Lesson video

Hello, my name is Mrs. Holbrook and welcome to Computing.

I'm so pleased you've been able to join me for the lesson today.

In today's lesson, we're going to be exploring the benefits and drawbacks of networks.

For example, what do networks allow us to do on a day-to-day basis, and what risks are there when we connect to and use networks? Welcome to today's lesson from the unit Network Fundamentals.

This lesson is called Network Basics, and by the end of today's lesson, you'll be able to explain the benefits and drawbacks of computer networks and how these are implemented as peer-to-peer models.

Shall we make a start? We will be exploring these key words throughout today's lesson.

Let's take a look at them now.

Client, client, a device that requests services, files or resources from a server on a network.

Server, server, a computer that provides services, files or resources to clients over a network.

Peer to peer, a type of network where each device or peer can act as both a client and a server, sharing files and resources directly without a central server.

Look out for these keywords throughout today's lesson.

Today's lesson is split into two sections.

We'll start by explaining the benefits and drawbacks of networks, and then we'll move on to describe the benefits of a peer-to-peer network.

Let's make a start with explaining the benefits and drawbacks of networks.

You can see examples of networks all around you.

Transport networks can include routes for trains, trams, boats, planes, or cars or lorries.

You can see networks in businesses when you look at the hierarchy of roles in the company, everyone in the company is connected through line managers, directors and executives.

So in this example we have a director at the top of the organisation who line manages two senior managers.

Each of those senior managers line manages two managers directly.

All networks can be visualised or drawn using a graph made up of nodes and edges.

But what do we mean by nodes and edges? This whole map can be visualised using nodes and edges.

The nodes are the circles and these represent the items that form the connections.

Nodes can be used to represent many things.

You'll discover more examples as we move throughout this unit.

The edges are the lines between the nodes and these represent the connections.

A computer network is two or more computers connected together and able to share resources.

You can represent computer networks using graphs like these two.

Time to check your understanding.

I have a true or false statement for you.

In a network graph, the lines between the circles are called nodes, and the circles themselves are called edges.

Is this true or false? Pause the video whilst you have a think.

That's right, it's false.

It's actually the other way round.

In a network graph, the circles are called nodes representing items, and the lines between them are called edges, representing the connections.

There are lots of benefits of computer networks.

These include resource sharing, so devices can share printers, files and internet connections.

Communication, users can send emails, messages and access collaborative tools quickly.

Centralised management, so software and security updates can be managed from a central server rather than having to instal them on each direct device.

Data access and storage.

Users can access shared files from any connected device.

Backups and security, data can be backed up centrally, improving security and recovery and scalability.

It's easy to add new devices and users to the network.

There are some drawbacks, however, to computer networks.

These include security risks.

Networks can be vulnerable to hacking, viruses and data breaches.

Cost, set up and maintenance, including hardware, cabling and software can be expensive.

Technical issues, if the server or network fails, access to files and services may be lost.

Complexity, network specialists are often required to instal and manage a network effectively.

The spread of malware, a virus on one device can quickly spread across a network and performance issues, networks can slow down if too many users are active at any one time.

When a business is setting up a network, it should consider the following criteria to ensure it meets the needs.

Cost, security, collaboration and reliability.

Setting up a network requires money for equipment like routers, switches and cabling.

There are also ongoing costs such as maintenance, upgrades and IT support staff.

However, shared resources like printers or storage can reduce other costs.

A network can improve security by making it easier to protect data centrally using firewalls, user access controls and anti-malware tools.

However, if not set up properly, a single weak point can lead to large scale data breaches or cyber attacks on a network.

Networks support collaboration by making it easier for staff to share files, use shared application and communicate via email or chat.

This can improve teamwork and productivity, especially when employees work in different locations or maybe even remotely.

A reliable, well-maintained network allows staff to work efficiently and access resources without delay.

However, if the network stops working due to technical issues or attacks, it can interrupt work for the whole business.

Time to check your understanding, I have a question for you.

Which of these is a benefit of using a computer network? Is it A, if many users are active, the network may be slower.

B, devices can share printers and files, or C, networks can be complex to manage.

Pause the video whilst you think about your answer.

Did you spot it? Well done, B is the correct answer.

Devices can share printers and files on a network, which is an advantage.

Okay, we are moving on to our first task of today's lesson, task A.

For part one, I'd like you to describe two ways a computer network can be helpful for users.

And then for part two, I'd like you to describe two problems or challenges that can arise when using a computer network.

Pause the video here whilst you complete the activity.

