1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols (1.3.1 Network topologies) Flashcards
What are the 2 types of network?
LANs and WANs
What is a LAN and what is it used for?
Local area network, covers a small geographical area
Either wired or wireless
Often used for businesses or schools
May be used by homes to connect printers etc
What is a WAN and what does it do?
Wide area network, used to connect LANs in different geographical locations.
More expensive than a LAN
Connected with wires
Internet is one big WAN
Why are computers networked?
Sharing files is easier, can work collaboratively
Updates can be done centrally
You can install software on all devices at once
What are factors that affect the performance of networks?
Number of devices on the network
Bandwidth
Network latency
What is a WAP (wireless access point)?
A piece of hardware that allows devices to connect wirelessly
What is a router?
A piece of hardware responsible for transmitting data between networks.
What are switches?
Connect devices together on a LAN.
What is a NIC (network interface card/controller)?
An internal piece of hardware that allows a device to connect to a network.
What is transmission media?
Transmission media carry data signals from one computer to another, and are either wired or wireless.
What is the internet?
The internet is a global network of computers that any computer can join. It is a WAN - which is a series of connected LANs.
What is a DNS?
A domain name server translates a domain name into an IP address.
What is hosting?
When a business uses its servers to store the files of another organisation.
What is cloud computing?
The use of the Internet to store files, access software and provide increased computing power.
What is a client?
A device which requests data from a server.
