08 Networking Flashcards

1
Q

what is a computer network

A

The interconnection of two or more computers/devices. It is done to enable the computers to communicate and share files, other hardware devices like printers, and share an Internet connection. Networks have their own operating system to control communication, handle conflicts and run smoothly

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2
Q

what are 4 advantages of a network

A
  1. Resource sharing
  2. Accessing remote services
  3. Facilitating communication
  4. Sharing data
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3
Q

define network operating system (NOS)

A

It is a specialised software that manages network resources and facilitates communications.

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4
Q

four key functions of a NOS

A
  • Controls network traffic
  • Defines communication protocols between devices
  • Manages shared resources
  • Handles user authentication and access control
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5
Q

components of a NOS

A

**Server Software:
** Installed on network servers
Functions include:
a) Controlling file access
b) Managing print queues
c) User management (tracking UserIDs and passwords)
d) Authentication for network server access
e) Logging network usage and issues
**Client Software:
** Installed on each workstation (client device)
Primary function:
a) Establishes connection between the workstation and the network
b) Interfaces with the Network Interface Card (NIC) to enable network communication

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6
Q

Describe unshielded twisted pair cables (CAT’s)

A
  • cable used in most star networks consisting of eight wires twisted in four pairs
  • CAT 3
    category of UTP cable capable of carrying 10Mbps over 100m
  • CAT 5
    - capable of carrying 100 Mbps over 85 meters
    - many more twists per meter
    - two wires carry signals to the switch
    - two wires carry signals from the switch
  • CAT 5e
    Enhanced CAT 5 cable that can support 1GB transmissions
  • CAT 6
    Cable offering data transfer speeds up to 10Gbps
  • CAT 7
    Proprietary standard of cable not created by IEEE, using non-standard connection
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7
Q

Describe shielded twisted pair cables

A

type of copper wiring where each twisted pair is coated with an insulating coating to protect against EMI.

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8
Q

Describe fibre optic cables

A

It uses special glass/plastic strands to transmit light pulses. The light is not susceptible to EMI, therefore reliably carry data for up to 50 kilometers.

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9
Q

Describe satellites

A

wireless communication using radio waves/microwaves to communicate between Earth’s stations and orbiting satelites.

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10
Q

Describe microwaves

A

It is a wireless transmission method requiring line-of-sight between sending and receiving dishes, capable of handling higher data rates, over short and long distances.

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11
Q

Describe cellular

A

radio network distributed over land areas, each served by at least one fixed-location transceiver.

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12
Q

Describe infrared

A

Short-ranged wireless transmission technology using light waves and it requires line of sight access.

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13
Q

Describe bluetooth

A

It uses short-range radio waves to transmit data over distances for up to 10m. It connects mobile devices together.

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14
Q

Define data rate

A

The speed at which data is transferred, measured in bits per second (bps)

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15
Q

Define crosstalk

A

interference caused by signals in one wire affecting signals in adjacent wires.

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16
Q

Define bandwidth

A

the range of frequencies available for transmitting data

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17
Q

what is a network protocol

A

It is a set of rules followed by the network. They are made up of rules, procedures and formats that defines communication across a network.

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18
Q

what is a network standard

A

It is an industry agreed upon standard for the rules that make up protocols. It is also a standard as there is an industry agreed upon a set of rules to use to communicate.

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19
Q

What are the 7 layers of the OSI model

A
  1. Application
  2. Presentation
  3. Session
  4. Transport
  5. Network
  6. Data link
  7. Physical
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20
Q

What is HTTP protocols

A

It stands for Hypertext transfer protocol. It is a set of rules that a server has to follow when it comes to the transmission of files through the World Wide Web (WWW).

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21
Q

What is HTTPS protocol

A

It stands for Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure. HTTPS is a combination of HTTP with SSL (Secure Socket Layer) or TLS (Transport Layer Security – newest security layer). It means all communications between your browser and the website are encrypted. HTTPS is often used to protect highly confidential online transactions like online banking and online shopping order forms. HTTPS mandatorily requires domain validations and certain certifications. Unless communication is encrypted, anyone intercepting the communication can easily read what is being communicated. So where security is needed, HTTPS is essential.

