Networks

Question 1

What is a local area network (LAN)?

Answer 1

The computers are usually in the same building. A switch is used to connect the device to the network. Devices can connect wirelessly or by cable

Question 2

What is a Wide Area Network (WAN)?

Answer 2

The computers are geographically remote. Connected by a telecommunications link such as the public switched telephone network (PSTN). A WAN is likely to be composed of several LANs connected together.

Question 3

What is the World Wide Web?

Answer 3

An application which runs on the internet.

Question 4

Internet of Things

Answer 4

A term used to describe the increasing number of devices and appliances that are directly connected to the internet. Smart home devices included systems to control lighting, heating or appliances such as vacuums, security cameras, ovens and fridge-freezers. These devices can connect to a wi-fi network and be monitored by the user via an app on a phone or tablet. The main advantage of these devices is an increased convenience for users.

Question 5

What is an intranet?

Answer 5

A private communication network that can only be accessed from within a company or organisation. Users would use a username or password to access the intranet from remote sites.

Question 6

Differences between the World Wide Web, the Internet of Things and Intranets.

Answer 6

The internet is the network of interconnected networks which provides the communication links for data to be transferred between devices. The World Wide Web is a service which uses the internet to transfer web pages between web servers and individual devices. An intranet is a private network that only authorised users from an organisation can access. The internet of things is the network of devices which have the capability to connect directly to the internet.

Question 7

What is Wi-Fi?

Answer 7

A network technology that uses radio waves to allow a device to communicate with a wireless router. The router is connected to a hotspot which provides access to the internet.

Question 8

What is the advantages and disadvantages of wi-fi?

Answer 8

ADVANTAGES:
Flexible access
Organisations can allow open access for customers or guests
Cheaper than installing wide scale cabling
DISADVANTAGES:
Susceptible to security risks, especially open networks
Range is limits by the strength of the router
A large number of devices using the router may cause the service to slow down or stop

Question 9

What is Bluetooth?

Answer 9

A short range wireless communication standard. It’s a radio technology and network protocol. A pair of devices both need to have Bluetooth capability enabled in order to communicate with each other.

Question 10

Advantages and Disadvantages of Bluetooth

Answer 10

ADVANTAGES:
Can be used to pair devices
Can be used to increase safety
Automatic sensing - devices that have been separated will pair when back in range
Small power requirement

DISADVANTAGES:
Short range
Data transmission rate may be slower than other wireless technologies

Question 11

What is Optical Fibre?

Answer 11

A very fine glass strand that allows rapid transmission of data, using light beams. Many strands are grouped together to make a cable, so the cable can carry multiple data signals at one time. Optical fibre allows data to be transmitted at a much higher rate than other wire cables. It’s better over long distances because the pulses of light can travel farther without the signal getting too weak.

Question 12

Advantages and Disadvantages of Optical Fibre

Answer 12

ADVANTAGES:
Faster data transmission than copper wiring
Data can travel further than copper wiring
Glass fibres do not corrode
Large data capacity
Can support carrying multiple services at once, for example, TV and telephone could use the same optical fibre cable
DISADVANTAGES:
More expensive than copper wiring
Optical fibre cannot carry pose and signal at the same time
If multiple services are being provided using the same cable and the cable fails then all services are lost

Question 13

Mobile Communication Technology (4G and 5G)

Answer 13

Mobile broadband is the delivery of an internet service using mobile phone technology. It can refer to the use of mobile phone signals to connect a computer or mobile phone to the internet. Dongles use their network to connect the device to the internet. To connect a tablet to a mobile broadband network typically requires a SIM or micro SIM.

Question 14

Advantages and disadvantages of Mobile Communication Technology

Answer 14

ADVANTAGES:
Flexible access
High speed transfers when using 4G
4G gives users internet access at a similar speed to wi-fi but with greater security
4G is better at penetrating buildings, whereas 3G coverage is unable in some structures
DISADVANTAGES:
Speeds are limited by the strength of the mobile signal, which may depend on location
A user must pay for access
Unlimited usage is expensive
High battery consumption
4G coverage is not universal
The frequencies used for 4G may be incompatible with networks in other countries, meaning that a device may have 4G compatibility in the user’s home country but not abroad

Question 15

What is a Network Interface Card?

Answer 15

Any computer that is connected to the network by a cable must have a network interface card (NIC). A NIC will have a port for a network cable to be plugged into. Laptops will contain a wireless NIC which will allow the laptop to connect wirelessly to a router but will often also have a port to allow a user to connect a network cable.

Question 16

Network Cables

Answer 16

Cables within a LAN are typically copper based.

Question 17

What is a Switch?

Answer 17

It’s a connection point for a group of computers. Its purpose is to organise communication between the file server and the computers on the network.

Question 18

What is a Router?

Answer 18

It forwards data to the correct computers efficiently. They are usually used as gateways where a LAN is connected to a larger network (e.g. the internet). A router will monitor traffic and can limit access for certain sites or users.

Question 19

What is a Network Topology

Answer 19

The theoretical arrangement of the components of a network

Question 20

Bus network

Answer 20

Each of the devices are connected directly to a main communications line, which signals are sent along. It’s suitable for small networks, as it’s cost effective to implement on a small scale. The network is dependent on the bus cable, and a fault in it will cause the network to fail. This network is less secure than a star network as data could be intercepted during transmission.

Question 21

Star network

Answer 21

All the network components connected to one central computer, which is often used as the file server. The network is reliant on the central node, if it malfunctions the whole network will fail. If one of the computers is not working, the rest will not be affected. It’s more expensive to install than a ring network.

Question 22

Ring Network

Answer 22

Each of the devices on the network connected to a ring communications line around which signals are sent. All devices must be functional for traffic to flow. The network devices can be connected to the central ring by spurs.

Question 23

Advantages and disadvantages of using a network in an organisation

Answer 23

ADVANTAGES
It’s possible to share peripheral devices such as printers and scanners. In addition to being more environmentally friendly, this helps to reduce costs. Users can access their files from any workstation. Software can be shared as software licenses can be purchased for the whole site. Users can communicate easily via email, instant messaging and video conferencing. A network that runs using a file server has the benefit of providing users with a central back up of all files. Use of a file server provides a level of security
DISADVANTAGES
The organisation may decide they require a network manager. A failure in the server would result in a widespread breakdown. A breach could give a virus or hacker access across other computers. Procedures can be put in place to minimise these risks.