1.3) Communication Flashcards
What are the advantages of networks?
Share hardware. Share software. Share data/files. Easier for internal communication. Central backup. Easier to monitor network activity. Centrally controlled security. Can access data from any computer.
What are the disadvantages of networks?
Network manager may need to be employed- expensive.
Security problems- files sent between computers could spread a virus.
Hackers can gain access to data easier.
If server down, all workstations on network affected.
Initial cost of servers, communication devices, etc. can be expensive.
What is a LAN?
Local Area Network: network in which computer systems all located relatively close to each other.
What is a WAN?
Wide Area Network: network in which computer systems all located relatively distant from each other. Can link multiple LANs.
What are the three network topologies?
Bus.
Ring.
Star.
What are the advantages of the bus network topology?
Easy to implement + add more computer systems to network.
Quick to setup- well suited for temporary networks.
Cost-effective- less cabling.
What are the disadvantages of the bus network topology?
Difficult to troubleshoot.
Limited cable length + number of stations- performance degrades as additional computers added.
If theres a problem with main cable or connection, entire network goes down.
Low security- all computers on bus can see all data transmissions.
Proper termination required.
Data collisions more likely, causes network to slow down.
What is a collision?
2 computers try to send packet at same time.
What are the advantages of the ring network topology?
Data transferred quickly without a bottleneck.
Transmission of data relatively simple as packets travel in 1 direction only.
Adding nodes has < impact on bandwidth.
Prevents network collisions.
What is a bottleneck?
Consistent data transfer speeds.
What are the disadvantages of the ring network topology?
If any computer systems fail, ring is broken + data can’t be transmitted efficiently.
If there is a problem with main cable or connection, entire network goes down.
Difficult to troubleshoot the ring.
All nodes wired together to add another must temporarily shut down network.
What are the advantages of the star network topology?
Fast network speed.
Easy to set up.
Possible to add more computer systems without taking network down.
Any non-centralised failure will have very little effect on the network.
Minimal network collisions.
Better security.
What are the disadvantages of the star network topology?
Expensive to install- more cabling required.
Extra hardware required, such as hub.
What is required to connect a computer to a network?
Nic: Network Interface Card.
What is the typical network speed from a physical connection made from a copper cable?
100 megabytes per second (Mbps) and 1 Gigabytes per second (Gbps).
