will perform (serving the clients).
A server will offer services such as software and data to client PCs (the client will request a service
and the server will serve them). The server will also manage the traffic on the network, records what
client users do and provide network security (clients will have to sign in and so their identification is
known enabling certain rights to be given to certain people). Large networks may have many servers
to handle increased network demand.

Network Topologies
There are several different ways that LANs can be set up and these ‘setups’ are known as
topologies. The topology that an organisation will choose will be dependent on the money
available, the performance required and the expertise at hand.

Bus Topology
In a bus topology, there is only one cable which all nodes connect to.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Cheap to set up due to little  Because data travels both ways along one
cabling requirements. cable, data collide which slows the
network.
 If the cable has a fault the whole network
may suffer.
 Only really useful over small areas.
Ring Topology
In a ring topology, there is effectively a single cable connecting all nodes, however, data
travels in one direction, which will mean few data collisions.

Advantages Disadvantages
 Cheap to set up due to little cabling  If the cable has a fault the
requirements. whole network may suffer.
 Data travels in only one direction which
means fewer data collisions.

Mesh Topology
A mesh topology is a fully connected network as each device is connected to all others,
which is good because if a cable has a fault, there will be another route available for data to
travel.
Advantages Disadvantages
 If a cable breaks or if there is heavy traffic  Can be a very expensive set up
in one area, there are other routes for the due to the cabling required.
data to take.
Star Topology
In a star topology, a hub or a switch will be used to connect all devices, which means that the
network performance will be faster due to the increase in cabling – there will be more
available routes resulting in fewer data collisions.
Advantages Disadvantages
 All cables connect to a hub or a switch  It is the most expensive topology
and therefore data doesn’t share one as it requires a lot of cable and
cable which results in fewer data addition network devices
collisions and therefore a faster (hub/switch).
network.

Questions (The question zone you choose must either match your target grade or be higher!)

Question Zone 1-3

1. Write a definition of a LAN. [3]
Local Area Network

A network of computers in an area.

2. Describe the differences between a ‘Bus Topology’ and a ‘Ring Topology’. [3]
 3. State the devices needed to set up a LAN and describe their roles. [8]

Question Zone 4-6

1. State the devices needed to set up a LAN and describe their roles. [8]

2. Explain the similarities and differences between a HUB and a SWITCH? [3]
 3. Explain the differences between a ‘Peer-to-Peer’ network and a ‘Client-Server’
network. [6]

Question Zone 7-9

1. Explain the differences between a ‘Peer-to-Peer’ network and a ‘Client-Server’
network. [6]

A peer to peer network works via having every computer networked together individually,
with cables running to each computer.
A Client – Server network work by having a computer send information to a switch (a kind of
HUB), which sends information to a server.

2. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of networking computers. [6]

It means files can be shared faster, tasks can be distributed.

Access rights can also be assigned to different accounts, meaning private or crucial
information can’t be accessed by anyone on the network, however viruses and other malware
can spread easier, as it does not require a human participant to transport.
 3. Discuss the relative advantages and disadvantages of the various network topologies
and explain which topology is best suited to a school. [10]

Star system would be the most appropriate, as it reduces the amount of data collisions,
resulting in a faster network. It also means that if one computer, or one of the wires goes
down, the whole system doesn’t break – you only have one point to worry about breaking.

It also assists security. If malware is introduced to the system, it has the chance of being
picked up by the server, instead of spreading rife without any ways of checking.