Networks Flashcards
What is a LAN?
Local Area Network, covers a small geographical area located on a single site
Who owns the hardware for a LAN?
the company or organisation that uses it
Where can you find LANS?
businesses, schools and universities
Are LANS wired or wireless?
both, can use WiFi or Ethernet cables
Why use a LAN? (8 points)
share hardware, sharing files is easier, work collaboratively (on files at the same time), copy files between machines, cheap and easy communication with instant messaging, user accounts are stored centrally (login from any device), internet connection is shared, update software on all computers at once
What is a WAN?
Wide Area Network, connects LANS that are in different geographical areas
How are WANs connected?
using fibre or copper telephone lines, satellite links or radio links
Two examples of WANs in use:
the internet, a business with offices in different countries
What is the Network Interface Controller and what does it do?
NIC, internal piece of hardware that allows a device to connect to a network
Are NICs for wired or wireless connections?
both
What is a switch used for?
connects devices on a LAN
What does a switch do?
receive data from one device and transmits it to the device on the network with the right MAC address
What is a router used for?
transmits data between networks
What do routers do?
directs data in packets to their destination
When or where are routers used?
connect at least two different networks, used in homes and offices to connect the LAN to the internet
