Introduction to computer networks

Question 1

What are the advantages of using networks?

Answer 1

Communication, monitoring user activity, controlling and updating workstations, roaming, sharing information, resource sharing and software streaming.

Question 2

What are the disadvantages of using networks?

Answer 2

Dependence, security issues, setting up hardware,

and malware.

Question 3

List the different types of network.

Answer 3

LAN, WAN, PAN, MAN, SAN, WPAN and VPN

Question 4

True or False: Computers in a LAN must be connected to the Internet.

Answer 4

False: Computers in a LAN need not be connected to the Internet.

Question 5

State an example for a LAN.

Answer 5

Connection of computers in an office or school.

Question 6

State an example for a WAN.

Answer 6

The Internet

Question 7

How is a VPN made secure?

Answer 7

By using encryption algorithms.

Question 8

What are fibre-optic cables?

Answer 8

Fibre-optic cables are made of glass and use light to transmit data.

Question 9

What signals are used to transmit data in a wireless network?

Answer 9

Radio signals

Question 10

What are the advantages of a wireless network?

Answer 10

Inexpensive and easy to install. Multiple devices can be connected without any additional hardware.

Question 11

What are the disadvantages of a wireless network?

Answer 11

Slower compared to a wired network. Quality is disrupted due to obstructions. Security issues such as hacking.

Question 12

What hardware components are required for wired networking?

Answer 12

Routers, gateways, modems, hubs, switches and bridges.

Question 13

What is a modem?

Answer 13

A network hardware that turns digital data into electrical signals and vice versa.

Question 14

What is a gateway?

Answer 14

A network hardware that forwards data packets between computer networks that uses different protocols until it reaches its destination.

Question 15

What information does the header of a data packet consist of?

Answer 15

Sender’s IP address, receiver’s IP address, protocol, packet number and length of packet.

Question 16

What information does the trailer of a data packet consist of?

Answer 16

End of packet marker and error correction data.

Question 17

What are the types of routing?

Answer 17

Circuit switching and packet switching.

Question 18

State an example for circuit switching.

Answer 18

Traditional telephone networks.

Question 19

What is circuit switching?

Answer 19

Circuit switching is a type of routing where two devices are connected physically.

Question 20

What is packet switching?

Answer 20

A type of routing where data packets are exchanged between various routers from source to its destination.

Question 21

What is a routing table?

Answer 21

A routing table is a table maintained by a router that contains information about the topology of the network.

Question 22

In packet switching, how is a data packet forwarded from one router to another?

Answer 22

Using algorithms and based on a routing table.

Question 23

What is Wi-Fi?

Answer 23

Wi-Fi is a technology that enables wireless connectivity to all sorts of devices.

Question 24

What signals does Wi-Fi use for data transmission?

Answer 24

Radio signals

Question 25

What frequency bands does Wi-Fi use?

Answer 25

Wi-Fi uses a frequency of 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz.

Question 26

What is the range of Wi-Fi signals?

Answer 26

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.

Question 27

Why is it important to secure data in Wi-Fi networks?

Answer 27

Because any device with Wi-Fi capability will be able to receive data packets in a range of 20 m.

Question 28

How is data security ensured in wireless networks?

Answer 28

By using encryption algorithms