Computer Networks Flashcards
What is a computer network?
A computer network is a collection of computers and devices connected together to share resources and information.
True or False: A LAN (Local Area Network) covers a large geographical area.
False
Fill in the blank: A ________ is a device that forwards data packets between computer networks.
router
What does the term ‘bandwidth’ refer to in a network?
Bandwidth refers to the maximum rate of data transfer across a network.
Which of the following is a common protocol used for web traffic? A) FTP B) HTTP C) SMTP
B) HTTP
What is a WAN (Wide Area Network)?
A WAN is a telecommunications network that extends over a large geographical area.
What is the primary function of a firewall?
The primary function of a firewall is to monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
Define the term ‘IP address’.
An IP address is a unique identifier assigned to each device on a network that uses the Internet Protocol for communication.
True or False: Ethernet is a protocol used for wireless networking.
False
What is the purpose of a network topology?
A network topology defines the arrangement of different elements (links, nodes, etc.) in a computer network.
Fill in the blank: A ________ network topology connects all devices to a central hub.
star
Which device is used to connect multiple devices in a LAN?
Switch
True or False: The Internet is an example of a WAN.
True
What is the main advantage of using fiber optic cables over copper cables?
Fiber optic cables have a higher bandwidth and can transmit data over longer distances without loss.
Which technology uses radio waves for communication?
Wireless networking
True or False: TCP is a connection-oriented protocol.
True
State 2 advantages of a computer network
•File sharing
•Hardware Sharing
•Communication
•Centralised Updates and Security
State 2 disadvantages of computer networks
•Cost
•Spread of malware
•Hacking
•Management
LAN definition + an example
Network confined to one site
School or in homes
Wan definition + example
Spread across a country or the world
Internet
PAN definition + example
Very small area , Bluetooth
What is a wired network +example
Physically wired, used in an office block
Wireless network definition+ example
A network that uses radio waves to carry signals. Mostly used at home
Two advantages of wired networks compared to wireless.
•Faster transmission speed
•wider range
•more secure
Two advantages of a wireless network compared to wired
•Cheaper
•Installation simpler
What is a network topology
The arrangement of which all nodes of a network are connected together
Give 2 advantages of star topology’s
•each node is seperate
•new nodes can simply be added be connecting them to the switch
•higher performance
2 disadvantages of star togpology
•whole network fails if switch goes down
•wired star topology’s are expensive
2 advantages of a bus topology
•easy to connect new nodes
•less cabling, making it cheaper
2 disadvantages of bus networks
•whole network fails if one cable breaks
•terminators must be installed at each end of the backbone
•increased chances of data colliding
What is a network protocal
A set of rules that governs the transmission of data
On which layer do HTTP, HTTPS, SMTP, IMAP, FTP protocols operate on
Application
On which layer do the TCP and UDP protocols operate on
transport
What layer does the IP protocol operate
Internet
What do the TCP/IP protocols do?
Enable communication across the Internet
What do the HTTP and HTTPS protocols do?
Governs communication between a web server and a client. HTTPS is encrypted
What does FTP do
Governs the transmission of files across a network and the internet
What does UDP do
Messages are sent in packets. Often faster and used in gaming
What does SMTP do?
Governs the sending of emails over a network to a mail server
What does IMAP do?
Governs retrieving emails from email servers
What is the application layer
Applications such as emails and web browsers
Transport layer def
Breaks down the message into small packets to communicate
What does the internet layer do📦
Adds the senders and recipients ip address
Link layer definition
NIC and operating system drivers at this layer
What is network layering
Where each component handles a different part of communication
What is authentication and give an example
Process of confirming a users access, pin, passwords etc
What is encryption and give an example
Where plaintext is changed into cipher text. Eg hi could be KL
What is a firewall
Something that blocks unexpected connections coming in or out a network
Are firewalls software, hardware or both
Both
What is MAC address filtering
Each piece of hardware has a unique mac address
What is a white list
Where only those MAC addresses are aloud
What is a black list
A list where all mac addresses are banned
