Computer Networks, Connections & Protocols Flashcards
What is a Router?
It transmits the data (packets) between the networks
What is a Switch?
Connect devices on a LAN
What is a Network Interface Controller?
Built in hardware that allows a device to connect to a network
What is an Ethernet Cable?
Reliable high speed connection cable in a LAN
What is a Server?
A device that provides services for other devices
What is a Wireless Access Point?
A switch that allows devices to connect wirelessly
What is a Star Topology?
Devices are connected to a switch in the centre.
What are Disadvantages of a Star Topology?
- If central switch fails, the whole fails
What are Advantages of a Star Topology?
- If one device fails, the network is fine
What are Disadvantages of a Mesh Topology?
- Requires lots of power
- Expensive
What are Advantages of a Mesh Topology?
- Every device is connected to every device, it sends data the fastest route
- There is no single point where network can fail
What is a Mesh Topology?
Every device is connected to each other
What is a Virtual Network?
Part of a LAN or WAN where only certain devices can ‘see’ and communicate with each other
What is a Network?
Where devices have been connected together so that they can share data and resources
Can be wired (ethernet) or wireless (wifi)
What does LAN stand for?
Local Area Network
What does WAN stand for?
Wide Area Network
What is LAN?
Covers a small geographical area such as an office
Use their own infrastructure
What is WAN?
Connect LAN together over a large geographical area and make use of infrastructure from telecommunications companies
What is Bandwidth?
The amount of data that can pass between network devices per second
What is a Client?
A computer or workstation that receives information from a central server
What is a Peer to Peer Network?
All of the computers in the network are equal
They connect directly to each other
What is a Standalone Computer?
A computer not connected to a network
What can Cables be in a Network?
The cables in a network can be twisted pair cables, coaxial cables or fibre optic cable
What is a Hub?
Recieves packets from all over the network and sends them on to every other device on the network