IT - Learning Aim B - Factors affecting the choice of network 

 Setting up a LAN

Most organisations with more than two or three computers will connect their computers and other devices in a LAN. 

User Needs 

These are some of the advantages to users of networking computers.

Sharing files - once computers are networked, files can either be stored on the server and any authorised person on the network can download them to their own computer. 

Sharing resources - printers, scanners, hard drives and other resources can all be shared. Sharing an internet connect is one of the main reasons many networks are set up. 

Centralised back ups - files saved on the server can be backed up on an automatic schedule, for example daily, onto a tape or other removable device. 

Connecting 

Connecting computers in a LAN, with the benefits that it brings, is likely to have a significant effect on productivity. It does not take long to set up and test a small network and it is not likely to have any significant downtime.

Specification and Cost 

Decisions have to be made based on user needs concerning: What type of network to set up? Suitability of different connection types? Security measures? Compatibility with existing systems ? 

Different Specifications 

Peer to peer

For a home network a peer to peer network may be a good choice because it is inexpensive to set up and not difficult to maintain. User will be able to share resources, but there is no central computer or back and security is much weaker. This is not a good choice for a business. 

Client - Server

A client server offers additional security, with files stored on the server. A second major advantage is that backups are done centrally, probably on an automatic schedule, and so the individual users are less likely to lose work in the event of a catastrophe. It will be one person's responsibility to see that back up copies are stored off sit in a secure location. 

A client server will be more complex to set up and will need a professional to maintain it, network users will not be able to change settings or access rights to particular areas; these will be set by the network manager. 

Security 

In many organisations network security is a major concern. Personal data, by law, has to be kept secure and if it is accidentally destroyed or stolen, fines may be levied by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

The consequences of data loss can be extremely severe. Statistics in 2018 showed that 93% of companies that lost their data centre for 10 days or more due to a disaster, filed for bankruptcy within one year of the disaster. 

Connectivity 

Devices in the network can be connected by Ethernet or fibre optic cable or wirelessly using Wi-Fi. The chosen connection types will depend entirely on the nature of the organization and the nature of the IT system.

If speed is the concern then fibre optic…