Chapter 6.2

Question 1

List the various types of communication hardware

Answer 1

-Modems

-Multiplexer

-Front-end processor

-Private branch exchange

-Switches, bridges, routers and gateways

Question 2

Define analogue signal

Answer 2

A variable signal is continuous in both time and amplitude so that any small fluctuations in the signal are meaningful

Question 3

Define digital signal

Answer 3

-A signal that represents bits

Question 4

What are modems?

Answer 4

They are telecommunications devices that convert communications signals so they can be transmitted over the communication media

Question 5

What is a multiplexer

Answer 5

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

Question 6

Explain what a front end processor is

Answer 6

Its a special purpose computer that manages communications to and from a computer system serving a multitude of users

Question 7

What is PBX (Public branch exchange)

Answer 7

A telephone switching exchange that serves a single organization

Question 8

Define switch

Answer 8

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

Question 9

What is a bridge?

Answer 9

A telecommunications device that connects one LAN that uses the same telecommunications protocol

Question 10

Define a router

Answer 10

A telecommunications device that forwards data pockets across 2 or more distinct networks through routing

Question 11

Explain gateway

Answer 11

A telecommunications device that serves as an entrance to another network

Question 12

What does a computer network consist of?

Answer 12

Communications media, devices and software need to connect two or more computer systems/devices

Question 13

Explain network nodes

Answer 13

The computers and devices on Computer networks

-They can share data, information and processing jobs

Question 14

What do organizations use computer networks for?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

What are the various network types

Answer 15

-Personal Area Network
-Local Area Network
-Metropolitan Area Network
-Wide Area Network

Question 16

Explain Person area network (PAN)

Answer 16

Its a network that supports the interconnection of information technology within a range

Question 17

Define Local Area Network (LAN)

Answer 17

It connects computer systems within a small area

Question 18

Explain Wide Area Network (WAN)

Answer 18

A network that ties together large geographical regions

Question 19

Explain Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)

Answer 19

A telecommunications network that connects users and their computers in a geographical area

Question 20

What is Mesh networking?

Answer 20

A way to route communications between network nodes by allowing for continuous connections and reconfiguration around blocked paths until a connection can be established

Question 21

What is centralized processing

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Explain Decentralized processing

Answer 22

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

Question 23

Define client-server architecture

Answer 23

Acomputernetworkin which manyclients(remote computers) request and receive service from a centralisedserver(host computer).

Question 24

What do the different servers do?

Answer 24

-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

Question 25

What is a client?

Answer 25

Any computer that sends messages requesting services from the servers on the network