Network Flashcards
What is a distributed system?
A distributed system is where computers work together by sharing services to provide a complete system. Both processing and data are distributed.
What is a Local Area Network (LAN)?
A LAN is a small network, typically found at home or in schools, where computers are geographically near each other.
What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?
The internet is a WAN, which is a network of networks that covers a large geographical area.
How do LANs and WANs differ in terms of security?
LANs are generally more secure than WANs because they are controlled by a small group of technicians, while WANs involve many different people.
What is the client-server structure?
In a client-server model, clients request services from servers, which are held at a central point on a network.
What happens if a server fails in a client-server model?
If a server fails to respond with a security challenge or the requested resource, the service cannot be provided.
What is a Peer-to-Peer (P2P) network?
In a P2P network, each computer has the same status, and no computer acts as a server. Peers must work together to fulfill tasks.
What is one common use of peer-to-peer networking?
File sharing is one of the most common uses of peer-to-peer networking.
What is distributed processing in peer-to-peer networking?
Distributed processing involves splitting difficult problems into smaller chunks that peers solve and return results for consolidation.
What is the purpose of protocols in computer networking?
Protocols allow computers to communicate effectively by defining how data is understood and handled.
What is a protocol stack?
A protocol stack is a combination of multiple protocols needed to complete various tasks when sending data packets.
What is the application layer in the TCP/IP model?
The application layer is the top layer of the TCP/IP model, containing protocols specific to applications, allowing easy addition of new protocols.
What does HTTP stand for and what is its use?
HTTP stands for Hypertext Transfer Protocol and is used for communication of data on the World Wide Web.
What is an IP address?
An IP address is a unique address for each computer on a network, necessary for data transmission.
What is the issue with IPv4 addresses?
IPv4 has a limited number of unique addresses, which can run out due to the growing number of devices connected to the internet.