1.3.3 Networks Flashcards
What is a network?
A network is a group of devices connected together to communicate and share resources.
What are the advantages to a network for a user?
The ability to share files.
Easy communication, email, social networking.
The ability to backup files.
What are the advantages of a network for the network creator/organisation?
Expensive hardware devices can be shared between multiple users.
Multi-user systems can be used, so single machines for every individual not required.
An organisation can track what each user is doing.
Software can be deployed and upgraded centrally, which saves time.
Servers can control security, software updates, and backups automatically.
What are the disadvantages of networks to the user?
Computers they are using may run slower if there is a lot of data travelling on their network.
Increase security risks to the user.
What are the disadvantages of networks to the creator/organisation?
Extra hardware costs (cabling, connection devices)
Technician must be employed to monitor the network.
Reliance on a central server/device.
How can devices on a network be controlled?
Wired or wirelessly.
What is a NIC and what is its responsibility?
A Network Interface Controller (NIC) is responsible for connecting a device to a network.
How does a NIC transfer data between 2 points on a wired/wireless network?
The NIC receives the converted data from the modem and transmits the signals to the receiving NIC.
What does an NIC do to transfer data between two wired points?
The NIC will convert the data into voltages through a wire, or as pulses of light to be transmitted through a fibre.
What does an NIC do to transfer data between two wireless points?
The NIC converts the data into radio waves to be transmitted via WiFi
What does each NIC have which is unique?
Each NIC has a unique MAC address. This is a 48 bit address, given in hexadecimal.
What layers does the NIC operate on?
Physical layer and the data link layer, as it provides circuitry for physical layer processes and allows some data link layer processes to run on it.
What is a modem?
A modem transforms digital information into analogue signals which can be transmitted through wires. It does this by modulating and demodulating electrical signals.
What does modulating and demodulating signals allow for?
It allows for signals to be sent though hardware which uses different technology by changing the signals accordingly.
What is a router?
A router is a device responsible for routing data between devices on a small network, and then routing data between the small network and the internet/larger network.
