Benefits of using a Local Area Network (LAN) (Edexcel IGCSE ICT)
Revision Note
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]
You've read 0 of your 10 free revision notes
Unlock more, it's free!
Did this page help you?