A company is setting up a network for its new office. The diagram below shows the planned layout. (a) Identify the type of network model shown in the diagra...

(a) The diagram shows a client-server network model. This is identified by the presence of dedicated servers (file server and print server) that provide services to client computers, all connected through a central switch. [1]

(b) Three advantages of using this network model in an office:

1. Centralised data storage on the file server makes it easier to back up all shared files from a single location. [1]
2. Security can be managed centrally, with user accounts and access permissions configured on the server to control who can access what. [1]
3. Resources such as printers can be shared efficiently across all client computers through the print server, avoiding the need for individual printers at each workstation. [1]

(c) Two tasks the file server performs:

1. It stores and manages shared files for all users on the network, providing a central location for documents. [1]
2. It controls access to files by checking user permissions before allowing read or write operations, ensuring only authorised users can view or modify data. [1]

(d) A dedicated print server manages all print jobs sent from client computers, queuing and prioritising them. [1] This frees the file server from handling printing tasks, which improves overall network performance by allowing each server to focus on its specialist role. [1]

(e) The company could set up a VPN (Virtual Private Network), which creates an encrypted connection over the public internet. [1] This allows employees working from home to securely log in to the office network and access files on the server as if they were physically in the office, while keeping data protected from interception. [1]