Networking Flashcards
What are the differences between a LAN, WAN and the Internet?
A LAN covers a limited geographical area like a home or workplace. A WAN covers a wider geographical area, such as a city, country or the world. It can be one large network or be made up of two or more LANs. The Internet is the world’s largest WAN. They all connect various computers and devices together.
What is the difference between a network type and a network topology?
A network type refers to the way that devices are connected via communication channels, and how information can be shared through a network. A network topology is the configuration, or physical arrangement, of the devices in a communications network.
What is a client server network?
A client-server network is a network in which one or more computers acts as a server and the other computers on the network can request services from the server.
What is a peer to peer network?
A peer-to-peer network is a simple, inexpensive network in which each node shares hardware and data with all other computers on the network.
A client server network has a network operating system (NOS). Why? What are some of the functions of the NOS?
A client-server network needs a network operating system to manage files, devices and security on the network. It controls the attached computer systems and any peripherals on the network and the communication between them.
What are the benefits to businesses of using a computer network?
It allows businesses to facilitate communications by integrating functions such as email within the business. It also allows employees to share hardware, data and information. It also allows them to transfer funds between the organisation as well as other organisations.
What are the functions of a modem?
A modem converts digital signals to analog signals so that they can be carried over telephone lines, unless a digital line is available. Both the sending and receiving end of a communications channel must have a modem for the transmission of data to occur.
What are the functions of a switch?
A switch is a device that provides a common connection point for cables in a star, bus or hybrid star-bus LAN network.
What are the functions of a router?
A router is a communications device that connects multiple area networks – several LANs or a WAN.
What are protocols?
Communication protocols are agreed sets of rules and procedures for computers to exchange information. For two computers to exchange data, they must be using the same protocols.
How do Firewalls protect computer networks?
Firewalls restrict access to data and information on a network by examining the content of incoming packets and determine whether they should be allowed to pass through to the LAN.
What is twisted pair and where is it used?
Twisted pair is a form of transmission media that contains one or more twisted-pair wires bundled together, with each consisting of two separate insulated copper wires twisted together. Twisted pair is used in network cabling and telephone systems to reduce noise that can degrade communications.
What is fibre optic cable and where is it used?
The fibre-optic cable is a cable consisting of dozens or hundreds of thin strands of glass or plastic that use light to transmit signals. Many local and long-distance telephone companies and cable television operators are replacing existing cables with fibre-optic cables. Many businesses are also using fibre-optic cables in high-traffic networks or as the main cable in a network.
What is coaxial cable and where is it used?
Coaxial cables consist of a single copper wire surrounded by at least three layers. It is used in cable television because it can be laid over longer distances than the twisted-pair cable can.
What is a computer virus?
A virus is a computer program that can destroy files and alter the performance of an operating system. Viruses can be spread over a network once a computer is infected.
