Networks(1.3) Flashcards
What is a P2P network
- In P2P networks, all devices are EQUAL, connected to every other device (no central location)
- Files are stored individually on machines and then share with others
- P2P is common when sharing files online, especially when video streaming e.g. Skype
What are the benefits of a P2P network
- Cheaper to set up than Client Server network
2. Easier to set up and maintain and no expertise required
What are the drawbacks of a P2P network
- No centralised location
(requires manual back-ups and updating of software) - Copying files creates duplicates of files, so harder to keep track of latest versions
- Less reliable and data may be lost if one machine fails
What is a client server network
- A Client-Server network is managed by one main server, and it is connected to all its devices (clients)
- Files and software are stored on the server, instead of individual client machines
- Clients send requests for data to the server, and the server processes this and responds (client-server relationship)
- Much more common than P2P networks
What are the benefits of a client server network
- Easily perform back up of all stored data
- Easier to install and manage software
- Easier to manage network security
- Central location for all files and data
What are the drawbacks of a client server network
- Expensive to set up and maintain (required expertise and specialists)
- If server fails, then ALL connected devices will stop working
What is a LAN
A LAN covers a small geographical location on a single site e.g. school, office, shop, home and can be connected either by wired (using Ethernet) or wireless (using WIFI) connections
What is a WAN
- A WAN connects multiple LANs spread across multiple geographical locations
- WANs are connected by using copper or fibre optic cabling
What is a wireless access point (WAP)
- A device that creates a wireless LAN which other devices can connect to
What is a router
- A device which transmits the data between multiple networks (at least 2 networks)
- allows connection from a LAN to the internet
What is a switch
- A device which connects other devices on a LAN
- they receive data from one device and transmit to another device, with the correct MAC address
What is a Network interface card (NIC)
- An internal component that allows a device to connect to a network
What is an ethernet wire
- Made up of 4 pairs of twisted copper wires
- mainly used to physically connect devices on a LAN
What is coaxial cabling
- Made up of single copper wire surrounded by a plastic layer (insulation) and metal mesh (shielding)
- Mainly used by phone companies and internet providers
What is fibre optic cabling
- Made up of a glass core which refracts light as data travels, over long distances
- used for high speed internet and cable TV services
How can bandwidth affect performance
- higher bandwidth means better network performances as more data can be transferred at a given time
- More users sharing bandwidth can slow down performances
How can connection type affect network performance
- Wired connections are more reliable/faster than wireless, but are not as portable and require more cabling to connect more devices