1.3.2 - Wired and wireless networks, protocols and layers Flashcards
Describe wired connections
Wired connections use physical cables, such as Ethernet and copper/coaxial or fibre optic wires, and require a network interface card (NIC) to connect to a network.
What are the drawbacks of a wired connection?
-Restricts movement
-Cables can be hazardous and unsightly
-Not all devices can connect via cable
-Can be expensive to set up
Describe wireless connections
Wireless connections, such as WiFi or bluetooth use no cables but require a wireless network interface card (WNIC).
What are the benefits of a wireless connection?
-No hazardous, unsightly wires
-Easy to connect to new devices
-Can be used freely (with freedom of movement) within range
What are the benefits of a wired connection?
-Faster connection
-Higher bandwidth
-Greater security
What are the drawbacks of a wireless connection?
-Connection can be slower
-Less secure
-Interference. From walls, objects and other electronic devices.
-Can be affected by the computer’s distance from the wireless router
Explain ethernet
Ethernet is a wired connection, standard and protocol. As it is a standard it has high bandwidth, inbuilt security, a reliable connection and is low cost for maintenance compared to other wired connections
Explain Wi-Fi
A set of standards that define how network devices communicate wirelessly over radio waves wireless networks
Explain bluetooth
A standard which allows for the very short range direct connection of devices to communicate with each other wirelessly
Describe encryption
Encryption is the process of encoding data so that it cannot be easily understood if stolen or intercepted. In this process plain text is converted into cipher text by using an encryption key. The original text can only be understood if the user has the decryption key.
Describe IP addresses
IP addresses are configured by software and assigned by the router. They can change. They are used for routing across a WAN
Describe how IPv4 addresses are structured
They are 4 bytes long. They consist of numbers written in denary from 0 to 255 separated by full stops
e.g. 10.208.113.14
Describe how IPv6 addresses are structured
They are written in the format of 8 hexadecimal numbers separated by colons where the largest number is FFFF.
e.g.2001:db8:3333:4444:5555:6666:7777:8888
Describe MAC addresses
They are configured in hardware: in the NIC for computers. They cannot be changed as every device has a fixed MAC address. They uniquely identify every device on a LAN.
Define a networking standard
Networking standards are rules that allow hardware and software that use them to communicate across different manufacturers
What may make something a standard?
Standards are used in many devices
They allow compatibility with other devices
Any advantage of a standard enables this ability
Define a protocol
A set of rules for communication
Define TCP/IP
Define HTTP
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol
A protocol used to make web page requests
Define HTTPS
Hyper Text Transfer Protocol Secure
A protocol that encrypts all data transfers between the client and server for secure browsing of the web
Define FTP
File Transfer Protocol
For downloading or uploading a file from or to a server
Define POP
Post Office Protocol
Used to retrieve email with it being downloaded onto the device. The email is deleted from the email server once downloaded to the device
Define IMAP
Internet Message Access Protocol
Used to retrieve email and it allows the user to view/access the email on the server
Define SMTP
Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
Used to send emials
Define a layer
A division of network functionality
What are the advantages of using layers?
-Each layer is independent
-One layer can be changed without affecting the others / is self-contained
-Separates tasks so they can be developed independently
-A developer can focus on only one layer
-Allows for standards for individual tasks/layers to be developed
-To group together similar protocols
