4. Disadvantages of networking

Viruses

If a virus is introduced to the network, either intentionally or unintentionally, it will rapidly spread around all of the workstations and could start to cause havoc to peoples' files or to the efficient working of the network.

Network failure

If the file server fails then no-one on the network can access any files or folders. This means that nobody can do any work. For an organisation, this would be extremely costly and disruptive.

If a cable, hub or switch on the network fails, this would mean that any computers connected to that part of the network couldn't be used to access network resources. They could still be used as individual, stand-alone machines.

Slow service

As more users log onto the network and request files, send things to be printed and open more software applications, the network can start to slow down. There is only a limited amount of bandwidth and the more data that is travelling around the network, the slower things become.

Cost

Building a network isn't cheap. Every machine has to be connected to the network either by physical cables or perhaps by wireless technology. Every workstation needs a network interface card to enable it to be connected to the network. Other hardware such as hubs, switches and routers are often needed.

Expert support required

Networks need constant monitoring to ensure that the performance is maintained and that all of the components are working properly. This requires specialist staff such as network managers and technicians who will spend all of their time ensuring that the network works efficiently whenever you need to use it. These staff add a large cost to running a network, but without them, things would start to fail.