Networks Flashcards
What is a Computer Network?
A Computer Network is two or more computers that are connected together, usually by Wi-Fi or cables, that share resources
What does PAN mean and what area does it cover?
PAN means Personal Area Network and it covers the area around you
What does LAN mean and what area does it cover
LAN means Local Area Network and it covers a small geographical area such as an office building
What does WAN mean and what geographical area does it cover?
WAN means a Wide Area Network and it covers a large geographical area such as a country or the world
What are three benefits to having a computer network
Users can share files with other users
Users can share hardware such as printers
Users can communicate via email, chat or video
What are the risks of using wireless network?
There is limited bandwith
The speed is slower than wired networks
Prone to interference
What are the benefits of using a wireless network?
Easy installation
Flexibility
Wider-reach
What are the benefits of a wired network?
Generally faster data transfer compared to wireless networks
More difficult for unauthorised users to intercept data
Much less likely to suffer from interference than wireless networks
What are the risks of using a wired network?
Expensive to install or reconfigure
Users can’t instantly move a device from one location to another as there may not be a connection available
Explain what a Star topology is
In a star topology all nodes indirectly connect to each other through one or more switches. The switch acts as a central point through which all communications are passed
Explain what a Bus Topology is
In a bus topology, all nodes in the network are connected directly to a central cable that runs up and down the network - this cable is known as the backbone. Data is sent up and down the backbone until it reaches the correct node.
