BOOKLET 1 Flashcards
LAN#
-Local area networks
-A network of computers that is spread over a small geographical area
-E.g. school
Advantages of LAN#
-Devices dont have to be physically connetcted
-Additional devices can be added using a wireless card
Disadvantages of LAN#
-Security can be a risk unless the system is password protected
MAN#
-Metropolitan area networks
-A small WAN that is optimised to connect computers within a large city or campus
-E.g. university
WAN#
-Wide area network
-A network of computers that are spread by large geographical distances
-E.g. the world wide web
Server-based networks
A network organised around one or more servers. The server maintains a database of authorised users, passwords and access rights
Features of a server-based network
-There is a controlling node
-The client is a ‘dumb’ terminal
-Clients request resources
-The server then allocates the resource
Advantages of a server-based network
-Better security (all data stored on servers which hold access rights)
-Easier to update (data storage is centralised)
Disadvantages of a server-based network
-Overloading (if the number of simultaneous client requests increases)
-Lacks robustness (if a critical server fails, client’s requests cannot be fulfilled)
Peer-to-peer networks
A network that provides shared resources such as printers and storage, but may offer little else in the wayof additional features such as file security. There is no controlling node
Advantages of peer-to-peer networks
-Low installation costs as there is no need to resource a dedicated server
-Robust
-Performance is greater as each node increases the bandwidth
Disadvantages of peer-to-peer networks
Low level of security as cannot be controlled centrally
NIC#
-Network interface card
-Provides the physical connection between the network and the computer workstation
Switched hub#
-‘Intelligent hub’ that sends data packets straight to the destination without being copied to all the computers
-Stores all the addresses directly or indirectly connected to it which increases network performance and offers greater security
Server functions#
-Stores all programs and data
-Logs all file accesses
-Controls access to software and user data
-Provides a backup facility
Repeater#
-As electrical signals travel down a cable, their initially clean signal gets ‘smeared’ and indistinct with distance, the role of the repeater is to clean up the signal by regenerating it so it can pass long a further segment
WAP#
-Wireless access point
-Networking hardwarre device that allows a wifi compliant device to connect to a wired network
-AKA hotspot
Media converter#
-Flexible and cost-effective devices for implementing and optimising fibre links in all types of networks.
IP address#
-Internet protocol address
-Uniquely identifies any device connected to the internet
-Data is transmitted as packets, containing data in the ‘body’ and the IP address of the sender and receiver in the ‘header’
-Large ietms of data are split into several packets that are reassembled by the receiving device
MAC address#
-Media access control address
-Unique identifier assigned to network interfaces for communications at the data link layer of a network segment
Router#
-Used to determine an efficient route for data transfer between computer systems and to transmit web pages to users throughout the world
IP definition#
A protocol is a standard set of rules used to ensure the proper transfer of infromation between computers on the internet. It defines how data is to be structures and what control signals are to be used
TCP/IP#
The set of working practices that allow all internet users and providers to communicate with eachother whatever their equiptment is. Specifies how individula signals are sent over the internet
TCP/IP functions#
-Used tpo transmit actual data packets on the internet
-Responsible for transmitting data between LANs ansd WANs regardless of the type of hardware and software being used
TCP layer#
Responsible for the correct delivery of packets and reassessment of packets at the destination, if they are incorrect, an error message is displayed
IP layer#
Responsible for transferring packets of data from node to node, detects errors or lost data
Bus network definition#
Each network node is connected directly to a common/shared communication line
How does a bus network send data#
-The data is sent by one computer to the address of another computer
-Travels along the backbone until it reaches it’s destination
Advantages of a bus network#
-Inexpensive as each node only requires a network card and cabling
-Easy to build and maintain
-Works well as long as traffic is light
Disadvantages of a bus network#
-A break in the main cable causes network failure
-Data packets can collide due to two nodes sending data packets at the same time
-Performance rapidly falls if traffic is high
How do you add a new node to a bus network?#
The new computer is connected by it’s own cable to the backbone, causing the backbone to have to be broken