Introduction to Networks Flashcards
What is a Network?
Two or more conected computers that can share resources such as data, apps, office machines, an internet connection, or some combination of these elements.
What language is used between “hosts”
Binary Code
What kind of devices are used to connect other devices into a network?
Hubs and Switches
What is used to connect different networks together?
Routers
What is a LAN
Local Area Network
What are the typical area of responsibilities for a LAN?
Geographic locations like an office building, a single department within an corporate office, or a home office.
If you broke down a large LAN into smaller logical zones, what would those zones be called?
workgroups
In a typical business setting how might you divide a LAN amongst the divisions?
Seperate workgroups for deptartments like accounting, marketing, sales, etc.
If you have a LAN (1) for one department, but another department on a seperate LAN (2) wants to use resources only available at LAN (1), what device would be needed to allow for LAN (2) to access LAN (1) assets?
A router
What is the benefit of a smaller workinggroup compared to a larger one?
Large working groups are slower because there are more hosts trying to get resources simultaneously. Smaller working groups have less competition for resources and are able to work faster.
What is a workstation?
Seriously powerful computers that run more than one CPU (central processing unit), and whose resources are available to other users on the network.
What is a client machine?
Any device on the network that can ask for access to resources like a printer or other hosts FROM a server or a powerful workstation.
What is a server?
Also a powerful computer, that run specialized software (network operating system) to maintain and cotrol the network
In an optimal design how is a server specialized?
Specialized to handle one labor intensive job. It results in better performance of the server.
What is a File Server’s function?
stores and dispenses files
What is a mail server’s function?
Handles email functions (Network post office)
What is the Print Server’s Function?
Manages printers on the network.
What is the Web Server’s function?
Manages web-based activities by running HTTP for storing web content and accessing web pages
What is HTTP?
Hypertext Transfer Protocol
What is the Fax Server’s function?
“memo maker”. Sends and receives paperless faxes over the network
What is the Application Server’s function?
Manages network applications
What is the Telephomy Server’s function?
Handles the call center and call routing. The network answering machine.
What is the function of the Proxy Server?
Handles task in place of other machines on the Network (particularly an internet connection)
How can a server maintain a network’s data integrity?
By backing up the network software and providing redundant hardware.
Since servers tend to serve many client machines what characteristics must they have?
Superior CPUs, extensive Hard drive space, and large memory.
Where should a server be located and why?
A very secure area. They are expensive and store sensitive compaby information.
What is a host?
Network devices, including workstations and servers, with IP addresses.
What is TCP/IP?
Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol
What is WAN?
Wide Area Network. Used to span large geographic distance.
What is the most widely used WAN?
The Internet
What would be considered faster? WAN or LAN
LAN is generally faster than a WAN
What is internetwork?
Basically the Internet. It is a type of LAN and/or WAN that connects a bunch of networks (intranets).
In an internetwork, what do hosts use to communicate with other hosts on the LAN?
hardware addresses
How do hosts in an internetwork communicate with hosts on DIFFERENT LANs?
logical addresses (IP Address)
What allows for different hosts, on different networks, to communicate using their IP addresses?
Routers
What is each connection into a router considered?
A different logical network
What is a distributed WAN?
internetwork that is made up of a lot of interconnected computers located in a lot of different places.
What is a centralized WAN?
A WAN that is composed of a main, centrally located computer or location that remote computers and devices can connect to (remote offices connecting to the corporate office)
What is considered one of the most popular WAN protocols?
Multiprotocol Label Switching (MLPS)
What are some key advantages of MLPS over other WAN technologies?
Physical layout flexibility, prioritizing of data, redundancy in case of link failure, One to many connections.
What is Multiprotocol Label Switching (MLPS)
A switching mechanism that imposes labels (numbers) to data and then uses those labels to forward data when it arrives at the MPLS network.
How is the forwarding accomplished within the MPLS network (cloud)?
Solely based on labels, and prioritized based on those labels.
In “peer to peer” networks, what does it mean “they are all peers”?
They are all equal.