computer network Flashcards
tell me 6 Topologyes
point-to-point
bus
hybrid
star
mesh
ring
what is computer network?
A computer network is a set of interconnected computers and other devices that are capable of sharing resources and information
Local Area Network (LAN)
A network that covers a small geographic area, such as a single building or a campus. LANs typically provide high-speed connectivity and are commonly used in homes, offices, and educational institutions.
Wide Area Network (WAN)
A network that covers a larger geographic area, often connecting multiple LANs across different locations. WANs use various communication technologies, such as leased lines, satellites, or the internet, to connect widely dispersed networks.
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
A network that falls between a LAN and WAN in terms of geographic coverage, typically covering a city or a large campus.
Personal Area Network (PAN)
A network for personal devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and laptops, typically within the range of an individual person.
Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)
A type of LAN that uses wireless communication technologies, such as Wi-Fi, to connect devices without the need for physical cables.
Internet
The largest and most well-known network, connecting millions of devices worldwide. The internet is a global network that facilitates communication, information exchange, and access to various services.
what is point-to-point and what are its pros and cons?
direct link between 2 different computers
Point-to-Point Network Pros:
-Simplicity: Point-to-point networks are straightforward to set up and manage, making them easy to implement for direct communication between two devices.
-Dedicated Connection: As the name suggests, point-to-point connections establish a direct link between two devices. This dedicated connection can provide consistent and reliable communication.
-Efficiency: Point-to-point connections can be more efficient for communication between two specific endpoints compared to a shared network where multiple devices communicate simultaneously.
Point-to-Point Network Cons:
-Limited Scalability: Point-to-point networks may become impractical as the number of devices increases because each device needs a dedicated connection to communicate with every other device.
-Cost: Implementing individual connections for each pair of devices can be cost-prohibitive, especially in larger networks.
-Maintenance Challenges: Managing and maintaining numerous point-to-point connections can become complex, particularly when changes or upgrades are necessary.
what is bus and what are its pros and cons?
share a single communication line or cable, known as the bus. This bus serves as the central communication pathway through which data is transmitted.
Pros of Bus Network:
-Simplicity: Bus networks are relatively simple to set up and understand. They involve a single communication channel, which makes the topology straightforward.
-Cost-Effective: Implementing a bus network is often cost-effective, as it requires less cabling compared to some other network topologies.
-Ease of Expansion: Adding new devices to a bus network is typically easy. You can extend the bus by connecting new devices to the central communication line.
-Suitable for Small Networks: Bus networks are well-suited for small to medium-sized networks where simplicity and cost-effectiveness are priorities.
Cons of Bus Network:
-Limited Scalability: As the number of devices on the network increases, the performance can degrade. This limitation makes bus networks less suitable for large-scale deployments.
-Single Point of Failure: The central communication line (bus) is a single point of failure. If the bus fails, the entire network may be disrupted.
-Collision Issues: Bus networks may experience collisions when two or more devices attempt to transmit data simultaneously on the same bus. Collisions can lead to data loss and performance issues.
-Limited Bandwidth: The bandwidth of a bus network is shared among all connected devices. As more devices communicate simultaneously, the available bandwidth for each device decreases, impacting overall network performance.
-Security Concerns: Since all devices on the network share the same communication line, it can be easier for unauthorized users to intercept or tamper with data.
-Difficulty in Identifying Faults: Locating faults or issues in a bus network can be challenging, especially when dealing with a complex setup.
what is hybrid and what are its pros and cons?
A hybrid network is a combination of two or more different types of network topologies, aiming to leverage the strengths of each component topology while mitigating their individual weaknesses.
Pros of Hybrid Network:
-Improved Reliability: Combining different topologies in a hybrid network can enhance reliability. If one segment of the network fails, the other segments may continue to operate, reducing the overall impact of failures.
-Scalability: Hybrid networks offer scalability by allowing for the addition or modification of network components based on specific needs. This adaptability is useful as the organization grows or undergoes changes.
-Optimized Performance: By strategically implementing different topologies for specific purposes, a hybrid network can optimize performance in various areas. For example, high-traffic segments might benefit from a mesh topology, while less critical areas may use a simpler star topology.
-Flexibility: Hybrid networks provide flexibility in design and implementation. Organizations can tailor the network structure to meet specific requirements, balancing factors like cost, performance, and reliability.
-Cost-Efficiency: A well-designed hybrid network can be cost-effective by employing simpler and less expensive topologies where appropriate and investing in more robust solutions for critical areas.
Cons of Hybrid Network:
-Complexity: The integration of multiple topologies can introduce complexity in terms of design, implementation, and management. This complexity may require skilled IT personnel to maintain and troubleshoot the network.
-Costs: While hybrid networks can be cost-effective, the initial setup costs and ongoing maintenance expenses may be higher compared to simpler network architectures.
-Potential for Compatibility Issues: Different topologies may have varying hardware and software requirements, potentially leading to compatibility issues that need to be carefully addressed during integration.
-Management Challenges: Managing and monitoring a hybrid network can be more challenging than managing a network with a single topology. Coordination and oversight become crucial to ensure seamless operation.