How did you get on with the activity? Did you manage to explain some benefits and drawbacks of networks? Well done, let's have a look at some sample answers together.

So for part one, you were asked to describe two ways a computer network can be helpful for users.

Sharing resources, networks make it easy for devices to share things like printers, files, and even internet connection.

Communication, users can send emails and messages instantly and even work on shared documents at the same time.

This boosts teamwork and helps people collaborate, especially if they're in different places.

Remember, you could have had different benefits than have been listed in this sample answer, and that's absolutely fine.

For part two, you were asked to describe two problems or challenges that can arise when using a computer network.

Security risks, networks can be vulnerable to attacks like hacking, viruses and data theft.

If the network isn't protected properly, personal information or important files could be stolen or damaged.

Technical issues and downtime.

If a central server or part of the network fails, it can stop everyone from accessing files and services.

This can cause big interruptions to work or learning for everyone connected to that network.

Did you have some similar benefits and drawbacks? Remember, if you want to pause the video here and add any detail to your answer, you can do that now.

Okay, so we've explained some benefits and drawbacks to networks.

Let's now move on to describe the benefits of a peer-to-peer network.

There are two fundamental roles in a computer network.

The first role is the role of the client.

The client puts in a request for data.

The second role is the role of the server.

The server fulfils the request.

The relationship between the client and the server can be organised in different ways.

One of the most common ways is the peer-to-peer model.

With a peer-to-peer model, each device can perform the role of the client and the server, and there is no dedicated server in the network.

Time to check your understanding.

I have a true or false statement for you.

In a computer network, the client's job is to fulfil requests for data.

Is this statement true or false? Pause the video whilst you have a think.

Did you spot it? Well done, it's false, but why is it false? The client is the device that puts in a request for data while the server fulfils the request.

Let's have a look at some benefits of peer-to-peer networks.

In a peer-to-peer network, clients are not dependent on one single server.

This means they're not reliant on that single server being operational.

Resources can also be shared between computers.

For example, things like printers.

Peer-to-peer networks don't require expensive equipment in order to be set up, and if more than one computer in the network hosts a file, then the client can request it from the device that is closest, which will speed up connection times.

A temporary peer-to-peer network can be set up between trusted friends or colleagues to share files between devices.

Smartphones typically have features that allow you to set up temporary connections to share photos, videos, or documents.

Temporary peer-to-peer collections can also be created using other devices like computers and laptops to share files.

In some games, players on the same wifi network can connect directly to each other's devices to play together without using an online server.

Time to check your understanding, I have a question for you.

What is the main benefit of a peer-to-peer network? Is it A, it always requires very expensive central servers.

B, clients are not dependent on any one single server or C, it makes network setup very complex.

Pause the video whilst you think carefully about your answer.

That's right, well done, B is the correct answer.

Clients are not dependent on one single server, which is a main benefit of a peer-to-peer network.

Okay, we are moving on to our second task of today's lesson, task B, and you've done a fantastic job so far, so well done.

For part one, I'd like you to explain what is the key difference between a peer-to-peer network and a network with a dedicated server.

And then for part two, I'd like you to describe two benefits of using a peer-to-peer network model.

Pause the video here whilst you complete the activity.

How did you get on with the activity? I'm sure you've done a great job, well done.

Let's have a look at some sample answers together.

So for part one, you were asked, what is the key difference between a peer-to-peer network and a network with a dedicated server? The key difference between a peer-to-peer network and a network with a dedicated server is that a peer-to-peer network has no central dedicated server.

Instead, all the devices share the responsibility of hosting and requesting resources, so each device on the network can act as a server.

For part two, you were asked to describe two benefits of using a peer-to-peer network model.

In a peer-to-peer network model, clients are not dependent on one single server.

If one device goes offline, others can often still communicate and share resources, making the network more resilient.

Resources like printers or files can be easily shared directly between computers without needing a central expensive server.

This also means it doesn't require expensive central equipment to set up, making it cheaper.

Did you have some similar responses? Remember, if you want to add any detail to your answer, you can pause the video here or even go back to a few slides and make some additional notes.

Okay, we've come to the end of today's lesson, network basics, and you've done a fantastic job, so well done.

Let's summarise what we've learned in this lesson.

Networks allow devices to communicate and share resources efficiently.

Networks can have drawbacks including security risks, high maintenance costs and technical issues.

In a peer-to-peer network, each computer acts as both a client and a server, sharing files and resources directly with others.

I hope you've enjoyed today's lesson and I hope you'll join me again soon, bye.