Advantages and Disadvantages of Networks

Here is a list of points copy the points to word and organize then into a table of advantages and disadvantages.

Networks allow valuable resources to be shared. The most obvious example would be printers. But access to the internet over a single phone or broadband connection can be shared by a network.

It is possible to use work stations that have fewer components for example no CD drive No Floppy disk, a small hard disk. This all saves money.

Software can be shared. If users only need software occasionally the network can be used to limit the number of software copies available.

Communication across the network is cheep and fast.

WANs are vulnerable to hackers and viruses.

Security can be controlled centrally

A fault with the server or with part of the cabling can prevent the whole or a large part of the network from working.

Viruses can be detected and controlled centrally.

There are more components in a network so there is more that can go wrong it also costs more to maintain.

Use of the network can easily be monitored.

The cabling and switches can be expensive to install maintain and replace.

Networks provide flexibility. A worker can work on any machine, so maintenance can be better planned, with workers being moved to other machines.

Backup of data can be controlled and made regular and reliable - often this becomes and automated process.

Security measures are needed to restrict access to vital files within the network.

© LEV