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
what is the data transfer rate controlled by
NIC
26
what does 10/100/1000 specification mean
10Mbps/100Mbps/1000Mbps
27
when are there many switches in a network
in a large organisation
28
what are the 2 types of wired communications in a network
UTP and fiber optic
29
UTP
unshielded twisted pair
30
what does UTP cables consist of
one/more pairs copper wires twisted around each other forming cable unshielded refers fact wires not covered in foil insulating layer for protection
31
what does a UTP cable look like
telephone cable, higher quality needed to carry data
32
characteristics of UTP cables
-connector type RJ45 connector -easy and inexpensive install -data rate normally 100 Mbps but gigabit data rate also available
33
what do fiber optic cables consist of
many fine strands of glass/ plastic each surrounded by cladding (prevent light leaking out fiber) and then covered final protective outer cover
34
how does a fiber optic cable work
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
important characteristics of fiber optic cables
-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
why are fiber optic cables complex to install
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
weaknesses of communication media
-attenuation -eavesdropping -crosstalk -electromagnetic interference
38
attenuation
loss of signal strength over a distance and the length of a cable can affect the amount of attenuation
39
how to avoid attenuation in a wireless netork
access points are places strategically so area of communication covered sufficiently
40
how does attenuation affect UTP
susceptible to attenuation therefore maximum cable length without having boost signal is 100m
41
how does attenuation affect fiber
lower attenuation than UTP which can transmit over distances measured in kilometers
42
eavesdropping
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
how is UTP effected by eavesdropping
sensitive although twisting helps reduce sensitivity
44
how is fiber effected by eavesdropping
immune to it as the flow of light would break and tapping would be detected
45
crosstalk
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
electromagnetic interference
electronic signal interferes normal network transmission possible sources: engines, machinery, lights, tools, radar shielding reduce this wireless networks also affected
47
how is UTP affected by EMI
sensitive to EMI and power surges but twisting helps reduce sensitivity
48
how is fiber affected by EMI
not affected so used places EMI affect communication
49
how does a wireless network work
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
network operating system
software controls all communication in a network as well as security on network, most have built-in networking capabilities
51
what is an LAN
network connecting computers in a small area (school, uni campus, company offices one building) connected using cables or wirelessly
52
WLAN or wireless LAN
LAN but implemented using high-frequency radio to communicate instead cables
53
advantages of WLAN
-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
disadvantages of WLAN
-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
what is a WAN
network spread over a wide geographical area (city, provinces, continents) often used group LANs communication takes place by telephones lines, satellite, microwave
56
examples of WAN
-internet - bank offices cellphone network
57
intranet
organisation's private network & internet-like environment consisting web pages relating organisations business which is only available to select users
58
extranet
if information is provided users outside of the organisation of the intranet
59
clients
computers that use but do not provide network resources which rely on servers for resources such as files and printing
60
fat clients
run most of their applications from local hard drives and make little use of network services
61
thin clients
low specifications and depend almost completely on sever run applications and store data files
62
servers
computers that provide network resources. powerful computers with better hardware specifications and never used users' PCS
63
functions of a server
-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
other types of servers
-email servers -internet or proxy servers -print servers
65
email servers
used to handle all email needs of organisation
66
internet or proxy servers
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
print servers
handle all printing requirements of network with large number of computers and printers
68
peers
computers that both use & provide network resources
69
peer-to-peer LAN
network resources are shared among workstations without a dedicated server, simple, inexpensive network connects 10/less computers
70
what are peer-to-peer LAN networks used for
link computers in a home or very small business members are able access information each computers share printers and internet connections
71
client-sever LAN
each computer either client or server, main computer called server, PCs on network called clients provides efficient way connect many computers
72
why is a username and password needed for a network
t control access to and secure data
73
network security
policies put in place ensure the security of network by preventing unauthorised access and misuse of computer network
74
how do know you are connected to a network
-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