Introduction to computer networks Flashcards
What are the advantages of using networks?
Communication, monitoring user activity, controlling and updating workstations, roaming, sharing information, resource sharing and software streaming.
What are the disadvantages of using networks?
Dependence, security issues, setting up hardware,
and malware.
List the different types of network.
LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN, SAN, WPAN and VPN
True or False: Computers in a LAN must be connected to the Internet.
False: Computers in a LAN need not be connected to the Internet.
State an example for a LAN.
Connection of computers in an office or school.
State an example for a WAN.
The Internet
How is a VPN made secure?
By using encryption algorithms.
What are fibre-optic cables?
Fibre-optic cables are made of glass and use light to transmit data.
What signals are used to transmit data in a wireless network?
Radio signals
What are the advantages of a wireless network?
Inexpensive and easy to install. Multiple devices can be connected without any additional hardware.
What are the disadvantages of a wireless network?
Slower compared to a wired network. Quality is disrupted due to obstructions. Security issues such as hacking.
What hardware components are required for wired networking?
Routers, gateways, modems, hubs, switches and bridges.
What is a modem?
A network hardware that turns digital data into electrical signals and vice versa.
What is a gateway?
A network hardware that forwards data packets between computer networks that uses different protocols until it reaches its destination.
What information does the header of a data packet consist of?
Sender’s IP address, receiver’s IP address, protocol, packet number and length of packet.
What information does the trailer of a data packet consist of?
End of packet marker and error correction data.
What are the types of routing?
Circuit switching and packet switching.
State an example for circuit switching.
Traditional telephone networks.
What is circuit switching?
Circuit switching is a type of routing where two devices are connected physically.
What is packet switching?
A type of routing where data packets are exchanged between various routers from source to its destination.
What is a routing table?
A routing table is a table maintained by a router that contains information about the topology of the network.
In packet switching, how is a data packet forwarded from one router to another?
Using algorithms and based on a routing table.
What is Wi-Fi?
Wi-Fi is a technology that enables wireless connectivity to all sorts of devices.
What signals does Wi-Fi use for data transmission?
Radio signals
What frequency bands does Wi-Fi use?
Wi-Fi uses a frequency of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.
What is the range of Wi-Fi signals?
The range of Wi-Fi is up to 20 metres. This range varies according to the nature and thickness of walls that signals pass through.
Why is it important to secure data in Wi-Fi networks?
Because any device with Wi-Fi capability will be able to receive data packets in a range of 20 m.
How is data security ensured in wireless networks?
By using encryption algorithms
