Chapter 21: Networks (Topologies) Flashcards
Part 1
What is a network?
An arrangement of computers & other devices connected together to share resources and data.
What is a server?
A server is a powerful computer that provides services to a network.
Why are networks used?
Networks allow multiple users to access files & the internet, download updates, and communicate via email or video.
What is a LAN?
A network that covers a small geographical area, often a single site.
What is a WLAN?
A LAN in which connected device use high-frequency radio waves to communicate.
What is a WAN?
A network that covers a large geographical area, connecting multiple LANs across different locations.
What is a PAN?
A network used for data transmission over short distances by personal devices, such as phones, tablets, and laptops, usually connected via Bluetooth.
What are the two main network models?
Client-server and peer-to-peer.
What is a client-server network?
Network that has at least one dedicated server that provides services to client computers.
What is a peer-to-peer network?
Network where all devices can act as both clients and servers, sharing resources directly.
What are the four main network topologies?
Bus, Ring, Star, and Mesh.
What is a bus topology?
A bus network uses a single cable to connect all devices, with messages traveling along the cable.
What are the advantages of a bus topology?
Relatively cheap to install, easy to add devices.
What are the disadvantages of a bus topology?
If the bus fails, the whole network fails; more devices slow it down; security risks.
What is a ring topology?
A ring network connects devices in a closed loop, with messages traveling in one direction.
What are the advantages of a ring topology?
Performance is not affected by adding devices; no data collisions.
What are the disadvantages of a ring topology?
Failure of one device or cable brings down whole network, difficult finding fault & adding devices.
What is a star topology?
A star network connects all devices to a central hub or switch.
What are the advantages of a star topology?
Failure of one cable affects only one device, easy to locate faults & add devices.
What are the disadvantages of a star topology?
If the hub/switch fails, the whole network fails; expensive due to cabling.
What is a mesh topology?
A mesh network connects devices to multiple other devices, either fully or partially.
What are the advantages of a mesh topology?
Highly fault tolerant; high performance; wireless mesh networks extend range.
What are the disadvantages of a mesh topology?
Expensive and difficult to manage.
What are the two main types of connectivity?
Wired and wireless.
What are the advantages of wired connectivity?
Faster than wireless, harder to intercept, less interference.
What are the disadvantages of wired connectivity?
Expensive to install, requires many cables.
What are the advantages of wireless connectivity?
No need for cables; supports mobile devices; easy to connect multiple devices.
What are the disadvantages of wireless connectivity?
Slower than wired; interference from other devices; data needs encryption for security.
Protocol
A standardized set of rules that govern how data is formatted, transmitted & received on a network.