-Potential Single Points of Failure: Despite efforts to enhance reliability, a hybrid network may still have potential single points of failure if not designed and implemented carefully. Failure in one critical area could impact the entire network.
what is star and what are its pros and cons?
A star network is a type of computer network topology where each device in the network is connected to a central hub or switch.
Pros of Star Network:
-Simplicity: Star networks are simple to set up and understand. Adding or removing devices is straightforward, and the overall structure is easy to manage.
-Centralized Control: The central hub provides centralized control over the network, making it easier to monitor and manage network traffic. This centralization simplifies troubleshooting and maintenance.
-Isolation of Devices: Each device in a star network is connected directly to the central hub, providing a level of isolation. If one device fails or experiences issues, it does not directly impact other devices on the network.
-Easy to Identify Faults: Identifying faults or issues in a star network is relatively simple. If a device is not functioning correctly, it can be isolated and addressed without affecting the rest of the network.
-Scalability: Star networks can be easily scaled by adding more devices to the central hub. This scalability makes them suitable for both small and large networks.
Cons of Star Network:
-Dependence on Central Hub: The central hub is crucial for the functioning of the entire network. If the hub fails, the entire network may become inoperable.
-Single Point of Failure: The central hub represents a single point of failure. If it malfunctions or is compromised, the entire network is affected.
-Cost of Central Hub: The central hub, especially if it is a high-performance switch, can be relatively expensive compared to other network topologies. This cost can be a consideration, particularly for larger networks.
-Limited Performance: The performance of a star network may be limited by the capacity of the central hub. If the hub becomes overloaded with traffic, it can lead to network congestion.
-Cabling Requirements: Star networks often require more cabling compared to some other topologies. Each device needs a dedicated cable running to the central hub, which can increase installation and maintenance costs.
what is mesh and what are its pros and cons?
A mesh network is a type of computer network topology where each device in the network is interconnected, forming a web-like structure.
Pros of Mesh Network:
-Redundancy and Reliability: The interconnected nature of mesh networks provides redundancy and multiple communication paths. If one path or device fails, data can take an alternative route, enhancing network reliability.
-Self-Healing: Mesh networks are often self-healing. If a device or connection fails, the network can automatically reroute traffic through available paths, minimizing disruptions.
-Scalability: Mesh networks are highly scalable. Adding new devices to the network is relatively straightforward, as each device can connect directly to others without relying on a central hub.
-Flexibility: Mesh networks are flexible and adaptable. The dynamic nature of the connections allows for easy modifications and expansions without disrupting the entire network.
-High Performance: The multiple communication paths in a mesh network can lead to high performance, especially in scenarios with heavy data traffic. This can result in faster and more efficient data transmission.
Cons of Mesh Network:
-Complexity: Mesh networks can be complex to design, implement, and manage. The need for each device to communicate with multiple others requires careful planning and configuration.
-Cost: The cost of implementing a mesh network can be higher than some other topologies. The additional hardware and infrastructure required for multiple connections may contribute to increased costs.
-Potential for Interference: In wireless mesh networks, there’s a potential for interference as devices communicate with each other. This interference can impact performance, especially in crowded or congested environments.
-Data Collisions: In scenarios where multiple devices attempt to transmit data simultaneously, there may be collisions. This can result in a slowdown in performance and the need for mechanisms to manage collisions effectively.
-Power Consumption: In wireless mesh networks, devices acting as relays or routers may consume more power as they handle data forwarding for other devices. This can be a consideration for battery-powered devices.
what is ring and what are its pros and cons?
A ring network is a type of computer network topology in which each device is connected to exactly two other devices, forming a closed loop or ring.
Pros of Ring Network:
-Simplicity: Ring networks are relatively simple to install and configure. Each device is connected to two neighboring devices, creating a straightforward and easy-to-understand topology.
-Equal Access to Resources: In a ring network, each device has equal access to the network resources. There is no central hub or single point of control, which can lead to a more balanced distribution of network traffic.
-Data Integrity: Since data travels in one direction along the ring, there is a reduced likelihood of collisions compared to other topologies. This can contribute to better data integrity and more predictable network performance.
-Fault Isolation: If a device or connection fails in a ring network, the rest of the network can continue to function. The failed segment can be isolated, allowing the remaining devices to maintain connectivity.
Cons of Ring Network:
-Single Point of Failure: Despite the ability to isolate faults, a ring network is still susceptible to a single point of failure. If a device or connection in the ring fails, it can disrupt the entire network.
-Limited Scalability: Adding or removing devices in a ring network can be more challenging than in other topologies. The closed-loop structure limits scalability, and modifications may require significant network reconfiguration.
-Slower Performance: The performance of a ring network can be affected by the number of devices in the loop. As more devices are added, the data must traverse a longer path, potentially leading to slower performance.
-Cost of Implementation: The cost of implementing a ring network, particularly the cabling infrastructure, can be higher than some other topologies. Each device needs connections to two neighboring devices, and this can increase installation costs.
-Complicated Fault Detection: While ring networks can isolate faults, detecting the location of a fault in the ring can be more complicated. Specialized equipment or protocols may be required for efficient fault detection and localization.
campus area network (CAN)
a network that joins 2 or more LANs together within a limited area
