Networks Flashcards
Define LAN full term and what it is
Local Area Network
Covers a small geographical area located on a single site
Advantages of using LAN
Sharing files is easier - network users access the same files
You can share the same hardware on a LAN
Internet connection can be shared between every device connected to the LAN
Can install and update software on all computers at once
Define WAN full term and what it is
Wide Area Network
Connects LANs that are in different geographical locations
Explain why WANs are expensive to set up
Need to hire infrastructure from telecom companies
Describe the factors that can affect the performance of Networks
Greater the bandwidth, the better the network can perform
Too many users may cause congestion and slow network
Wired connections are generally faster and more reliable than wireless
Choice of hardware and network topology
Define Bandwidth
Amount of data than can be transferred in a given time
Name 3 things wireless performance depends on
Range of the device, amount of interference from other devices and physical obstructions
Define NIC and what it does
Network Interface Controller
Internal piece of hardware that allows a device to connect to a network
Difference between switch and router
Switch connects devices on a LAN
Switches receive data from one device and transmit this data to the device the network with the correct MAC address
Routers are responsible for transmitting data between networks
Routers are used in homes to connect the LAN to the internet
Two reasons why Wi-fi signal may be poor
Physical obstructions between WAP and device
May be a long distance from device and WAP
Define virtual network
Software based network which is created by partitioning a physical networks bandwidth to create a separate network
Purpose of Cloud Computing
Purpose of URL
Translates websites domain name into IP address which allows the web server to located on the internet
Purpose of DNS servers
Translates a websites domain name into an IP address
Advantages of Cloud computing
(4 marks)
Users can access files from any connected device
Easy to increase how much storage is available
No need to buy expensive hardware to store data
No need to pay IT specialists to manage hardware
Disadvantages of cloud computing
(3 marks)
An internet connection is required to access files
Dependent on the host for security and backup of their files
Data stored in cloud is vulnerable to hacking
Define VPN
Network that is entirely software based used to send data securely over a WAN
Benefits of a star topology ( 3 marks)
If a device fails or a cable is disconnected, rest of the network unaffected
Simple to add new decides to the network
Network has better performance than other setup because more daya goes straight to the central device
Drawbacks of star topology ( 2 marks)
Every device needs a cable to connect to the central switch or server- expensive
If there is a problem with the switch or server, whole network os affected
Benefit and drawback of bus toplogy
Cheaper to set up and manufacture - requires less cables - doesn’t need server
Device send data packets in both directions which causes network to slow down due to collisions
Benefit drawback Ring toplogy
Data sent in one direction - reduces chance of collisions
Only one device can send data at a time
Pros cons mesh
Data transmission is more consistent because failure doesn’t disrupt its processes
Expensive to set up and manufacture
Purpose of MAC address
Unique identifier for a decide which allows it to he found on a network
Define layers and 3 benefits
Group of self contained protocols with similar functions thar cover one part of network communications
Layers are self contained
There are set rules for each layer
Layers break network communication into manageable pieces
Define passive attack
Where someone monitors data travelling on a network and intercepts any sensitive information they find
Define active attack
When someone attacks a network with malware or other planned attacks
Main defense against active attack
Firewall
Define insider attack
Someone within an organization exploits their network access to steal information
Define brute force attack
Type of active attack used to gain information by cracking passwords through trial and error using automated software
Define Denial-of-service
Where a hacker tries to stop users from accessing a part of network or website
Examples of the different layers protocols
HTTP FTP SMTP
TCP
IP
Ethernet
Purpose of Cloud Computing
Uses client server network to allow riles to be stored centrally on a network server
Describe four types of malware
Deleting or modifying files
Scareware
Locking files
Spyware
Describe the three ways malware can access your device
Virus attach by copying themselves to certain files
Worms self-replicate without any user help - spread really quickly - exploit weakness in network security
Trojans are malware disguised as legitimate software
Advantages of using layers
( 3 marks)
Breaks network communication into manageable pieces - helps developers concentrate on only one area of network
Layers are self-contained, can be changed without the layers being affected
Having standards for each layer forces companies to make compatible, universal hardware and software
Difference between bluetooth and wifi
(6 marks)
Usually a direct connection between two devices so that data can be shared
Connection range varies, but mobile devices are typically 10 maters
Low bandwith
Can be used on multiple devices to connect to a LAN at the same time
Connection have a range betwen 40-100 m
High bandwith connection
Often used in the home
