2.1 Communications.networking Flashcards
What does ARPAnet stand for?
Advanced Research Projects Agency Network
What does WAN stand for, and what does it represent?
Wide Area Network; a network covering a very large geographical area.
Define LAN.
Local Area Network; a network covering a small area, such as a single building.
What is a MAN?
Metropolitan Area Network; a network larger than a LAN but smaller than a WAN, typically covering several buildings in a single city (e.g., university campus).
What is the purpose of a file server?
A server on a network where central files and data are stored, accessible by users logged onto the network.
What does a hub do in a LAN?
Connects devices in a LAN and directs incoming data packets to all devices on the network.
How does a switch differ from a hub?
A switch connects devices in a LAN but directs incoming data packets to a specific destination address only.
What is the function of a router?
Enables data packets to be routed between different networks (e.g., joining LANs to form a WAN).
What does a modem do?
Converts digital data to analog for transmission via telephone wires and vice versa for processing by a computer.
What does WLAN stand for?
Wireless Local Area Network.
What is a (W)AP?
(Wireless) Access Point; allows a device to access a LAN without a wired connection.
What is a PAN?
Personal Area Network; a network centred around a person or their workspace.
Describe a client-server network.
A network with dedicated servers and specific client workstations, where all clients connect to the servers.
What is spread spectrum technology?
Wideband radio frequency technology with a range of 30 to 50 meters.
Define a node in networking.
A device connected to a network, such as a computer, storage device, or peripheral.
What is a peer-to-peer network?
A network where each node can share files with other nodes without a central server.
What is the difference between thin and thick clients?
Thin clients depend on the internet and a powerful computer for processing, while thick clients can work offline and perform processing independently.
Describe the bus network topology.
Uses a single central cable, where all devices connect, and data travels in one direction with only one device transmitting at a time.
What is a data packet?
A message or data sent over a network containing the sender’s address, recipient’s address, and the actual data.
Explain the star network topology.
A network where all devices connect to a central hub or switch, and data packets are directed through this hub/switch.
Define the mesh network topology.
Interlinked devices that use routing logic to send data packets via the shortest route.
What is a hybrid network?
A network combining multiple topologies.
What is cloud storage?
A method of storing data on off-site servers.
Define data redundancy.
Storing the same data on multiple servers for maintenance or repair purposes.