GNVQ Advanced IT - Unit 4

Element 4.3

1. describe and give examples of types of networks
2. describe the components which form networks
3. describe network topologies
4. describe the benefits of using computer networks
5. explain the different data flow control methods on a network
6. explain network management activities and system security methods

Networks:
local area networks LANs, municipal area network MANs, wide area networks WANs (broadcast, public switched data network PSDN, public switched telephone network PSTN, integrated services data network ISDN, private wide area network )

Components:
workstations, data transmission media, workstation to media connectors, network cards, file servers, printer servers, software, multiplexer, auxiliary storage, bridge, gateway

Network topologies:
bus, ring, star, mesh

Benefits:
shared (software, hardware, resources, data), central services (security, support, maintenance), efficiency, team working

 Data flow control methods:
reservation (token ring, time slots, polling), contention (collision avoidance, collision detection)

Management activities:
check network activity levels, system reporting, security, storage, system configuration

System security methods:
control of access (Physical, logical), forced recognition of security

user identity, password, access rights (read only, write), legal requirements
 

• describing types of networks, covering the range, with an example of each
• describing the components which form two selected networks, one LAN and one WAN
• describing network topologies, covering the range
• describing the benefits of using computer networks, covering the range
• explaining data flow control methods, covering the range
• explaining network management activities and system security methods, covering the range.

LAN (PC1, PC2 and PC4 range) the interconnection of items of computer equipment over a small area such as a single building or site.  Such systems enable the sharing of data, software and equipment resources.

Wide area network (PC1, PC2 and PC4 range) the interconnection of computing and telecommunications equipment over large geographical areas such as countrywide or internationally.  Such systems enable the sharing and transmission of data and information between LANs and individual users of the system.

Private Wide area network PWANs (PC1, PC2 and PC4 range) for example JANET, CompuServe.

Workstation (PC2 range) generally a stand-alone computer, or a dumb terminal attached to a network

Data transmission media (PC2 range) typical media would be copper, optical fibre or airways (broadcast)

Workstation to media connectors (PC2 range) for example pads, repeaters or routers.

Network cards (PC2 range) a device inside the main processing unit which enables a computer to be connected to the network.

Multiplexer (PC2 range) a device which enables the combination (and separation) of multiple signals transmitted over one cable.

Bridge (PC2 range) a device used to connect similar LANs together, usually within the same site.

Gateway (PC2 range) the facility which enables connection to WANs and network facilities.

Storage (PC6 range) for example allocation of storage space, purging

System configuration (PC6 range) for example setting passwords, rights, access to servers and printer queues.

Control of physical access (PC6 range) for example passcards, identity cards, gates and grilles.

Control of logical access (PC6 range) for example software controls, hardware controls, password.

Forced recognition of security (PC6 range) the requirement that personnel sign to confirm acceptance of contract conditions, eg Official Secrets Act, signing non-disclosure agreements