3.1.1 - Identify different types of networks. Flashcards
What is a network?
A computer network is a group of computer systems and other computing hardware that are linked together through communication channels to facilitate communication and resource-sharing among a range of users. Networks are commonly categorised based on their characteristics.
Describe, in detail, what a LAN is.
A Local Area Network (LAN) is a network that covers a small geographical location, usually within the same premises. Most hardware on LANs is owned and controlled by the organisation in which it resides. Nearly all LANs are based around the ethernet protocol for exchanging data.
What are the two ways to implement ethernet?
1) Twisted pair cables (UTP)
2) Wireless (Wi-Fi radio waves)
Describe, in detail, what a VLAN is.
A Virtual Local Area Network (VLAN) is a logical group of workstations, servers, and network devices that appear to be on the same LAN despite their geographical distribution. A VLAN allows a network of computers and users to communicate in a simulated environment as if they exist in a single LAN. They are implemented to achieve scalability, security and ease of network management, and can quickly adapt to changes in network requirements and relocation of workstations and server nodes.
State 5 similarities between LANs and VLANs.
1) Both act on a local level.
2) Both have the same attributes.
3) Both allow communication.
4) Both used to connect devices.
5) Both allow sharing of resources.
State 7 differences between LANs and VLANs.
1) VLANs deliver better performance.
2) VLANs are safer.
3) Formation of virtual workgroups on a VLAN is easier.
4) VLANs offer more flexibility, e.g. if someone who works from a laptop moves to another part of the building, they’ll remain in their dedicated VLAN.
5) Partitioning of resources is easier on VLANs.
6) VLANs are independent of the physical topology of the network.
7) Management of a VLAN can be complex.
Describe, in detail, what a WAN is.
A Wide Area Network (WAN) is a network that covers a large geographical location. WANs lease equipment from external providers to build its network. The biggest WAN is the Internet (a network of networks). WANs can be wired (fibre optic) or wireless (satellite transmission).
Describe, in detail, what a SAN is.
A Storage Area Network (SAN) is a secure high-speed data transfer network that provides access to consolidated block-level storage. They make a network of storage devices accessible to multiple servers. SAN devices appear to servers as attached drives, eliminating traditional network bottlenecks.
Describe, in detail, what a WLAN is.
A Wireless Area Network (WLAN) is a wireless distribution network for two or more devices that use high-frequency radio waves and often include an access point to the internet. They allow users to move around the coverage area, often a home or small office, while maintaining a network connection. They are sometimes called Wi-Fi networks, but can contain other transmission technologies.
What is an intranet?
A local or restricted communications network, especially a private network created using World Wide Web software.
What is an extranet?
An intranet that can be partially accessed by authorized outside users, enabling businesses to exchange information over the internet in a secure way. An extranet is often a private part of a website. It is restricted to select users through user IDs, passwords and other authentication mechanisms on a login page.
Describe, in detail, what a VPN is.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is an encrypted connection that allows devices to access its resources whilst working remotely. The encryption is to ensure that data is safely transported, reducing the risk of interception. If your organisation uses a VPN then you can access your intranet, file servers etc remotely just as if you were in the office. A VPN is a popular method of allowing remote workers to access internal servers and services due to its level of security. The end user must have an internet connection in order to join a VPN.
Describe, in detail, what a PAN is.
A Personal Area Network is a computer network for interconnecting electronic devices within an individual person’s workspace. The best known wireless PAN network technology is Bluetooth, and the most popular wired PAN is USB. Wi-Fi also serves as a PAN technology, since Wi-Fi is also used over a small area (especially in cars).
What is Peer-to-Peer?
Peer-to-peer is a network model in which computers or hardware devices exchange files. Some experts describe it as an “equal client” system where instead of accessing files from a server, the “peer” computers just swap them amongst each other and not from a centralised server.
