1.3.1 Networks Flashcards
What is a network?
More than one computer system connected together for communication and data exchange.
Describe the features of a LAN
Covers a small geographical area (e.g., home, school, office).
Connected via Ethernet cables, Wi-Fi, or fiber optics.
Examples: Home Wi-Fi, School Network.
Describe the features of a WAN
Covers a large geographical area (e.g., cities, countries).
Uses leased telecommunication lines, satellites, or fiber optics.
Examples: The Internet, Corporate Networks.
What does a server do?
It controls network security and backups.
It receives and executes a request from a client.
It returns confirmation/error of the processing.
What does a client do?
It performs the user’s actions and sends a request to the server for execution.
It sends data for storage
What are the advantages of a client-server network?
network can be controlled centrally from the server (easy backup of data and software updates)
Hardware, software and resources can be shared easily (printers, apps)
Improved scalability
What are the disadvantages of a client-server network?
Traffic congestion can slow down the whole network (increased collision rate)
Server fault results in whole network failure
IT technicians required to maintain
Malware can spread quickly
How do peer to peer networks work?
Data is shared directly between systems without requiring a central server.
What are the advantages of P2P networks?
Simpler network to set up (no server required)
No dependence on server
Perfect for quickly sharing files
What are the disadvantages of P2P networks?
No central device to manage security and backups
Computer performance will decrease with more devices connected.
What is the need for data packets?
When whole files are too large to be transferred so they are broken down into smaller parts, allowing data to be transferred across a network quickly
What is a network topology?
Layout of computer systems on a LAN
How does a star topology work?
Each computer is connected to a central hub/switch and transfers its data packets there.
The hub/switch looks at the destination address and transfers the packets directly to the intended computer
What are the advantages of a star topology?
Improved security (packets are sent directly to the hub/switch)
New systems can be attached directly (so the network doesn’t need to be shut down)
Faster transfer speeds (minimal network collisions)
What are the disadvantages of a star topology?
Extra hardware is required to be purchased, installed & maintained.
If the central system fails then the whole network fails
How does a full mesh topology work?
Each device is connected to every other device; they all have their own routers; and packets are transferred along the quickest pathway.
What are the advantages of a mesh network?
Data packets can take alternative routes if one route is compromised.
Can withstand large amounts of data traffic.
New systems can be added without disrupting the entire topology
What are the disadvantages of a mesh topology?
Lots of cabling required so expensive to maintain
What is a possible compromise for the full mesh network?
Partial mesh network, because devices are not connected to every device, reducing the amount of cable required
List five factors affecting network performance.
Bandwidth available
Number of users on the network
Type of transmission media
Error rate
Latency
Describe a WAP
WAP: Wireless Access Point
Links wireless and wired networks.
More convenient.
Less bandwidth/security and weaker connection than wired networks.
Describe a router.
They send data between WANs
They receive data packets and use its IP address to determine the best route to transfer the data.
Stores the IP address of each computer connected to it.
Describe a switch
They send data between LANs.
They receive data packets and sends it to the MAC address written on the packet header.
Describe an NIC
Network Interface card
It is an internal piece of hardware that is required for a computer to connect to a network.
It includes a MAC address which is used when sending data across a LAN
What are the types of transmission media?
Ethernet cables
Copper cables
Wireless
What is the Internet?
A global network of interconnected networks.
What is the WWW?
World Wide Web is an information system that enables content sharing in a user-friendly way over the Internet
What is the cloud?
Web servers used to store data that can be accessed over the Internet
What are the advantages of the Cloud?
Accessible anytime, anywhere from any device.
Huge capacity and subscription can be upgraded
Automatic backup
What are disadvantages of the Cloud?
Free for only a certain amount of time.
Portability, durability and access speed depends on internet connection.
