Module 9: Network Hardware

Question 1

Two most common forms of network connections

Answer 1

UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair) and Fiber Optic cable

Question 2

Network data transmission methods

fiber optics vs. Coaxial/UTP

Answer 2

Coaxial cabel and Unshielded Twisted Pair transmit data via electromagnetic waves

Fiber optics use light pulses

Question 3

Broadcast devices (Hubs, Switches, and Routers)

Answer 3

These devices “glue” network together by providing oints where a network can connect to devices and other networks

Question 4

Network Hub

Answer 4

Device that conects multiple coputers together

When message is recieved by hub it is forwarded to all ports (sends data to every device on the network)

Destination address is attached to message to indicate the intended recipiant but it does not prevent other computers from picking up message

Question 5

Network Switch

Answer 5

Recognizes local network address (MAC or IP) of all computers conneted to switch

Messages passed only to computer that matches destination address

utilizes network bandwidth more effectively

Question 6

Router

Answer 6

Typically connects multiple networks together

Can directly connect to computers but usually used in specific network locations so messages can be routed to other networks

Question 7

Hub, Switch, Router differences

Answer 7

Externally - no difference

Switch has more hardware than hub: includes storage space for MAC and IP addresses

Router has programmable routing tables and at least one input that comes from another network

Question 8

Wireless Access Point

Answer 8

Can be connected to hub, switch, or router to send out wireles signal so computers on network can connect ithout a cable

NOTE: Many routers now act as wireless access point so an additional device is not needed

Question 9

Routing and Switching: Encoding/Decoding

Answer 9

Translate individual bits in message from the form stored in computer to the form the network requires

Question 10

Routing and Switching: Modulation/Demodulation

Answer 10

Modulation is when an analog signal is translated into a digital signal

Demodulation is opposite

Question 11

Routing and Switching: Transmission and Reception

Answer 11

Transmission is the last step when sending a message

Reception is the first step when recieving a message

Question 12

Circuit Switched Network

Answer 12

Reqires full pathway (circuit) be established before transmision can begin and must be maintained throughout the entire transmission

Eg. Telephone network

Communication in either direction can occur simultaneously

Question 13

Packet Switched network

Answer 13

Pathway is established as it is sent

When message is recieved at location, if it is not the destination, it is forwarded to another location

Pathway is based on network availability and amount of message traffic

Eg. Internet

Most computer networks are packet switched

Question 14

Peer-peer vs client server model

Answer 14

peer to peer: all computers equal

Client Server - Client requests info, server delivers

Most networks require client server model

Question 15

3 Definitions of Server

Answer 15

1. Dedicated computer used to provide a service
2. Refers to the server software run on machine (Print server, FTP server, Web server, ect)
3. Collection of hardware software and data that constitute a server

Question 16

Network Logic: Point to Point

Definition and Advantages/Disadvantages

Answer 16

Simplest form of a network. Dedicated line between two resources

Limits how devices can communicate with eachother

Normally used for connections within a computer (Eg. connect monitor)

Question 17

Network Logic: Bus

Definition and Advantages/Disadvantages

Answer 17

Every resource connected to single cable “T” connection

Advantage: cheapest and very reliable

Disadvantage: Size of network restricted by number of “T” connections available

Efficiency degrades as more devices are connected

Question 18

Network Logic: Star

Definition and Advantages/Disadvantages

Answer 18

All devices have single point connection with central “hub” device

Advantage: Simple and easy to add/remove devices

Efficiency of message transferal

Disadvantage: Requires dedicated service making it more expensive

If hub is lost al devices lose connectivity

Question 19

Network Logic: Ring

Definition and Advantages/Disadvantages

Answer 19

Devices have point to point connection with neighbors

Advantage: cheap

Disadvantage: Losng one (if unidirectional) or two (if bidirectional) devices will disrupt

Question 20

Network Logic: Mesh

Definition and Advantages/Disadvantages

Answer 20

All devices are connected to eachother

Advantage: removing any device does not effect connectivity

Disadvantage: Not practical because it requires so many connections/ports

Question 21

Server roles (from quiz)

File Server

Web Server

Print server

Database server

Answer 21

File Server: Send files over network at the request of clients (typically only over LAN)

Web Server: Stores data files and programs and responds to requests from anywhere on the internet via HTTP. Runs server side scripts, logs requests and errors, handles security

Print server: monitors requests but doesnt send files in return

Database server: generate reports from client queries