Network Fundamentals Flashcards
(1.2, 1.6, 2.3)
Clients
Devices that users use to access the network (e.g., workstations, laptops,
tablets)
Servers
Provide resources to the network (e.g., email servers, file servers)
Hubs
Older technology connecting devices but not commonly used due to
limitations
Switches
Smarter hubs that ensure security and efficient bandwidth utilization
Wireless Access Points (WAPs)
Enable wireless devices to connect to a wired network using radio
frequency waves
Routers
Connect different networks, make intelligent forwarding decisions based
on IP addresses
Firewalls
Security barrier between internal network and the internet, monitor and
control traffic
Load Balancers
Distribute network/application traffic across servers, preventing
bottlenecks
Proxy Servers
■ Act as intermediaries between user devices and the internet, enhancing
security and privacy
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
■ Detect unauthorized access or anomalies
○ Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
■ Detect and take action to prevent intrusion
○ Controllers
■ Manage flow control in software-defined networking (SDN), offering
flexibility and efficiency
Network-attached Storage (NAS) Devices
■ Dedicated file storage systems providing data access to authorized clients
Storage Area Networks (SANs)
High-speed networks for consolidated block-level data storage, enhancing
accessibility
Media
■ Physical materials for data transmission (e.g., copper cables, fiber optic cables)
Wide Area Network (WAN) Links
Connect networks over large areas (e.g., between cities), essential for
global connectivity
Explain the Client/Server model
Utilizes a dedicated server for centralized access to files, scanners,
printers, and resources
■ Easy administration and backup due to a central server
Benefits
● Centralized administration
● Easier management
● Better scalability
Drawbacks
● Higher cost
● Requires dedicated hardware and specialized skillset
■ Leading model in business networks
Explain the Peer-to-Peer Model
■ Direct sharing of resources among peers (laptops, desktops)
■ Difficult administration and backup due to dispersed files on different
machines
Drawbacks
● Redundancy
● Complex management
● Scalability issues
■ Useful for low-cost setups, exemplified by Napster a decade ago
Benefits
● Low cost
● No specialized infrastructure or hardware
■ Drawbacks
● Decentralized management
Poor scalability for large networks
■ Not recommended for business networks
What is a Personal Area Network (PAN)
Personal Area Network (PAN)
■ Smallest network type
■ Covers about 10 feet or less
■ Examples are Bluetooth and USB
■ Connection within arm’s reach
What is a Local Area Network (LAN)
Local Area Network (LAN)
■ Common in office buildings
■ Limited distance
● Up to 100 meters
● CAT 5 cabling
■ Can use WiFi (IEEE 802.11) or Ethernet (IEEE 802.3)
■ Examples include Office, school, and home
Wha is a Campus Area Network (CAN)
Campus Area Network (CAN)
■ Building-centric LAN
■ Spans numerous buildings in an area
■ Covers several miles
■ Examples are College campuses, business parks, military bases
Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)
■ Connects locations across the entire city
■ Larger than CAN
● Up to 25 miles
■ Examples are City departments, multiple campuses in a city
Wide Area Network (WAN)
■ Connects geographically disparate internal networks
■ Large geographic coverage
● Across states, countries, or globally
■ Can consist of lease lines or VPNs.
■ Examples are Internet, private connections between offices across the country.
- They don’t have to be public
Physical Topology
● Describes physical cabling and device connections
● Represents real-world layout using floorplans