edx networking course short recap Flashcards by Alessandro Ducci

What is a network topology?

Defines a network’s structure

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What are the 2 types of topology?
What do they describe?

Physical topology -> describes how netwok devices are physically connected.
Logical topology -> describes how data flows across the physically connected network devices.

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What are the 2 types of topology?
What do they describe?

Physical topology -> describes how netwok devices are physically connected.
Logical topology -> describes how data flows across the physically connected network devices.

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What are the 5 main types of physical connected topology?

star
ring
bus
tree
mesh

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explain star topology networks

feature a central computer that acts as a hub

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explain ring topology networks

connect all devices in a circular ring pattern where data only flows in 1 direction (clockwise)

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explain bus topology networks

connect all devices with a single cable or transmission line

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explain tree topology networks

combine the characteristics of bus and start topology

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explain mesh topology networks

connect all devices on the network together
-> called dynamic routing -> commonly used for backup purposes in WAN network.
-> it is not used in LAN implementations

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PAN abbr.

Personal Area Network

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LAN abbr.

Local Area Network

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MAN abbr.

Metropolitan Area Network

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WAN abbr.

Wide Area Network

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WLAN abbr.

Wireless LAN

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VPN abbr.

Virtual Private Network

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what is PAN network used for ?

communication between devices around a person (wired/wireless)
- usb
- firewire
- infrared
- zigbee
- bluetooth

what is LAN network used for ?

limited to small localized area, such as a single building or site

what is MAN network used for ?

spans an entire city, campus, or a small region.
-> sometimes referred to as CAN -> Campus Area Network

what is WAN network used for ?

extends over a large geographical area
- business, schools, government entities
- the internet is an example of a WAN

what is WLAN network used for ?

links 2 or more devices using wireless communication
- through a gateway device, a WLAN can also provide a connection to the wider internet

what is VPN

private network connection across public networks
encrypts your internet traffic
disguises your online identity
safeguards your data

Name 5 different cable types

hard drive cables
network cables
serial cables
video cables
multipurpose cables

use of hard drive cables + examples

connect a CPU to the main or default in-device storage
- SATA
- SCSI
- IDE

use of network cables + examples

connect and transmit data
- coaxial
- ethernet
- fiber optic

use of serial cables

used for transferring power or data slowly over a distance (used in peripheral devices)

use of video cables + examples

transmits video signals - VGA - HDMI - mini-HDMI - displayport - DVI

use of multipurpose cables + examples

used for fast data transfer and power transfer - USB - lightning - thunderbolt

Name 4 wireless network types from short to long range

- WPAN -> interconnects devices in a short span - WLAN -> links 2 or more devices using a wireless distribution method - WMAN -> connects several wireless LANs - WWAN -> covers large areas such as neighboring towns and cities

Give 4 WPAN networking examples + explanation

- RFID (radio frequency identification) -> uses electromagnetic or electrostatic coupling - NFC (near field communication) -> method of data transfer without the need for internet connection - irDA (infra red data association) -> provides wireless, line-of-sight connectivity between devices - bluetooth -> technology that enables low-power, short distance wireless networking

give 3 WLAN networking examples + explanation

- WiFi -> radio signal sent from a wireless router to a nearby device - Standards 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac -> older IEEE standards for WLANs that evolved to become faster and more efficient - WiFi-6 (Standard 8002.11 ax) -> IEEE standard for WLANs that provides faster throughput speeds, better battery life, and less bandwidth conjestion

give 2 WMAN networking examples + explanation

- proprietary -> vendor-specific with proprietary standards and equipment - IEEE 8002.16 -> IEEE standardized wireless broadband. -> wireless broadband alternative to cable and DSL, developed in early 2000s

What does WIMAX stand for ?

worldwide interoperability for microwave access

give 3 WWAN networking examples

- LTE -> Long Term Evolution, fast downloads - LoRa WAN (long-range radio) -> standard network that balances low power with long-range communication requirements - cellular (4G/5G) -> cellular provides consistent speeds, reliability and efficiency