3.3 Networking Characteristics Flashcards
what is a topology
the arrangement of devices and connections in a network
star topology
each device transfers data through a central device
- cables are not shared so less data collisions
- expensive
bus topology
all devices are connected to one cable (the bus)
-less cable, simple
- high chance of data collisions
mesh topology
every device is connected to every other device
- backup routes, less data collisions
- expensive, hard to add new devices
ring topology
messages move around the network in one direction
a token ring network passes a message called a token around
- no specialised device, simple
- if one connection breaks no devices can communicate
what is a network
connections between devices that enable data to be shared
what is a client-server network
clients request data, server provides data
every device is a client or server
- central control
- expensive
what is a peer to peer network
no central server, device can switch between client and server
- simpler to set up
- no security or backups
what is an IP address
a unique network address assigned to each device connected to the internet
- unique to a network
- enable hosts to be identified so that packets can be sent
what is a default gateway
when a device with an IP address cant be found on a network it is sent via a default gateway.
a default gateway is a device that links networks and forwards packets with an IP address outside of the network
what is a subnet
a part of a larger physical network
- reduces traffic when subnets include devices that frequently communicate with each other
what is a subnet mask
determines subnets
it looks like another IP address but is applied to the end of the IP address
255.255.255…….. (1-254)
what is a domain name
to communicate with a device over the internet you need to know the IP address
it is difficult to remember IP addresses so we use domain names instead
e.g. www.google.com
what is the domain name system (DNS)
translates between domain names and IP addresses
