1.3.2 - Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers Flashcards
Examples of wireless connection methods
- Wi-Fi
- Bluetooth
Give an example of a wired connection method
Ethernet
Advantages of wired connection
- Faster transmission speeds
- More secure
Disadvantages of wired connection
- Expensive to install
- Installation requires technical knowledge
Advantages of wireless connection
- Cheaper to set up
- Allows devices to move around whilst still being connected
Disadvantages of wireless connection
- Less secure as radio waves can be intercepted
- Less reliable range
- Slower transmission speeds
- Subject to interference
What is encryption
A way of scrambling data so that if it is intercepted, it cannot be understood - secures it whilst travelling across a network
Examples of how encryption is used
- Online purchases are encrypted
- Satellite TV transmission are encrypted so only people paying can access them
What is needed to read an encrypted message
Keys. The recipient and the sender have one each
What is an IP address
An internet protocol address which is unique to each device connected to a network and allows the device to be located
Can an IP address be changed
Yes, it can be changed if the device is connected to a different network
What are the two formats of IP addresses
- IPv4 e.g. 255.34.21.246
- IPv6
What is a MAC address
A unique number assigned to every device’s NIC allowing the device to be identified
Can a MAC address be changed
No, it is assigned by the manufacturer
What is a Network Standard
All the networks and the devices on them follow the same rules
What does a network standard allow
Different hardware and software to interact regardless of the manufacturer
What is a protocol
A set of rules that governs communication (data transmission)
What protocols are used for communication between a web server and client
HTTP or HTTPS
What does SMTP govern?
Governs the sending emails over a network to a web server
What does FTP govern
Governs the transmission of files over the internet or a network
What do POP and IMAP govern
Governs the retrieval of emails from a mail server
What do HTTP and HTTPS govern
They govern the communication between a web server and a client
Difference between HTTP and HTTPS
HTTPS is more secure as it is encrypted so can be used for bank transactions
What does TCP/IP enable
Communication over the internet
What is layering
Network layering involves breaking down a message into separate parts that control a separate part of the communication
Benefits of layering in protocols
- Allows standards to be developed
- Allows future adaptations to be made to just that layer without impacting the whole protocol
- Layers are self contained within their purpose so manufacturers that operate on one layer only need to be concerned with that layers protocols
