1.5 - Network Topologies and Technologies Flashcards
Explain the Physical and Logical Topologies
Physical Topology refers to the hardware used to create a network. Hubs, Switches, and Routers, along with corresponding cables and connects.
Logical Topology refers to the non-hardware aspects of the network. This includes the OS and protocols. It covers how nodes use applications over the network and share data.
Explain the Star Topology
In a Star Topology all network devices are connected to a central device such as a hub or switch. Switches are preferred as hubs cause frequent collisions.
Explain the Ring Topology
A legacy topology where each node is connected to the node adjacent to it, forming a ring.
Explain Token Ring
A token ring is a method using a token passed down a Ring Topology. A node can pass the token down or receive and change the info if it is the destination node.
Explain Mesh Topology
A wired mesh configured so each node has a direct connection to every other node. Fairly obsolete, but used in Wireless.
Explain Bus Topology
A Bus Topology uses a single cable to connect all nodes. There are two end points which both must remain intact. The signal can travel either direction. High failure rate.
What is Ad Hoc?
A special purpose wireless mesh network that enables communication between nodes without switches or routers. Nodes must be fairly close together and limited in number.
What is a WAP?
Wireless Access Point. Used to create or extend wireless coverage.
What is a LAN?
A Local Area Network. Typically consists of several nodes and devices where each node connects to others via a switch. Can be a small office or a large building with many switches and routers.
What is a WLAN?
Wireless Local Area Network. Describes the topology of a small home or office network.
What is a MAN?
Metropolitan Area Network. A group of LANs in the same geographic area. Think schools, local government, police, fire departments, etc.
What is a CAN?
Campus Area Network. Much like the MAN, can serve a wider area network, such as 2 separate office buildings connected together.
What is a WAN?
Wide Area Network. When a group of LANs covers a wide area (like states and countries). Consider the Internet to be the biggest WAN.
What is a SAN?
Storage Area Network. A network made up of block-level storage devices providing high throughput for storage devices, tapes, and disk arrays.
What Controllers does SAN use?
FC (Fibre Channel) and FCoE (Fibre Channel over Ethernet) switches.
