Internet Services and Connections Flashcards
Define ‘Internet’
A worldwide computer network that consists of computers and networks that are linked using telephone lines, undersea cables, satellite and microwave connections for the purpose of communicating and sharing resources
What does ‘WAN’ stand for?
Wide Area Network
Define ‘WAN’
A network that is spread over a wide geographical area
Why do we use ‘WAN’?
To facilitate communication and the transfer of files over a large geographical location
Give an example of ‘WANs’ .
1) Business networks - all shops throughout a country linked together (ex. Pick ‘n Pay)
2) Bank Networks (ex. FNB, Nedbank)
3) The Internet
What is the equipment (hardware) needed to create a wired network?
1) Network adapter
2) Network cables
3) Hubs, switches, or routers
What is a network adapter?
Hardware that allows a computer to connect to a network. Newer computer models typically have network adapters built into their motherboards
What is network cables?
Connects computers to a LAN (Local Area Network) as well as connects one network to another
What are hubs, switches, and routers?
Hardware that allows multiple computers to connect to the same network
What do you need to connect to the internet?
1) A computing device (Hardware) ex. Laptop, Phone, Tablet
2) Internet Service Provider/ISP (Communication) ex. Vodacom, Telkom
3) Type of internet connection ex. Cellular (3G, 4G) or Wired (ADSL, Fibre)
What is an ISP (Internet Service Provider)?
A company that has a permanent, fast internet connection which they then sell internet access and services to individuals or companies for a monthly fee
ex. Telkom SA, MTN, Vodacom
List the services provided by an ISP (Internet Service Provider).
1) Email
2) Webpage hosting
3) Wireless and wired internet access
4) Fax-to-email
5) Spam filtering
Define bandwidth
The total amount of data that can be transferred from one point to another in a given period of time
Define broadband connection
A high speed, high bandwidth connection to the internet
List the criteria to consider when choosing a type of internet connection.
1) Mobility
2) Speed of the line or connection
3) Cap
4) Fair usage policy (FUP)
5) Shaped and unshaped connection
6) Wired connections
7) Wireless connections
Define mobility
Whether a fixed connection or mobile connection is being considered
What is the speed of a line or connection measured in?
Most ADSL connections are measured in Megabits per second (Mbps). The typical size of a connection is a 4 Mbps line.
How does the speed of the line or connection affect the internet service?
1) The faster the connection, the more you pay.
2) The speed you receive heavily depends on the type of connection package you pay for
3) The more people using the internet service at a given time, the slower the connection speed
Define cap
The data bundles available for purchase that has been provided by Internet Service Providers (ISPs) who set limitations on the amount of data that can be downloaded and uploaded in that month. This limited amount is known as “cap”. “Uncap” internet packages are available but more expensive.
Define the fair usage policy (FUP)
A data limit placed on “uncapped” internet accounts. According to the policy, the customer’s internet account will not be capped or limited unless they use too much data. In that scenario, their internet access would be significantly slowed (throttled) so much so that it becomes unusable. Many uncapped internet accounts have very strict fair-usage policies that catch unsuspecting users off guard.
Define shaped connection
A preference for certain services on the internet so that they run and work faster. In comparison, services without that preference work much slower.
Define unshaped connection
All services are given the same priority - no preference, therefore no difference in speed prioritisation
Name the two types of wired connections
ADSL and Fibre
What does ASDL stand for?
Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line
How does an ASDL connection work?
It forms a permanent digital connection to the internet using a landline or telephone line. The connection is split into two channels: one for making normal phone calls, and the other for connecting to the internet.
Big companies are currently phasing this type of wired connection out as fibre is more affordable and a lot faster.
How does a Fibre connection work?
Fibre is noted to be a fast internet connection for both homes and businesses. Data is transmitted along thin glass tubes. This allows fibre to carry a larger quantity of data at a time resulting in a higher bandwidth (and faster speed). This type of wired connection is popular for its affordability in comparison to ASDL connections, and its variety of both capped and uncapped packages available.
What are the advantages of a wired connection?
1) ADSL is cheaper than purchasing cellular data
2) ADSL and Fibre are more stable than a cellular connection
3) Most ADSL routers have WiFi connectivity, allowing users to connect devices from anywhere in a house (somewhat close proximity)
What is the disadvantage of a wired connection?
An ADSL connection is only mobile (wireless connection) within the it’s physical location thus it does not cover a huge area
Define WiFi
A way of connecting to an existing ADSL or Fibre connection wirelessly
How does WiFi work at a public hotspot as opposed to at home
At a public hotspot: Provides cheaper or even free internet access as the user is connecting via 3rd party’s internet connection
At home: The ADSL or Fibre router has a built-in WiFi adapter that allows the user to create their own WiFi connection. This fixed line provides a faster and cheaper internet access for mobile devices
What sort of wireless connection is used to access the internet?
Cellular technology ex. 3G, 4G, 5G
Define cellular technology
A wireless connection implemented by a cellular communications company using their existing infrastructure
State the advantages of a wireless connection
1) 24/7 internet access from any place
2) Any mobile device can be used to access the internet, not only a computer
3) No cables are needed in order to connect to the internet
What are the disadvantages of a wireless connection?
1) If an area has poor (signal) coverage, the connection will be slow or limited
2) Information overload since communication can be accessed at all times
3) A user’s online privacy or security is at risk
List the type of internet services that can be provided
1) Real-Time messaging
2) VoIP
3) Video Conferencing
4) Cloud Computing
5) File Sharing
6) Grid Computing
7) e-Government