6.2 : Network Types Flashcards
1
Q
What does LAN stand for ?
A
- local area networks
2
Q
what does LAN mean ?
A
- are usually in one building or geographically near each other.
LANS will typically consist of a number of computers and devices ( such as printers ) , they will be connected to hubs or switches - one of the hubs or switches will be connected to a router to allow the network to connect to external networks such as the Internet
3
Q
what are the advantages of LAN ?
A
- Shared resources such as hardware for ex.( printers , scanners ) or Software ( word processor and photo editing software)
- they permit easy communication between the networks users ( using simple messaging between computer on the network )
- they do have a network administrator which ensures privacy ( the administrator can maintain passwords and monitor data traffic within the network)
4
Q
what are the disadvantages of a LAN ?
A
- can spread viruses thorough the whole network
- higher security risk compared to stand-alone computers
- queues for shared resources can be frustrating
- if any error occurred in the main server in many types of network structures , the netwrok will stop functiong properly
5
Q
what does WLAN stands for ?
A
- wirless LANs
6
Q
how does WLAN work ?
A
- it is similar to LANs but there is no need for cables nor wires , they provide wireless communications over fairly short distances using radio or infra-red signals instead of cables
they use a device known as AP ( Access Point ) which will be connected to the wired network structure at fixed locations , because of the short distances , commercial LANS ( campus or an airport ) , need several APs to permit continuous wireless communications - APs will transmit and receive the data between the WLAN and the wired network
- end-users will be able to access the WLAN through a LAN adapter which is built inside their device
7
Q
Compare between LANS and WLANS ?
A
WLANS :
- networks will be easier to expand as there is no need to connect the devices with any cables
- this gives devices incerased mobiltiy as long as they are within the APs range
- there is no cables which is a safety improvement
- data could be interefered with from external sources
- data transmission rates are slower than with cabled networks although it is improving
- data can be blocked by thick walls
- data is less secure than with wired networks as it is easier to interfene with radio waves or microwaves than with cables that why it is essintial to use encryption
LANS :
- having wires creates a more reliable network and stable network , wireless connectivity is subject to interference
- it will reduce devices mobility as they should be in range for wires connection
- there will be mo deadspots and data transfer rates are faster
- setting up cabled network tends to be cheaper even though you have to buy and install cables
- having a lor of wires can lead to a number of hazards , such as tripping hazards , overheating of connections and disconnection of cables during routine office cleaning
8
Q
what does wi-fi and Bluetooth have in common ?
A
- they use electromagnetic radiation as the carrier data transmission
9
Q
what is Bluetooth technology ?
A
- Bluetooth sends and receives signals at a frequency of 2.45GHZ
- Bluetooth devices detect and connect to each other automatically , each pair does not interfere with other communicating devices as each pair uses a different channel.
10
Q
where is Bluetooth useful ?
A
- when sharing files between two devices that are very close to each other ( less than 30 meters )
- for low-bandwith devices ( for example sharing music files between mobile phones and headsets )
- when data transmission rates are not critical
11
Q
How do computers connect to a Bluetooth network ?
A
- you need a computer with a Bluetooth technology
- turn on Bluetooth using your device settings
- let your device scan for nearby devices
- when you find the one send request to (pair) join
- once paired , then you can share data between the two devices
12
Q
what is wi-fi technology ?
A
- wi-fi sends and receives radio signals at multiple frequencies 2.4GHz and 5GHz
- wi-fi offers faster data transmission rates better range and better security than Bluetooth , a wi-fi enabled devices can access for example the internet wirelessly at any AP or hot spot up to 100 meters
13
Q
how do computer connect to wi-fi ?
A
- computer or a device
- a wireless network interface card ( built in many modern devices )
- access to a wireless hotspot ( usually through a router )
14
Q
what is advantage of wi-fi ?
A
- reduced cost as there is no cabling
- safer as there is no triping hazards
- easier to connect other devices to the other devices
- makes the computer portable as long as it is within the access points range
15
Q
what are the advantages of Bluetooth ?
A
- connecting wireless devices such as a mouse , headset phone to a computer within close proximity
- tranferring files between two devices
- prinitng wirelessly from a tablet or a smartphone
