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Degree > Communication and Networks - Networks > Flashcards

Communication and Networks - Networks Flashcards

1
Q

Network

A
  • Two or more nodes that are linked together in order to communicate, exchange files, or share recourses (such as printers).
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1
Q

Local Area Network (LAN)

A
  • Covers a small geographical area on a single site
  • All hardware needed is owned by organisation using it
  • Can be wired (e.g. with ethernet) or wireless.
  • Used in businesses, schools, universities, homes.
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2
Q

Wide Area Network (WAN)

A
  • WANs connect LANs in different geographical locations. (e.g. businesses with offices in different countries).
  • Unlike LANs, hardware needed for WANs is not owned by organisations. It’s hired from telecommunication companies, because WANs are far more expensive than LANs to set up.
  • WANs can be connected using telephone lines, satellite links, or radio links.
  • The Internet is one big WAN.
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3
Q

Personal Area Network (PAN)

A
  • Connect devices over a very short range.
  • Centred around a single user
  • Use common wireless technology (e.g. Bluetooth).
  • Bluetooth signals are strong, but have a very short range.
  • Used between e.g. a smartphone and a smartwatch/wireless earphones.
  • Do not require any additional hardware, only the devices themselves, so no additional cost.
  • PANs are portable.
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4
Q

Network Interface Card (NIC)

A
  • A hardware component that allows a device to connect to a network.
  • There are NICs for wireless and wired connection.
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5
Q

Switches

A
  • A hardware device used to connect several devices on a LAN together.
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6
Q

Routers

A
  • A hardware device that transmits data between different networks.
  • Used to connect networks to the internet.
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7
Q

Cat 5e and CAT 6

A
  • They are common types of ethernet cable.
  • Contain pairs of copper wires, twisted together to reduce internal inteference.
  • Cheaper than fibre optic cables.
  • Decent performance and bandwidth.
  • Commonly used in homes and to connect devices on LANs.
  • CAT 5e cables have 100Mhz operating frequencies, compared to 250Mhz on CAT 6. So, CAT 6 cables can process more data at the same time.
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8
Q

Fibre Optic Cables

A
  • Transmit data as light (photons)
  • High performance and expensive cables.
  • As they use light, they don’t suffer interference.
  • Can transmit data over very large distances at a high bandwidth without loss of signal quality.
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9
Q

Coaxial Cables

A
  • Made of a single copper wire surrounded by a plastic layer for insulation and a metallic mesh which provides shielding from outside interference.
  • Generally very cheap
  • Low bandwidth
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10
Q

Benefits of networking computers

A

1) Sharing files is easier. Network users can access the same files, work on them at the same time, and copy files between machines.

2) Hardware can be shared between devices (e.g. printers).

3) You can centrally install and update software on all computers at once.

4) You can communicate across a network, cheaply and easily (e.g. via email).

5) User accounts are stored centrally, so users can log in from any devices on a network.

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11
Q

Drawbacks to networking computers

A

1) They can be expensive to set up, as you often require extra hardware.

2) Large networks often require employing a specialist to maintain them.

3) Some networks are dependant on one or more servers. If these servers go down, it can be very disruptive for those using the network.

4) Networks are vulnerable to hacking, and malware can easily spread between networked computers.

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12
Q

Wireless networks

A
  • Wireless networks use radio waves to transmit data.
  • Local wireless networks are called WLANs.
  • A Wireless Access Point (WAP) is needed to set up the network. WAPs are switches that allow devices to connect wirelessly.
  • Devices need wireless capability to join a network.
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13
Q

USB Dongles

A
  • Devices that can be plugged into computers that allow them to connect to networks wirelessly.
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14
Q

Benefits of using wireless networks

A
  • It’s very simple to add more users to a wireless network. You don’t need any additional hardware.
  • They are cheaper and better for the environment, as they don’t require any wires.
  • You can add devices like smartphones and tablets to a network.
  • They are convenient, as you can automatically connect your device to the network.
  • You can move your devices around whilst still being connected to the network.
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15
Q

Drawbacks of using wireless networks

A
  • Wireless networks are generally less secure than wired networks, as access points are usually visible to all devices, which can allow hackers to gain access.
  • The distance from the WAP, physical obstructions (e.g. walls), and interference from other wireless networks can all reduce signal strength. This means wireless networks have a set range.
  • They generally have a lower bandwidth and are less reliable.
16
Q

Star Topology

A
  • All devices are connected to a central switch/server that controls the network.
  • Can be wired or wireless.
17
Q

Benefits of using Star Topology

A
  • If a device on the network fails or a cable is disconnected, the rest of the network is unaffected.
  • Adding a new device to the network is simple, as you just need one extra cable.
  • Higher performance than other topologies, as data from the central device goes straight to the computers.
  • This also means there are few data connections compared to other topologies (e.g. bus)
18
Q

Drawbacks of using Star Topology

A
  • In wired networks, every device needs an individual cable to connect to a central switch. This can be expensive for large networks.
  • Switches needed for star topologies are expensive.
  • Problems with the switch/server disrupt the entire network.
  • The maximum number of connects on a network is determined by the switch. It may only have e.g. 10 available ports. You may need to buy a new switch to add more connections.
19
Q

Bus Topology

A
  • All devices are connected to a central cable, called the bus or backbone.
  • Two terminators are placed on either end of the backbone cable, to stop data from being reflected. This is important because reflected signals cause interference, and make the network unusable.
20
Q

Benefits of using bus topology.

A
  • Similar to star topology, the network is unaffected if one device fails.
  • Bus networks aren’t dependant on a central switch to keep the entire network running.
  • They are relatively cheap compared to star networks. The total length of wiring needed is less, and hardware such as terminator/backbone is cheaper buy and maintain than switches.
21
Q

Drawbacks of using bus topology.

A
  • Data collisions are common. Data collisions mean data must be resent, slowing the network down.
  • This means bus topologies are unsuitable for large networks.
  • If the main backbone cable breaks. the network splits into separate parts, and this can shut down the entire network.
  • To try and avoid data collisions, devices must wait for the backbone cable to be available before sending any data. This slows the network down.
22
Q

How is data encrypted on WiFi networks?

A

Protocols such as WAP (WiFi Protected Access) encrypt data on WiFi newtorks.

23
Q

Peer-to-peer networks

A
  • No single computer is in overall control of a network. All recourses of every computer are available to every computer.
  • Therefore each computer can act as a client or as a server.
  • More common amongst smaller networks, for things such as file-sharing, and in private houses.
24
Q

Client-server networks

A
  • Multiple user devices, known as client, connect to a centralized server.
  • The server manages and provides recourses to the clients, such as file storage, processing power, or access to a database.
  • This architecture centralises control, enhances efficiency, and facilitates easier management of network recourses.
25
Q

MAC address

A
  • Media Access Control, is a unique code assigned to every device by he manufacturer, which identifies a particular device on a network.
26
Q

Describe the purpose of a modem

A
  • Transforms digital information from your computer into analogue signals that can be transmitted through wires.
    Translates incoming analogue signals back into digital data a computer can understand.
27
Q

Describe how a modem works and what it connects to

A
  • It works by modulating and demodulating electrical signals sent through wiring.
  • They have two ports generally, one which connects to the outside world, and one which connects to a computer or router.

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