GCSE Computer Science - Networking Flashcards
1
Q
What is interference?
A
- Interference is when other devices such as cordless phones, microwave ovens, or any other devices that emit electro-magnetic signals interfere with the Wi-Fi transmission, causing a dropped connection.
2
Q
What are the five main factors that affect network performance?
A
- Bandwidth
- Latency
- Interference
- Transmission Errors
- Number of Devices Connected
3
Q
What does LAN stand for?
A
- Local Area Network
4
Q
What are transmission errors?
A
- Transmission errors are errors due to noise or distortion, meaning the data has to be retransmitted.
5
Q
What does a modem do?
A
- A modem enables the computer to be able to connect to the internet over a telephone line. A modem converts the digital signals that are sent by the computer to analogue signals that are then sent down the telephone line and vise-versa.
6
Q
What is a full mesh network?
A
- When all the devices on the network are connected to each other.
7
Q
What are the two main topologies?
A
- Star Network
- Mesh Network
8
Q
What does WAN stand for?
A
- Wide Area Network
9
Q
What is the cloud?
A
- The cloud refers to storing or saving data in an external storage system maintained by a third party, for example Microsoft. Instead of saving data on your device’s hard drive or local storage device, you save it to a remote storage facility, and access it via the internet.
10
Q
What is a star network?
A
- When all the devices on the network are connected to one central switch. This makes it look like a star if visualised.
11
Q
What are the five main types of network hardware?
A
- Router
- Modem
- Hub
- Bridge
- Switch
12
Q
What is a topology?
A
- A layout that connects computers together.
13
Q
What does a switch do?
A
- A switch performs a similar role to the hub and bridge but it is more powerful. It stores the MAC addresses of devices on a network and filters data packets to see which devices have asked for them, meaning that a switch is more efficient if demand is high.
14
Q
What is latency?
A
- Latency is the time delay between the moment that transmission of the first byte or packet of a communication starts, and when it is received at is destination.
15
Q
What does a hub do?
A
- A hub broadcasts data to all the devices on a network. This results in a lot of unnecessary data being sent which uses up a lot of bandwidth.
16
Q
What are some advantages and disadvantages of the cloud?
A
Advantages:
- You can access your data from anywhere in the world at any time.
- You can share the data with other people in other locations around the world.
- It is the responsibility of the provider to keep your data safe, therefore, backup is no longer an issue.
Disadvantages:
- You are always dependant on having an internet connection in order to access or upload your data.
- Some users are concerned by the security on the cloud, and whether their data and information can be accessed by hackers or data miners.
17
Q
What is bandwidth?
A
- Bandwidth is the main factor affecting network performance. The higher the bandwidth, the faster the data is transferred.
18
Q
What does a bridge do?
A
- A bridge connects two separate LAN networks. A computer can act as a bridge through the operating system. A bridge looks for the receiving data before it sends a message, meaning that it won’t send a message if the receiving computer isn’t there.
19
Q
What are the four layers in a TCP/IP model?
A
- Application Layer
- Transport Layer
- Internet Layer
- Link Layer
20
Q
What are the two main network models?
A
- Client Server Network
- Peer to Peer Network
21
Q
What are the two main types of mesh networks?
A
- Partial Mesh Network
- Full Mesh Network
22
Q
What is bandwidth measured in?
A
- Bandwidth is measured in megabits per second. (Mbps)
23
Q
What does a router do?
A
- A router connects devices within a building and forms a LAN.
24
Q
What is a partial mesh network?
A
- When many devices on the network are connected together. A good example of this is the London Underground map.