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22
Q

What is a WAP protocol

A

It is an old standard used to access data over a mobile wireless system.
it can access all operating systems, on all mobile devices such as smartphones, tablets, laptops. It uses Wireless Markup Language (WML) delivers the content to the smaller display screens. Most modern mobile devices use HTTP protocol instead.

23
Q

What are some advantages of WAPs

A
  • It simplifies the receipt of internet content to wireless devices
  • it standardises the way that wireless/mobile devices, such as cellular telephones and radio transceivers, can be used for internet access, including email, the World Wide Web, newsgroups, and instant messaging
  • it enhances wireless specification interoperability
  • it is supported by all operating systems.
24
Q

define LAN networks

A

A local area network (LAN) connects computers and devices in a limited geographical area. Each computer or device on the network is a node. Often, the nodes are connected to the LAN through cables. A wireless LAN uses no physical wires; instead it uses wireless media, such a radio waves. Nodes on a wireless LAN must therefore have wireless capabilities. Usually a WLAN will connect with a wired LAN for access to its resources such as software, hardware and the Internet.

25
Q

what is a peer to peer network

A

It is a network that is simple and inexpensive. Each computer can share resources such as a printer, data or information located on any other computer on the network. Each computer stores files and software on its own storage devices. It is ideal for a very small business or home network users. Some OS include peer-to-peer networking utilities.

25
Q

what is a client server network

A

In a client-server network a server (host computer) controls access to the hardware and software on the network and provides a centralised storage area for programs, data and information. The other computers are called clients. Clients rely on the server for resources. Servers have more storage space and power. Dedicated servers perform a specific task. It costs a little more than peer-to-peer networks. It requires ongoing support to maintain the network.

26
Q

Define topology

A

It is the layout of a network. It depends on the type of information being shared, the volume of communications, and how devices need to store data.

26
Q

what is a bus topology

A
  • It uses a central cable to which all network devices connect.
  • All data is transmitted down the bus line from one device to another
  • If the bus line fails, then the network cannot function.
  • Cheap and easy to setup
  • The central bus can be a bottle neck
  • Central bus problems affect the whole network
  • Can only really be used to create simple networks
27
Q

what is a ring topology

A
  • Each node connects to exactly two other nodes, forming a single continuous pathway for signals through each node – this forming a ring.
  • Data travels from node to node, with each node along the way handling every packet.
  • No central point or bus so no bottlenecks.
  • No need for a network server as routing is simple
  • However, if one node goes down, it breaks the network.
  • It is the slowest network.
28
Q

what is a mesh topology

A
  • It uses a number of different connections between network devices.
  • Devices may connect using a star topology via a switch, but may also be linked directly to each other in a ring, and also connected independently.
  • Data can take any of several possible paths from source to destination.
  • Because data can be transmitted from different devices simultaneously it can handle high levels of traffic, and is more tolerant of network issues than other topologies
  • However, it is complicated and costly to setup.
29
Q

what is a wired star topology

A
  • It has a central point, normally a switch
  • It has connections to that switch from outer points, usually computers
    is the most common topology for a network
  • The client computers send requests to a server via a switch. The server then will serve the requested resources back to the client computers.
  • Excellent performance overall
  • Easy to connect new devices
  • If a node goes down, its impacts are minimal
  • However, if the central node goes down, the whole network is affected
  • Expansion of network depends on capacity of central node.
30
Q

what are the two wireless topologies and describe them

A

Star: the star toplogy used by Wi-Fi resembles the wired star network. The access point takes the place of a switch because stations connect via the access point, rather than directly with each other. This method is more expensive, but permits better performance with regard to speed and is easier to manage.

Point-to-point: Bluetooth products, and ad hoc Wi-Fi products use the point-to-point topology. These devices connect directly with each other and require no access point or hub like device to communicate with each other. It is cheaper than a wireless star network; however, it is best suited for temporary data sharing devices and is much slower.

