08 Networking Flashcards
what is a computer network
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
what are 4 advantages of a network
- Resource sharing
- Accessing remote services
- Facilitating communication
- Sharing data
define network operating system (NOS)
It is a specialised software that manages network resources and facilitates communications.
four key functions of a NOS
- Controls network traffic
- Defines communication protocols between devices
- Manages shared resources
- Handles user authentication and access control
components of a NOS
**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
Describe unshielded twisted pair cables (CAT’s)
- 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
Describe shielded twisted pair cables
type of copper wiring where each twisted pair is coated with an insulating coating to protect against EMI.
Describe fibre optic cables
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.
Describe satellites
wireless communication using radio waves/microwaves to communicate between Earth’s stations and orbiting satelites.
Describe microwaves
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.
Describe cellular
radio network distributed over land areas, each served by at least one fixed-location transceiver.
Describe infrared
Short-ranged wireless transmission technology using light waves and it requires line of sight access.
Describe bluetooth
It uses short-range radio waves to transmit data over distances for up to 10m. It connects mobile devices together.
Define data rate
The speed at which data is transferred, measured in bits per second (bps)
Define crosstalk
interference caused by signals in one wire affecting signals in adjacent wires.
Define bandwidth
the range of frequencies available for transmitting data
what is a network protocol
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.
what is a network standard
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.
What are the 7 layers of the OSI model
- Application
- Presentation
- Session
- Transport
- Network
- Data link
- Physical
What is HTTP protocols
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).
What is HTTPS protocol
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.