3.3 Network Characteristics

Question 1

Network Topology

Answer 1

Arrangement of computer systems on a network.

Question 2

Client-Server Network

Answer 2

• Clients make requests to a server, server manages requests and responds
• Client completely depends on the server to provide and manage information
• Server controls network security, backups and can be upgraded.

Question 3

Client-Server Network Advantages

Answer 3

-Network is controlled centrally to backup and update software

• Hardware/software/resources can be shared
• Improved scalability

Question 4

Client-Server Network Disadvantages

Answer 4

• Traffic congestion will cause slow network
• If a fault occurs with the server then the whole network will fail
• IT technicians required for maintaining the network
• Malware can spread quickly

Question 5

Peer-To-Peer Network

Answer 5

• Data is shared directly between systems without requiring a central server
• Each computer is responsible for providing data

Question 6

Peer-To-Peer Network Advantages

Answer 6

• More simple to set up
• Clients are not dependent on a server
• Perfect for quickly sharing files

Question 7

Peer-To-Peer Network Disadvantages

Answer 7

• There is no central device to manage security or back ups
• Performance will decrease with more devices connected

Question 8

Bus Topology

Answer 8

• Nodes are connected to a central cable which transfers all data
• Bus transfers data packets along the central cable
• Bus stops at each node and tests if the addresses match up to send the data to the node
• Terminators mark the end of the bus

Question 9

Bus Topology Advantages

Answer 9

• Easy to attach without disturbing the whole network
• Quick to set up
• Cost-Effective as it usually contains less cables

Question 10

Bus Topology Disadvantages

Answer 10

• Poor security
• Data collisions are more likely, slows the network
• Cable has limited length which can become crowded and slow down network

Question 11

Token Ring Topology

Answer 11

• Computer systems are connected in a loop
• Data is sent around the ring in one direction, if the addresses match then the computer will process it

Question 12

Token Ring Topology Advantages

Answer 12

• Data collisions are avoided
• Attaching more systems wont affected transfer speed

Question 13

Token Ring Topology Disadvantages

Answer 13

• If any system fails then the whole network fails
• To add a new system , the network needs to be shut down temporarily

Question 14

Star Topology

Answer 14

• Each system is connected to a central node
• The central node will send data to the node with the matching address

Question 15

Star Topology Advantages

Answer 15

• improved security
• New systems can be attached directly
• Transfer speeds are fast

Question 16

Star Topology Disadvantages

Answer 16

• Extra hardware is required
• If the central system fails then the whole network will be unusable

Question 17

Mesh Topology

Answer 17

• Each computer is connected to every other computer systems
• Data is transferred to the destination address along the quickest path

Question 18

Mesh Topology Advantages

Answer 18

• Data can take alternative routes
• Withstands large amount of data traffic
• New systems can be added without disruption

Question 19

Mesh Topology Disadvantages

Answer 19

• Large amount of cables required
• Avoid redundant cables
• Expensive

Question 20

Configuration

Answer 20

Three pieces of information before a system can use a network

• IP address, Default Gateway, Subnet Mask

Question 21

IP Address

Answer 21

• Used to uniquely identify computer systems on a network
• Allows for communication between them

Question 22

Default Gateway

Answer 22

• Usually a router that connects the local network to another

Question 23

Subnet Mask

Answer 23

• divides a physical network into smaller ‘sub’ networks to reduce traffic
• Subnet mask is used to define the ‘sub; network