Chapter 6.2 Flashcards
List the various types of communication hardware
-Modems
-Multiplexer
-Front-end processor
-Private branch exchange
-Switches, bridges, routers and gateways
Define analogue signal
A variable signal is continuous in both time and amplitude so that any small fluctuations in the signal are meaningful
Define digital signal
-A signal that represents bits
What are modems?
They are telecommunications devices that convert communications signals so they can be transmitted over the communication media
What is a multiplexer
A device that converts data from 2 or more data sources onto a single communications channel thus reducing the number of communication channels needed and therefore lowering telecommunications costs
Explain what a front end processor is
Its a special purpose computer that manages communications to and from a computer system serving a multitude of users
What is PBX (Public branch exchange)
A telephone switching exchange that serves a single organization
Define switch
A telecommunications device that uses the physical device address in each incoming message on the network to determine to which output port it should forward the message to reach another device on the same network
What is a bridge?
A telecommunications device that connects one LAN that uses the same telecommunications protocol
Define a router
A telecommunications device that forwards data pockets across 2 or more distinct networks through routing
Explain gateway
A telecommunications device that serves as an entrance to another network
What does a computer network consist of?
Communications media, devices and software need to connect two or more computer systems/devices
Explain network nodes
The computers and devices on Computer networks
-They can share data, information and processing jobs
What do organizations use computer networks for?
They use networks to share hardware, programs, and databases as they enable geographically separated workgroups to share information, which fosters teamwork, innovative ideas, and new business strategies
What are the various network types
-Personal Area Network
-Local Area Network
-Metropolitan Area Network
-Wide Area Network
Explain Person area network (PAN)
Its a network that supports the interconnection of information technology within a range
Define Local Area Network (LAN)
It connects computer systems within a small area
Explain Wide Area Network (WAN)
A network that ties together large geographical regions
Explain Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A telecommunications network that connects users and their computers in a geographical area
What is Mesh networking?
A way to route communications between network nodes by allowing for continuous connections and reconfiguration around blocked paths until a connection can be established
What is centralized processing
When all processing occurs in a single location or facility.
This approach offers the highest degree of control because a single centrally managed computer performs all data processing
Explain Decentralized processing
When processing devices are placed at various remote locations. Each computer system is isolated and does not communicate with another system
-One benefit of distributed processing is that managers can allocate data to the locations that can process it most efficiently
-It can also minimize the consequences of a catastrophic event at one location and ensure uninterrupted systems availability
Define client-server architecture
Acomputernetworkin which manyclients(remote computers) request and receive service from a centralisedserver(host computer).
What do the different servers do?
-An application server holds a particular application’s programs and data files.
-An e-mail server sends and receives e-mails.
-A web server displays website content by storing, processing and delivering webpages to users
