Communication Networks Flashcards
What is a network user?
A user of a network. Users communicate on the network to share information.
What is LAN? Where is it used?
Local Area Network. It is a computer network that interconnects computers within a limited area. It is used in homes, schools, computer labs and office buildings.
What is WAN? Where is it used?
Wide Area Network. It is a computer network that covers a broad area. It is used in telecommunications networks.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of LAN?
Advantages:
- high speed
- low cost
- easy setup
Disadvantages
- limited to a small area
- fault in the network can cause data loss
- difficult to make secure
- performance degrades as traffic increases
What are the advantages and disadvantages of WAN?
Advantages:
- can connect the computer to a geographically wider area
- information shared over a larger area
Disadvantages:
- high cost
- low speed
- low bandwidth
- easy to lose connection
- security at risk
What is the importance of a protocol?
In order for a system to function properly it needs a set of rules and guidelines to follow. Protocols control the movement of data.
What is a router?
A device in which the purpose is to connect multiple networks to forward data packets.
What is a bus topology?
All computers are connected to one common transmission medium.
What is a star topology?
All computers are connected to a central point that could either be a server or a switch.
What is a ring topology?
All computers are connected in a ring format where the transmission of data travels in one direction.
What are the advantages of a bus topology?
- easy to setup and extend
- cable length required is less compared to the other types
- lower cost
- well suited for temporary networks (quick setup)
What are the advantages of a star topology?
- easy to connect new devices
- centralised management
- failure of one device doesn’t affect the rest of the network
- easy to detect failure
- easy to manage as it is the simplest when it comes to functionality
- data packets don’t need to make their way through various nodes
What are the advantages of a ring topology?
- no need for network server to control the connectivity between workstations
- additional components do not affect the performance of the network
- each computer has equal access to resources
Define communication network.
A communication network is created to support communication between users. A network is a group of people connected with each other in some way to share information. A computer network is a group of interrelated machines that allow users to share resources and services.
