1.3 Computer networks, connections and protocols Flashcards
What are the benefits of a network?
Resource sharing
Managing computers
Data exchange
What factors affect performance of a network
Topology
Choice of hardware
Bandwidth
Wired / wireless
What are the different types of networks?
LAN (Local-area network)
WAN (wide-area network)
What are the positives of a Client-server model?
updates can be given to all computers connected to the network, saving time
centralised server makes accessing and sharing files easier + the files can be accessed from any networked computer
What are the negatives of a Client-server model?
Usually very expensive
If the server fails, all the network would not be able to function
not usually easy to set up
What are the positives of a peer-to-peer model?
usually cheap
if a device fails, all the network will not be affected
usually easy to setup
What are the negatives of a peer-to-peer model?
Peers may lose connection when being accessed
files have to be duplicated and transferred across machines, leading to copies that are out of date
No central server leads to difficulty when updating peer’s software and security
What is the purpose of a router?
To connect networks together
What is the purpose of the NIC (Network Interface Card)?
To provide a connection between the device and the network
What is the purpose of a switch?
To connect several devices together to form a wired network
What is the purpose of the WAP (Wireless Access Point)?
To allow Wifi devices to connect to a network
What is a coaxial cable most often used for?
Cable television
What is a coaxial cable?
1) A wired transmission media
2) An insulated copper wire surrounded by a metal mesh
What is a twisted-pair copper cable often referred to as?
an Ethernet Cable
What are the speeds of cat-5e and cat-6?
cat-5e = 1gbps
cat-6 = 10gbps