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.
What is a PAN?
Personal Area Network. Considered the smallest area network, consisting of a single devices work area. Think of Bluetooth connections and NFC. (Car bluetooth, hotspot, etc).
What is IoT? Name 3 IoT devices.
Internet of Things. Fitness tracker, smart tracker, smart home, personal assistants like Amazon Alexa, GPS, etc.
What is Z-Wave? What is it’s reach and limitations?
A smart home protocol used for command and control functions of objects in the home. Uses a controller (or hub) with a distance of 100 meters and can use repeaters (maximum 4 hops).
What is Ant+?
An Ad Hoc protocol for heart rate monitors, GPS devices, activity trackers, and more. The information is transmitted to a PC, smartphone, or smartwatch.
What is Bluetooth?
IEEE 802.15.1; a device commonly used to connect mobile devices.
What are the 3 power levels of Bluetooth and their reach? What are they used for?
100 mW, 100 meters, Industrial
2.5 mW, 10 meters, Mobile Devices
1 mW, 1 meter, Not Commonly Used
What is NFC? What is its reach? Common uses?
Near Field Communication. A form of RFID. Very short distance of 10cm or less. Employee Badges, NFC credit cards, NFC data transfer (Alleigh and I did this before).
What is IR in IoT?
Infrared. Used in remote controls, now also used in sensors, which pick up the signal and convert it to electrical.
What is RFID?
Radio Frequency Identification. Stores data electromagnetically and can be powered by the reader rather than self-powered.
