Networks Flashcards
Centralised network
a single server responsible for some or all the processing
Decentralised network
workload distributed amongst several machine instead of relying on a single central server
Distributed processing
computer systems that utilise more than one computer or processor to run a single application
thin client
a desktop terminal that has no hard drive
Fat client
a networked computer where the most required software is stored locally with limited dependence on network resources
Smart client
applications that store most of their data remotely on the internet but use the processing power and resources of the local device
WAN
a network usually for connecting computers that spans a w ide geographical area
Peer-to-peer file sharing
programs that allow computers to download files and make them available to other users on the network
Advantages of Peer-to-peer file sharing
- Easy file sharing - share quickly over large distances
- Reduced costs - no need for a separate computer
- Adaptability - flexible to new clients
- Reliability
- High performance
Centralised downloading
- Slow
- Single point of failure
- High bandwidth usage for server
Decentralised P2P downloading
- Fast
- No single point of failure
- All downloaders are also uploaders
Bandwidth
maximum amount of data transmitted over an internet connection in a given amount of time
Disadvantages of Peer-to-peer file sharing
- Files can be easily shared without noticing
- Security risks increase
- Malware is possible
BitTorrent
a peer-to-peer protocol in which multiple peers in a swarm (group of computers uploading and downloading on the same torrent) transfer data between each other without the need for a central server
BitTorrent tracker
a type of server that assists in the communication between peers using the BitTorrent protocol
FTP
a standard client-server protocol which allows exchange of files between computers
WebDAV
an open standard extension of the HTTP protocol used for communication between client browsers and web servers
Remote access
the ability to access a computer or device from a remote location. it gives you control of an entire computer
VPN
network that connects remote users to a private internal network using the internet. the data is sent in a virtual tunnel and is highly encrypted and secured
Uses of VPNs
- Protection
- Anonymity
- Censorship
Advantages of remote access
- Remote access of a computer’s resources
- Reduced costs
- Improved productivity
- Cost (free software packages)
Disadvantages of remote access
- Malware risks
- Susceptibility to data loss, phishing, ransomware etc.
- Strangers could access your personal files
Advantages of VPNs
- Remote access of a network’s resources
- Reduced costs
- Improved productivity
- Cost
- Improved security
- Anonymity
- Buying cheap tickets
Disadvantages of VPNs
- VPN service providers can track what you do on the web while on the VPN
- leaks can occur if the provider has poorly configured encryption