1.4 Wired and Wireless Networks Flashcards
What is a LAN?
Give an example of where they can be found
Local Area Network which covers a small geographical located on a single site. Usually found in homes and schools.
What is a WAN?
Give examples
Wide Area Network covers a large geographical area, connecting LANs together. E.g. the internet
What is a switch?
A switch sends data to other places on the network. When data arrives at the switch, it forwards it to its location.
What is a router?
A router is a interconnection device used on networks to connect two or more devices. It assigns all the connected devices with ip addresses so it knows who to send the data to.
What is a packet?
A packet is broken down data which include the ip address of where it came from and the ip address of where its going. Packets have a sequence so when they all meet up again, they rebuild the picture sent.
What are the advantages of networking?
- Users can share files and software
- Users can access their files on any computer connected to the network
- Servers can control security, software updates and backup of data
- Allows communication with other people e.g. email, video chat
What are the disadvantages of networking?
- Increased security risk of data
- Malware and viruses can spread easily between computers
- If the server fails, the computers connected may not be able to access their files
- Hackers can attempt to break in and steal information
