NET: Intro to Networks Flashcards
define LAN
LOCAL AREA NETWORK - a small geographical area in which multiple computers and other devices are connected
can be set up in homes/small businesses and can be managed individually or centrally
define WAN
WIDE AREA NETWORK - spread across an unlimited geographical area and connects numerous LANs
usually managed by several service providers
define MAN
METROPOLITAN AREA NETWORK - larger than a LAN, but smaller than a WAN; most often managed by a city municipality and enables connection to broader networks
define SAN
STORAGE AREA NETWORK - dedicated network that supports file servers and provides efficient transfer of unusually large data sizes at extremely efficient rates
SAN networks are typically found in large companies or data centers
when was the first computer network formed, and what was it called?
1960s, ARPANET
what are endpoint devices?
the source or destination devices in a networked system
to be able to send and retrieve information, endpoint devices must have the ability to…
connect to a network via a NIC (Network Interface Controller)
what are other names for an NIC?
network adapter
LAN adapter
physical network interface
what is a switch and why is it needed?
a network device with physical ports that endpoint devices can connect to via Ethernet cables to create a network - this will allow multiple endpoint devices to communicate with each other
what type of addresses do switches use?
MAC addresses
what are the 3 switch types?
Hub, layer 2 switch, layer 3 switch
what is a NIC for?
it allows endpoint devices to interact with each other over a network
what is the difference between a hub and a switch?
a hub broadcasts data to all connected devices
a switch sends information to dedicated destinations
what is a Layer 2 switch?
the most common and basic switch in use - uses MAC addresses to forward information to specific destinations within the network
what is a Layer 3 switch?
the same as a Layer 2, but can also function as a router if it is configured to do so
define collision domain
a group of nodes that can ‘hear’ each other
what layer of the OSI model does a switch operate in?
2
what is a duplex?
a form of point-to-point communication between two or more parties, allowing both ends to communicate in both directions
what are the types of duplex modes?
HDX (half duplex) and FDX (full duplex)
what is a half duplex (HDX)?
allowance for unidirectional traffic flow for peer-to-peer communicating parties; only one party can send/receive data at any moment (i.e. walkie-talkie)
what is a full duplex (FDX)?
allowance of bidirectional traffic flow for peer-to-peer communicating parties; both parties can send/receive data at the same time (i.e. phone call)
what is the difference between a switch and a router?
switches allow devices in the same network to interact with each other
routers allow them to communicate with different networks
what is an access point (AP)?
an entry point that allows endpoint devices to wirelessly connect to a network to manage information transmission
a wireless device user can access a wired network via a properly configured access point
define WLC
a Wireless LAN Controller allows the configuration of multiple APs to be managed from a central device
define home router
acts as an AP, a switch, a router, and a firewall with the most basic configuration
