Module 3.1 Flashcards

look at page 169 in textbook

1
Q

what is a network

A

collection of computers or other computing devices such as smart phones that are connected by some sort of communication media (cable or wireless) to allow users to share hardware, software, data, information and to communicate

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2
Q

LAN

A

local area network

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3
Q

WAN

A

wide area network

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4
Q

reasons for having a network

A

-fast, efficient communication
-sharing of hardware resources
-centralisation of data
-transfer of files
-leisure
-increased control and security
-flexible access

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5
Q

explain how communication through a network is not more efficient

A

-school, email/SMSs used teachers communicate with parents
-chat application gives 2/more people ability have conversation over phone/computer which can be anywhere via internet
-video conferencing allows 2/more people hold online conferences different locations transmits audio and video as if they in the same room

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6
Q

what is the reason for sharing hardware resources through a network

A

cheaper than buying devices for each computer

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7
Q

how does centralisation of data in a network

A

allow others to access & use files/folders on a central computer as if file was on yours
easier manage integrity of data

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8
Q

an example of centralisation of data in a network

A

a school administration stored on file server which teachers can then enter marks on the same database

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9
Q

how does a network allow for the transfer of files

A

without the limitations of using flash drives/CDs from computer to computer anywhere in the world

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10
Q

how can one partake in leisure over a network

A

LAN parties is when people get together to play games on a network
DVRs and video game consoles supported to wired or wireless networks

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11
Q

how can a network increase control and security

A

data of an organisation stored centrally on one/more computers which makes it easy to keep the data secure and backed up on a regular basis which is easier to control who has access and antivirus software automatically updated

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12
Q

how is the flexible access and network related

A

users access information from any computer on a network and many people can collaborate on the same project and with internet work same data from anywhere

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13
Q

disadvantages of a network

A

-higher level of expertise necessary to manage & may need hire network administrator manage network
-higher level of security needs set up ensure information confidential and not stolen. strict file access
-malware spreads quickly
-problem potentially no users can work, print or access data
-central fault cause loss of data

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14
Q

components of a network

A

-server
-switch
-computer
-printer
-communication media
-software

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15
Q

what hardware components are linked in a network

A

computers, printers, scanners, switch, NIC

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16
Q

what does a server in a network provide

A

shared resources (files, email, internet facilities, printers)
used to store all user’s files instead each user saving work on hard drives (any computer of network)
large hard drive and RAM

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17
Q

NIC

A

network interface controller

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18
Q

what does an NIC do

A

links network cable to computer & to allow communication of computer with network

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19
Q

how does an NIC work

A

converts data sent from computer into format sent across network

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20
Q

where do you find an NIC

A

built into the motherboards and only edge of interface seen at back of computer

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21
Q

what can be done if the onboard controller gets damaged

A

separate NIC can plugged into expansion slot on motherboard

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22
Q

what is a switch

A

hardware device used connect computers on network so that communication can occur

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23
Q

how does a switch connect

A

one end network cable plugs into NIC of computer and plugs into port on switch

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24
Q

how does a switch work

A

send data received one computer to specific computers must be sent to and manages communication on network efficiently

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25
Q

what is the data transfer rate controlled by

A

NIC

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26
Q

what does 10/100/1000 specification mean

A

10Mbps/100Mbps/1000Mbps

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27
Q

when are there many switches in a network

A

in a large organisation

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28
Q

what are the 2 types of wired communications in a network

A

UTP and fiber optic

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29
Q

UTP

A

unshielded twisted pair

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30
Q

what does UTP cables consist of

A

one/more pairs copper wires twisted around each other forming cable
unshielded refers fact wires not covered in foil insulating layer for protection

31
Q

what does a UTP cable look like

A

telephone cable, higher quality needed to carry data

32
Q

characteristics of UTP cables

A

-connector type RJ45 connector
-easy and inexpensive install
-data rate normally 100 Mbps but gigabit data rate also available

33
Q

what do fiber optic cables consist of

A

many fine strands of glass/ plastic each surrounded by cladding (prevent light leaking out fiber) and then covered final protective outer cover

34
Q

how does a fiber optic cable work

A

uses light beams rather than electrical signals to transmit data, lasers used generate beams of light. Prescence of pulse of light = 1 and no light =0

35
Q

important characteristics of fiber optic cables

A

-thin and lightweight (used cramped areas)
-complex to install and configure
-supports very high transmission rates
-network interfaces, cables, other devices used with fiber are expensive

36
Q

why are fiber optic cables complex to install

A

each connection made carefully path of light not obstructed. sharp corners cannot be negotiated and can be easily damaged so it is installed in an armoured casing. if section becomes damaged the whole cable must be replaced as it cannot be repaired

