Connectivity Flashcards
What is a network?
When two or more computer are connected together to exchange data
What does each computer must have?
- A Network interface card (NIC) - Network communications software
A computer that is not linked to a network is called…
Stand-Alone computer
What is a network of computers in the same building called?
Local Area Network (LAN)
What is a network connected over a wide geographic area called?
Wide Area Network (WAN)
The way in which a network is configured is called…
a network topology
What network topology is this?
Bus
What network topology is this?
Star
What network topology is this?
Ring
Draw the Bus Network
Draw the Star Network
Draw the Ring Network
What does a bus network consist of?
- The speed of data communication is slow
- Data travels in both directions
- Are the cheapest to set up
- If one computer on the network fails the others carry on
- Each computer is linked into the bus
What does a Star Network consist of?
- Failure of one computer will not affect the rest of the network
- The hub directs the flow of data
- If the hub fails then all computer will be affected
- Faster but more expensive as it uses more cables
- Are connected to a central computer (file server) or a hub.
What does a ring network consist of?
- If one computer breaks the other will be affected
- Computers commucicate by sending data round the loop until it reaches the receving computer
What is the internet?
Network of computer across the world
What are the points about interent?
- The coverage is world wide
- Allow data to be shared
- Uses telephone lines and satellite communications
What is Intranet?
Network providing similar services to the internet
What are the points about Intranet?
- There are restrictions to who can use it
- Generally limited to one organisation
What is Extranet?
Part of intranet that is able to be accessed by authorised members of public using the internet
What does WWW Stand for?
World Wide Web - a collection of multimedia information
A router is a device that…
- Communicates with other routers to work out the best route
- Determines the best path for forwarding the packets
- Located at gateways (two networks connect)
- fowards data packets along a network
What is a switch?
A device that filters data packets and fowards packets between segments of the network.
What is a gateway?
A system to allow a LAN to connect with a WAN, such as the internet
What is a bridge?
Connects a LAN to another LAN that uses the same protocol
How is data moved around?
Packet
What is packet switching?
Is the process by which network components check each packet, look at its address and firect it along the correct route.
What does each packet contain?
Binary digits, control data amd address.
What is control data?
How many packets are being sent
What are the advantages of using packets as opposed to direct wire links?
- If one packet out of transmission fails only that one has to be resent
What are the advantages and disadvatages of networks versus stand-alone computers?
- Data entered into a stand-alone computer is only avalibale to the user on that computer
- Each stand-alone computer needs its own software installed
- A stand-alone computer needs its own printer, scanner and
- Stand-alone computer is less vulnerable to virus attack
