Chapter 4: Networks And Systems Flashcards
What is an NIC?
A network interface card is needed to allow a device to connect to a network. An NIC turns binary data into an electrical system that allows access to a network
What is a MAC address?
The media access control address is a number which uniquely identifies a device when it is connected to a network. They are useful in identifying data senders and receivers on a network
What is a IP address?
Whenever a computer connects to the internet, it is given an internet protocol address. It identifies the location of a device on a network. It changes each time you log in at different locations
What is a data packet
Data is moved around networks in the form of data packets. Whenever a user sends some data, it is split into data packets and each packet is transmitted separately
What does a data packets header contain?
The senders IP address, the receivers IP address, the packet size
What is a Hub?
Hubs are hardware devices that are used to connect a number of devices together to form a LAN. A hub will take a received data packet and transmit it to every device connected to it
What are Switches?
Switches connect a number of devices together to form a LAN but unlike a hub, it stores the MAC address of all devices connected to it and using a look-up table, it directs the data to the correct device
What is a bridge?
Bridges are devices that connect LAN’s which use the same protocol, so that it can function as one single LAN
What is a router?
Routers are used to join a LAN to the internet. The router checks the IP address and determines if the data packet should be sent to its own network or to an external one. It’s main objective is to connect various types of networks together
What is cloud computing and what are its advantages?
Cloud computing is a method of storing data on remote servers in many different locations. The advantages are that the data can be accessed at any time from anywhere, there will be no need for the user to carry a external storage device, cloud computing provides the user with a backup of data
What are the disadvantages of cloud computing?
If the user has a slow internet they could have problems accessing the data, costs can be high if a large storage capacity is needed, the failure of cloud storage may lead to data loss
What is a WAN?
Wide area networks are used where networks are situated a long distance from each other like in a different city or country and a number of LANs are used to form a WAN
What are some types of authentications?
Biometrics, magnetic stripes, zero login, smart cards
What is video conferencing?
Video conferencing is a communication method that uses both video and sound
What is Audio conferencing?
It refers to meetings held between people using audio equipment. The organizer will get two pins. One for him and one for the others. He’ll create the meeting with his pin and the other people will enter their pin to join
