Category Archives: 1. Computer Systems

1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher

Description of the relationship between the number of bits assigned to the mantissa/exponent and the range and precision of floating point numbers

1 Comment
  1. When storing a 32-bit floating point number, 24 bits are allocated to the mantissa and 8 to the exponent. What is the effect on the precision and the range of the numbers available if the allocation is changed to a 16-bit exponent and a 16-bit mantissa? (2)
  2. In floating point notation what defines
    (i) the range
    (ii) the precision or accuracy
    of the numbers stored (1)
1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher

Star Network

Advantages

  • Easy to extend the network.
  • A failure of one node will only affect that node (unless central node)
  • A channel failure will only affect the outer node on that channel.

Disadvantages

  • The whole network depends on the proper functioning of the central node.
  • Cabling cost is high because each node has its own channel
1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher

Mesh Network

Advantage

  • Data can be redirected when some channels are busy or failed.
  • Very robust network.
  • The failure of one node will only affect that node
  • Channel failure will have no effect as alternative channels are available

Disadvantage

  • Extra cabling makes this an expensive
  • Complex cabling leads to higher maintenance of the network.
1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher

Ring Network

Advantage

  • High data transfer (bandwidth)
  • Mechanism to bypass a failed node so a failure of one node will only affect that node

Disadvantage

  • Difficult to designing and extending (complexity of the electronics)
  • A channel failure will disable the entire network
  • Can be expensive because of the complexity.
1. Computer Systems, Computing Higher

Client Server Vs Peer to Peer

Client – Server

  • All resources (printer, files and Internet) on the network are controlled by the server.
  • Centralised storage of data
  • Centralised storage of data means regular back-ups can be made from the server.
  • Security is set of easily using a server and client network.  Usernames and password are easily given along with access levels for users.
  • Used in businesses (banks) and organisations (schools, colleges, universities.)

Peer to Peer

  • No centralised storage.  Each workstation stores its data independently.
  • No centralised storage means no back up system.
  • Security is difficult because there is no mechanism for central access.
  • Best suited with a trusting environment.  Family home or small office.