Chapter 2. Communication Flashcards
What is a network topology
An arrangement of devices in a network
What is a network
A link between two or more computers through which they communicate, enabling them to share data, software and hardware.
Advantages of a network
- Enables files and data to be backed up centrally
- Allows sharing copies of software(multiuser licenses are cheaper)
- Allow multi-access to files
- Hardware resources such as printers and internet connections can be shared
- Communicate with network users (instant messaging, email, video conferencing
- Licences are cheaper when used on a network than on standalone machines
Disadvantages of networks
- More difficult to secure as compared to standalone systems and they are vulnerable to hacking, phishing and pharming
- If server breaks down, work comes to a standstill
- Viruses spread more easily in network environments
- Managing large networks can be a complex task
- There’s an expensive initial investment in infrastructure(servers and cabling)
Expand the acronym APRAnet
Advanced Research Projects Agency Network
What are the advantages of a bus network
- Continues to function even when one node fails
- Easy to expand - just adding more nodes
What are the disdvantages of a bus network
- Fails if the main cable fails
- Performance detiriorates under heavy load
- Not secure since each packect passes through every node
Differentiate between a hub and a switch
A hub sends packets to all devices in a star configuration but only the node with the matching address accepts the packet whilst a swith only sends the packets to the node with the right address
Advantages of a star topology
- Data collisions are greatly reduced
- More secure since security methods can be applied to the central node
- Easy to improve just by installing an upgraded hub
- If one connection is broken then only one node is affected
Disadvantages of star topologies
- Initial installation costs are high
- If the hub/switch fails, the whole network goes down
Give the names and explain the two types of data transfer incorporated by mesh networks
- Routing
The nodes are given routing logic and data is directed to its destination by the shortest route possible - Flooding
Data is just send via every node to its destination
What are the advantages of mesh networks
- Easy to identify where faults occured
- Broken links do not affect the whole network
- Good privacy and security
- Relatively easy to expand
What are the disadvantages of mesh networks
- A large amount of cabling is required
- Set-up and maintenance is difficult and complex
What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?
- A LAN connects computers within a limited area such as a home, school, or office building.
- Uses Ethernet or Wi-Fi for connections.
What are the characteristics of a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
- A WAN covers a large geographic area.
- Uses leased telecommunication lines.
What is the purpose of a router?
- Directs data packets between networks.
- Connects multiple devices to the internet.
What is the difference between a client-server and a peer-to-peer network model?
- Client-server: Central server manages resources and services.
- Peer-to-peer: Each computer can act as a server and client.
What are the benefits of using a client-server model?
- Centralized management of resources and security.
- Easier to backup and manage data.
What are the benefits of using a peer-to-peer network?
- Easier to set up and manage.
- No need for a dedicated server.
What is the role of a Network Interface Card (NIC)?
- Provides the hardware interface between a computer and a network.
- Converts data into a format suitable for transmission over a network.
What are the common network topologies?
- Bus: All devices share a single communication line.
- Star: All devices are connected to a central hub.
- Mesh: Devices are interconnected with many redundant connections.
What is the difference between wired and wireless networks?
- Wired networks use physical cables for data transmission.
- Wireless networks use radio waves for data transmission.
What are the advantages of using fiber-optic cables over copper cables?
- Higher bandwidth and faster data transmission.
- Less susceptible to electromagnetic interference.
What is cloud computing?
- Accessing and storing data and applications over the internet instead of on local servers or personal devices.
- Offers scalability and remote access.
What are the types of IP addresses?
- IPv4: 32-bit address format.
- IPv6: 128-bit address format.
What is the purpose of the Domain Name System (DNS)?
- Translates human-readable domain names (e.g., www.example.com) into IP addresses.
- Enables users to access websites using names instead of numerical IP addresses.
What are public and private IP addresses?
- Public IP: Assigned to devices that are accessible over the internet.
- Private IP: Used within private networks and not directly accessible from the internet.
How does packet switching work?
- Data is broken into packets and each packet is sent independently over the best available path.
- Packets are reassembled at the destination.
What is the difference between static and dynamic IP addresses?
- Static IP: Permanently assigned to a device.
- Dynamic IP: Temporarily assigned by a DHCP server.
What are the benefits of using bit streaming?
- Enables real-time or on-demand delivery of digital media over the internet.
- Allows users to watch videos or listen to music without downloading the entire file first.
What is the importance of broadband speed in bit streaming?
- Higher broadband speeds improve the quality of streaming by reducing buffering and providing smoother playback.
- Affects the resolution and frame rate of streamed content.
