edx networking course short recap

Question 1

What is a network topology?

Answer 1

Defines a network’s structure

Question 2

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

Answer 2

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

Question 3

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

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What are the 5 main types of physical connected topology?

Answer 4

star
ring
bus
tree
mesh

Question 5

explain star topology networks

Answer 5

feature a central computer that acts as a hub

Question 6

explain ring topology networks

Answer 6

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

Question 7

explain bus topology networks

Answer 7

connect all devices with a single cable or transmission line

Question 8

explain tree topology networks

Answer 8

combine the characteristics of bus and start topology

Question 9

explain mesh topology networks

Answer 9

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

Question 10

PAN abbr.

Answer 10

Personal Area Network

Question 11

LAN abbr.

Answer 11

Local Area Network

Question 12

MAN abbr.

Answer 12

Metropolitan Area Network

Question 13

WAN abbr.

Answer 13

Wide Area Network

Question 14

WLAN abbr.

Answer 14

Wireless LAN

Question 15

VPN abbr.

Answer 15

Virtual Private Network

Question 16

what is PAN network used for ?

Answer 16

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

Question 17

what is LAN network used for ?

Answer 17

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

Question 18

what is MAN network used for ?

Answer 18

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

Question 19

what is WAN network used for ?

Answer 19

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

Question 20

what is WLAN network used for ?

Answer 20

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

Question 21

what is VPN

Answer 21

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

Question 22

Name 5 different cable types

Answer 22

• hard drive cables
• network cables
• serial cables
• video cables
• multipurpose cables

Question 23

use of hard drive cables + examples

Answer 23

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

Question 24

use of network cables + examples

Answer 24

connect and transmit data
- coaxial
- ethernet
- fiber optic

Question 25

use of serial cables

Answer 25

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

Question 26

use of video cables + examples

Answer 26

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

Question 27

use of multipurpose cables + examples

Answer 27

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

Question 28

Name 4 wireless network types from short to long range

Answer 28

• 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

Question 29

Give 4 WPAN networking examples + explanation

Answer 29

• 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

Question 30

give 3 WLAN networking examples + explanation

Answer 30

• 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

Question 31

give 2 WMAN networking examples + explanation

Answer 31

• 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

Question 32

What does WIMAX stand for ?

Answer 32

worldwide interoperability for microwave access

Question 33

give 3 WWAN networking examples

Answer 33

• 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