Network Topologies Flashcards
Star, Bus Networks
What is a node?
Any device connected to a network
What is a topology?
The arrangement or pattern, nodes in a network are connected in.
How are nodes arranged in a Bus topology?
All nodes are directly connected to the central cable.
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How are nodes arranged in a Star topology?
All of the nodes are indirectly connected to each other through a central switch
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switch
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What is a switch?
A device that connects computers or other network capable devices together to form a network
What is a WAP?
A wireless access point - A device that connects computers to a network using Wi-Fi
Where can Star networks be found other than large organisations?
Home networks, especially wireless ones
Why are Start topologies found in large organisations?
Because they have high performance
What is Transmission Media?
How data is carried from point A to point B physically either by cable or wirelessly
What is a disadvantage of Star topology?
If the switch fails, the whole network fails
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It requires lots of cabling so it can quite expensive especially in large networks
What is an advantage of a Star topology?
Each node is connected separately so if one node or link fails, the other nodes are not affected
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New nodes can be easily added by connecting them to a switch
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Higher performance as a message is only passed to its intended node
What does a server require?
Server software
What is a server?
A computer that holds data to be shared with other computers
In a Star topology, where do all of the communications pass through?
The hub/switch
How are large networks using a Star topology usually controlled?
Through the use of one or more servers
What is a switch?
A device for connecting computers and other network capable devices together to form a network
Ina Star topology, what connects all of the nodes together?
A hub/switch
Why might a bus network be used as a temporary network?
They are small and cheap to install
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High speed data transfers are not necessary if the network is temporary
Why are bus topologies not widely used?
They are not suited to dealing with large amounts of data
What is a disadvantage of a Bus topology?
The whole network fails if the backbone is broken
or
Terminators must be installed at both ends of the backbone
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Having one central cable increases chances of data collisions
What is an advantage of a Bus topology?
It is easy to connect new nodes
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Less cabling is needed than Star, making it cheaper to install
What two ways can nodes be connected to a network?
By wire or wirelessly
How is data sent around a Bus topology?
Data is sent up and down the backbone until it reaches the correct node
In a Bus topology, how are nodes connected to the network?
All of the nodes are connected directly to the backbone
What is a terminator?
A device that terminates signals to prevent them from reflecting back down the cable
What must be installed to both ends of the central cable on a Bus network?
Terminators
What is the central cable on a Bus network called?
Backbone cable
Name two network topologies
Star and Bus
What is a network topology?
The arrangement in which all nodes on a network are connected together
What is a node?
Any device connected to a network
Define a network
A group of connected computers that can communicate with each other
