Computer networks, connections and protocols Flashcards

1
Q

what are ethernet cables?

A

Cables used to connect devices together in a LAN

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2
Q

Describe the appearance of Ethernet cables

A

Ethernet cables are twisted pair cables, containing 4 pairs of twisted copper wires, these are twisted to reduce internal interference

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3
Q

Describe the layout (appearance) of a coaxial cable?

A

Coaxial cables are single copper wires surrounded by a plastic layer for insulation and as metallic mesh which provides shielding from outside interference

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4
Q

How do fibre optic cables transmit data?

A

Fibre optic cables use light to carry signals

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5
Q

List 2 advantages of a fibre optic cable

A
  • they don’t suffer from interference

- They can transmit very large distances without loss of signal quality

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6
Q

List 3 benefits of a client-server network

A
  • Software can be installed and updated centrally
  • files can be stored centrally(therefore they are easier to keep track of)
  • It is easier to manage network security
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7
Q

List 3 drawbacks of a client-server network

A
  • They are expensive to set up
  • The clients are dependent on the server
  • possibility of a server overloading if too many clients use it at once
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8
Q

List 2 benefits of peer to peer network

A
  • Easy to maintain

- No dependance on server

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9
Q

List 3 drawbacks of a peer to peer network

A
  • Peer to peer networks are less reliable and data can be lost if one fails
  • There is no centralized management
  • Machines are prone to slowing down when other devices access them
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10
Q

what do standards do?

A

they allow hardware and software to interact across different manufacturers or producers

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11
Q

what is a protocol?

A

A set of rules that defines how devices communicate

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12
Q

What are these protocols 1) TCP 2) IP

A

1) a standard that defines how messages are broken up into packets and reassembled at the location
2) identifies the location of a device and routes packets from source to destination via routers

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13
Q

What are these protocols 1) HTTP and 2) HTTPS?

A

1) accesses and receives web pages along the internet, in the format HTML
2) similar to HTTP but encrypts the information so that it cannot be understood if it is hacked

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14
Q

What is file transfer protocol?

A

a network protocol used when transferring computer files between a client and a server

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15
Q

List 2 pros of IMAP over POP

A
  • You can use multiple computers and devices to check your email
  • Sent emails stay on the server so you can access them from many devices
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16
Q

What is a network interface card, how does it connect devices together

A

a circuit board that is installed into a computer so that it can be connected to the network
it offers an interface port for a wired connection, a wireless NIC provides a radio transceiver for connecting wirelessly

17
Q

What does a WAP use to connect computers to a network

A

wi-fi

18
Q

List 5 factors that can affect the performance of a network

A
number of devices on the network
bandwidth
network latency
the amount of transmission errors
the type of network traffic
19
Q

What is bandwidth?

A

how much data can be transferred in a given amount of time

20
Q

what is latency? what is it affected by?

A

how long it takes for a message to travel from one device to another. it is affected by the number of devices on the network and the type of connection device

21
Q

What is a hub

A

a small device that allows computers to connect on a network

22
Q

What is the main difference between a switch and a hub?

A

a switch records which computers are connected to which ports. When traffic is received, it is forwarded to its intended recipient only

23
Q

What are routers used for

A

sending data signals across the internet

24
Q

What is hosting?

A

storing of files and data on a web server

25
Q

What does a URL contain

A

the ip address, the web page details and the DNS location

26
Q

Explain the role of a DNS server

A

when a url is typed into the search bar, the dns takes the domain name and searches up its equivalent network address. The users request is then forwarded to the server that resides at that network address

27
Q

What does the switch act as in a star topology

A

a central point where all communications are passed

28
Q

which model of a network typically uses a star topology

A

client server

29
Q

Give 2 advantages and disadvantages of a star topology

A
  • new nodes can be added to the network easily by connecting them to the switch
  • star networks tend to have higher performance as their messages are passed on to their intended recipients only
  • if the switch fails, the network fails because no device can communicate
  • ii wired star topology requires cable, if the network is big, it can be very expensive
30
Q

What is an advantage of a partial mesh network over a full mesh network

A

the partial mesh network is easier to implement because it has fewer routes for a message to travel along

31
Q

List 2 advantages and 2 disadvantages of a mesh topology

A
  • they are impractical to set up
  • messages can be sent and recieved by a node at the same time
  • messages should always go through, as they have many routes which they can take
  • many connections require a lot of maintainance
32
Q

Give two places in which these topologies could be found

A

Star topology-educational institutions and large businesses

Mesh topology- in military organisations and in emergency services

33
Q

Give 2 advantages and disadvantages of wi-fi

A
  • new nodes can be added without interference to the network
  • users can move around freely and still be connected to wi-fi
  • limited range-usually no more than 50 metres
  • easy risk of being intercepted by unauthorised users
34
Q

what is encryption

A

disguising a message so that it cannot be decrypted by unauthorised users

35
Q

What are public and private keys?

A

a pubic key allows anyone to encrypt a message

a private key allows only certain individuals to decrypt a message