Component 1.3 - Communication (Finished) Flashcards
What is a network ?
A network is a number of computer systems joined together
What are 3 advantages of networks?
- share hardware
- share software
- share files
- Easier for internal communication
- Can access data from any computer
- Easier to monitor data activity
- central security
- central backup
What are 2 disdvantages of networks?
- A network manager may need to be employed - expensive
- Security problems – files sent between computers could spread a virus
- Hackers can gain access to data more easily
- If the server is down, all workstations on then network are affected
- Initial cost of servers, communication devices, etc. can be expensive
What are the two main types of networks? Full names?
- Local Access Network
- Wide Area Network
What is LAN?
A lan network is a network in which the computer systems are all located relatively close to each other
What is a WAN network?
A network in which computer systems are located relatively distant from each other
How do computer systems communicate?
They use agreed upon protocols to communicate. If they do not agree on the protocols to use, the computer systems can’t communicate.
What are protocols?
They are common methods of sending data and consistent data formats?
What is a network tropology?
It is the theoretical layout of computer systems on a network
Describe how a bus network is laid out
Computer systems called nodes are each connected to a single cable called a bus. The bus has two terminators, one on each end.
How does data travel in a bus network?
The bus carries packets along the cable. As packets arrive to each computer it checks the destination address to check if it is its own then it decides to ignore it or process it. The terminators terminate the packet when it reaches the end.
Why do bus networks need terminators?
To stop the electrical signals being reflected back interfering
What are 3 advantages of a bus network?
- It is easy to implement and add more computers
- It is quick to set up
- It is cost effective as there is less cabling
What are 3 disadvantages of a bus network?
- A problem with the main cable or connection sends the whole network down
- There is low security as all computers can see data traveling along the bus
- Data collisions are more likely
- You can’t troubleshoot/add to it without taking the whole network down
Describe the layout of a ring network?
Computers are connected in a ring or loop
How does data travel along a ring network?
Packets are sent along the ring, being passed from one computer system to the next until they arrive at
their destination.
What are some advantages of ring network topologies?
- Data is quickly transferred with no bottleneck
- It prevents network collisions
- Adding more nodes does not impact bandwidth much
What are 3 disadvantages of ring topology networks?
- if any computer system fails the ring is broken
- It is difficult to troubleshoot the ring
- A problem with the connection sends the entire system down
- To add another node the network needs to be shut down
Describe the layout of a star network?
In a star network, each computer system is connected to a central node, also known as a
hub (or switch)
What are 2 disadvantages of a star topology network?
- It is expensive to install as more cabling is needed
- Extra hardware is required (hub/switch)
What are some advantages of a star topology network?
P • Good performance/fast network speed • Easy to set up • Possible to add more computer systems without taking the network down • Any non-centralised failure will have very little effect on the network • Minimal network collisions • Better security
What is required to connect a computer to a network?
A Network Interface Card is required to connect a computer to a network
What tow ways can a computer be connected to a network with?
Using a physical hardware port cable or connecting your computer system using a wireless connection
What are the data transfer speeds for a physical connection to a network? (Copper, fiber optic)
A copper cable transfers between 100 mbps and 1gbps
A fiber-optic connection has typical data transfer speeds between 1-10 Gbps