31
Q

what is a network interface card (NIC)

A

It enables a device, such as a computer or printer, to connect to a network, whether it is wired or wireless. It links a computer to a resource (printer, scanner etc.) It also coordinates the transmission and receipt of data, instructions and information to and from the computer containing the network card.

32
Q

what is a wireless access point (WAP)

A

It connects wireless devices to a wired network.

33
Q

what is a hotspot

A

it is a physical location which people can access the internet wirelessly. For example, a mobile hotspot

34
Q

what is a hub

A

A basic networking device that connects multiple Ethernet devices, making them act as a single network segment; it broadcasts incoming signals to all outgoing ports (5 to 128 ports). They are used in only star topology.

35
Q

what is a switch

A

A more advanced networking device that connects devices on a network and intelligently directs data only to the device that requested it, enhancing efficiency and reducing collisions. It allows for communication between devices

36
Q

what is a router

A

It connects multiple LANs together. It routes data packets between networks

37
Q

what is a bridge

A

It is a device that connects two LANs together, filtering and limiting data packets travelling between the LANs.

38
Q

what is a firewall

A

it monitors and controls incoming and outgoing network traffic by analysing data packets and controlling what is allowed through.

39
Q

what is the purpose of digital certificates.

A

It verifies owners identity and makes sure the owner’s public key is available

40
Q

what is a modem

A

It stands for modulator-demodulator and a sending modem converts digital signals into analogue signals. A receiving modem then converts it back from analogue signals into digital signals.

41
Q

what is a data packet

A

a small piece of information distributed over a network

42
Q

what is an analogue signal with examples

A

continuous wave denoted by a sine wave and varies in frequency and strength. Some examples are the human voice and a kitchen clock ticking.

43
Q

what is a digital signal with examples

A

binary digits, 1s and 0s. It is either on or off. It provides a constant and consistent signal. An examples is a smart watch.

44
Q

what is ethernet

A

It allows personal computers to contend for access to the network. It is relatively inexpensive and easy to install and maintain. It uses a twisted pair cable.

45
Q

what is bandwidth

A

How much data you can send or receive across a connection at any given time. Expressed in bits per second.

46
Q

what is file transfer protocol (FTP)

A

Used to transport/send and receive large files. It also sends configuration files and software updates for routers and switches. It uses ports for communication and encryption to protect the information being sent.

47
Q

what is simple mail transfer protocol (SMTP)

A

It is used for sending and receiving emails.SMTP is used for sending emails and POP3 or IMAP is used for receiving emails.

48
Q

what are some advantages of wireless networks?

A

Convenience:
Allows users to access network from any convenient location within their primary networking location.
Mobility:
You are able to access the internet where ever as long as there is wifi or 4g or 5g.
Productivity:
Users can maintain nearly a constant connection anywhere as they move from place to place.
Expandability:
They can serve as a number of increased clients with existing equipment.
Cost:
Increase in cost for labour but equals out in no need to buy wiring.

49
Q

what are some disadvantages of wireless networks

A

Security:
They aren’t very secure, however, you can add security devices like firewalls and encryption in order to make your network more secure.
Range:
Wifi networks are usually fast for up to 10 meters. It becomes slow after that. To extend this range, you would need to add more access points or repeaters which increase cost.
Reliability:
Subject to a wide variety of interference.
Speed:
It is much slower than even slow wired networks.

50
Q

what are some advantages of wired networks

A

Cost:
Relatively cheap
Reliability:
There are extremely reliable devices
Performance:
Broadband routers offer equivalent firewall compatibility inbuilt into the device.
Speed:
Can reach speeds for up to 10Gbps

51
Q

what are some disadvantages of wired networks

A

Setup:
Need to run cables in difficult environments like floors, roofs, walls etc.
Time consuming:
Cables need to run from computer to computer, switch to switch and connecting them is very time consuming.
Cost:
Can be expensive to set up as need to drill through walls, roofs etc to connect wires.