Network topologies, protocols & layers 1.5

Question 1

Star Network Topology

Answer 1

“Computers connected to a central switch. If one computer fails no others are affected. If the switch fails all connections are affected.”

Question 2

Mesh Network Topology

Answer 2

“Switches (LAN) or routers (WAN) connected so there is more than one route to the destination. e.g. The Internet More resilient to faults but more cable needed.”

Question 3

WiFi

Answer 3

“Wireless connection to a network. Requires a wireless access point or router. Data is sent on a specific frequency. Each frequency is called a channel.”

Question 4

Frequency

Answer 4

“The number of occurrences of a repeating event per unit of time. Data is set on a specific frequency over a WiFi connection.”

Question 5

Channels

Answer 5

“Each given signal frequency on a WiFi connection is known as a channel.”

Question 6

Encryption

Answer 6

“Encoding readable data called plaintext into unreadable data called ciphertext. Only the intended recipient can decode the data using a key. Protects communications from hackers.”

Question 7

Ethernet

Answer 7

“A standard for networking local area networks using protocols. Frames are used to transmit data. A frame contains the source and destination address, the data and error checking bits. Uses twisted pair and fibre optic cables. A switch connects computers together.”

Question 8

IP Address

Answer 8

Internet Protocol Address: “A unique string of numbers separated by full stops that identifies each computer using the Internet Protocol to communicate over a network.”