Benefits of using a Local Area Network (LAN) (Edexcel IGCSE Ict)
Exam board Pearson Edexcel · IGCSEUpdated 2024-06-05
Spec point —
2.4.3
Benefits of using a Local Area Network (LAN)
What are the benefits of a LAN?
- Users can share peripherals such as printers
- Shared access to the internet
- Users can access their files from any computer on the network
- Communication can be made easier via email and social networks
- Users can share files and folders easily such as central databases and spreadsheets
- Servers can be used to provide centralised backups, updates and security
- Media streaming(movies, music and gaming)
What are the drawbacks of a LAN?
- There is an increased security risk to data
- Malicious software can infiltrate the network and render it unusable
- Servers and switches can provide a central point of failure, resulting in users not being able to complete tasks using their computer
- Factors can impact the performance of the network such as the number of users and data on the network at one time
Worked Example Zarmeen connects her laptop to a local area network.
Describe two benefits of doing this.
[4]
Answer
- Shared peripherals [1] means reduced cost/time to access a central one [1]
- Shared data [1] allows easier collaboration [1]
- Flexible access [1] allows hot desking [1]
- Shared access to the Internet [1] reduces need for individual connectivity [1]
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