37
Q

weaknesses of communication media

A

-attenuation
-eavesdropping
-crosstalk
-electromagnetic interference

38
Q

attenuation

A

loss of signal strength over a distance and the length of a cable can affect the amount of attenuation

39
Q

how to avoid attenuation in a wireless netork

A

access points are places strategically so area of communication covered sufficiently

40
Q

how does attenuation affect UTP

A

susceptible to attenuation therefore maximum cable length without having boost signal is 100m

41
Q

how does attenuation affect fiber

A

lower attenuation than UTP which can transmit over distances measured in kilometers

42
Q

eavesdropping

A

related EMI since cable susceptible to EMI becomes possible someone detect a signal on cable without piercing cable and gain access to data which is a problem if network needs high level of security
also concern wireless network

43
Q

how is UTP effected by eavesdropping

A

sensitive although twisting helps reduce sensitivity

44
Q

how is fiber effected by eavesdropping

A

immune to it as the flow of light would break and tapping would be detected

45
Q

crosstalk

A

magnetic fields in 2 wires that are close to one another can interfere with transmission and create crosstalk which results loss/corruption of data

46
Q

electromagnetic interference

A

electronic signal interferes normal network transmission
possible sources: engines, machinery, lights, tools, radar
shielding reduce this
wireless networks also affected

47
Q

how is UTP affected by EMI

A

sensitive to EMI and power surges but twisting helps reduce sensitivity

48
Q

how is fiber affected by EMI

A

not affected so used places EMI affect communication

49
Q

how does a wireless network work

A

wireless access points allow radio communication between devices which are in turn connected to cabled network for access served
points send out radio waves

50
Q

network operating system

A

software controls all communication in a network as well as security on network, most have built-in networking capabilities

51
Q

what is an LAN

A

network connecting computers in a small area (school, uni campus, company offices one building) connected using cables or wirelessly

52
Q

WLAN or wireless LAN

A

LAN but implemented using high-frequency radio to communicate instead cables

53
Q

advantages of WLAN

A

-easier add/move computers network points not fixed (no cabling)
-easier provide network connectivity areas difficult lay cable (historical buildings, factories)
-installation easier than cabled LAN do not need pulled walls and ceilings
-adds mobility for laptop users

54
Q

disadvantages of WLAN

A

-security can be compromised unless WLAN configured correctly ensure connection cannot be hacked, otherwise unauthorised users may use internet
-performance decrease as number computers connected increases
-signal get lost due electronic/ EMI

55
Q

what is a WAN

A

network spread over a wide geographical area (city, provinces, continents) often used group LANs
communication takes place by telephones lines, satellite, microwave

56
Q

examples of WAN

A

-internet
- bank offices
cellphone network

57
Q

intranet

A

organisation’s private network & internet-like environment consisting web pages relating organisations business which is only available to select users

58
Q

extranet

A

if information is provided users outside of the organisation of the intranet

59
Q

clients

A

computers that use but do not provide network resources which rely on servers for resources such as files and printing

60
Q

fat clients

A

run most of their applications from local hard drives and make little use of network services

61
Q

thin clients

A

low specifications and depend almost completely on sever run applications and store data files

62
Q

servers

A

computers that provide network resources. powerful computers with better hardware specifications and never used users’ PCS

63
Q

functions of a server

A

-manage data on severs hard drives and network traffic
-control access to its services by other PCs in network
-provide users with access to files that are stored on it

64
Q

other types of servers

A

-email servers
-internet or proxy servers
-print servers

65
Q

email servers

A

used to handle all email needs of organisation

66
Q

internet or proxy servers

A

users connect internet vis server so security can control for viruses
can be implemented one central point
access to internet speeded up by storing recently accessed web pages on disk

67
Q

print servers

A

handle all printing requirements of network with large number of computers and printers

68
Q

peers

A

computers that both use & provide network resources

69
Q

peer-to-peer LAN

A

network resources are shared among workstations without a dedicated server, simple, inexpensive network connects 10/less computers

70
Q

what are peer-to-peer LAN networks used for

A

link computers in a home or very small business members are able access information each computers share printers and internet connections

71
Q

client-sever LAN

A

each computer either client or server, main computer called server, PCs on network called clients
provides efficient way connect many computers

72
Q

why is a username and password needed for a network

A

t control access to and secure data

73
Q

network security

A

policies put in place ensure the security of network by preventing unauthorised access and misuse of computer network

74
Q

how do know you are connected to a network

A

-presence of extra drives simply folders on server appearing and acting drives
-presence of other computers in ‘My Network Places’
-access to devices not directly attached to computer
-indicator showing network activity in system tray