Network Environments

Question 1

What is a network

Answer 1

2 or more computers(nodes) connected together

Question 2

Local area network

Answer 2

Network over a small geographical area
e.g. an office

Question 3

Wide area network

Answer 3

Network over a large geographical area
e.g. the internet

Question 4

Client server network

Answer 4

Consists of a central node acting as a sever and is connected to several clients. The clients can access data stored on the server

Question 5

Peer to peer network

Answer 5

Network that allows every computer to offer and access network resources (e.g. printer, scanner)

Question 6

Star network

Answer 6

All nodes are connected to a central server

Question 7

Pros / cons of star network

Answer 7

Pros:
- Files are stored , controlled , backed up centrally from the server
- Easy to set up
- Easy to add new nodes
- Data transfer does not slow down with high traffic
- Security can be controlled centrally (virus checks , logins…)

Cons:
- If server goes down the whole network breaks
- Unsuitable for large number of nodes or spread over a large area

Question 8

Bus network

Answer 8

All nodes are connected through a single cable

Question 9

Bus network pros / cons

Answer 9

Pros:
- Simple to set up
- Cheap
-Easy to add new workstations
Cons:
-With lots of traffic data transmission rates decrease
- Faults in the cable can lead to problems

Question 10

Ring network

Answer 10

• All nodes are connected through one cable
• There is no host computer
• Data is sent to all nodes even if only meant for 1

Question 11

Pros / Cons of ring network

Answer 11

Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Cheap
- Traffic is one directional , data transmission rates can be high
- Doesn’t depend on a central server
Cons:
- Not easy to add new workstations
- Security is weak