networks Flashcards
what is a network?
devices connected together that can exchange data and share resources with each other
what does LAN stand for?
local area network
what is a LAN?
network that covers a small geographical area located on a single site
all the hardware for a LAN is located by the organisation that uses it
examples of LANs?
schools
businesses
universities
what does WAN stand for?
wide area network
what is a WAN?
a network that connects LANs from different geographical locations
example of a WAN?
a business with offices in three different countries would need a WAN
why use a LAN/WAN?
sharing files is easier
share the same hardware (printers etc)
internet connection can be shared
user accounts stored so you can log in on any device on the network
hardware that makes up a network?
switch
router
network interface controller (NIC)
what is a switch?
they connect devices on a LAN
receive data from one device and transmit this data on the same network with the correct MAC address
what is a router?
transmit data between networks
direct packets to their destination
what is a network interface controller? (NIC)
internal piece of hardware that allows a device to connect to a network
what is an ethernet network?
a wired network
example of ethernet cables?
copper cables
coaxial cables
fibre optic cables
what is a copper cable?
twisted pair of cables containing 4 pairs of copper wires
reduces internal interference
what is a coaxial cable?
single copper wire surrounded by a plastic layer and metallic mesh
provides shielding from outside interference
what is a fibre optic cable?
transmit data as light
high performance over large distances
dont suffer interference
expencive
what is a wireless network
uses radio waves to transmit data between devices
advantages of wireless networks?
more convenient as you can move around and stay connected
cheaper as fewer wires
wireless network topologies?
bluetooth
wi-fi
what is bluetooth?
a direct connection between two devices so data can be shared
short range of connection
low bandwidth
often used between phones
what is wi-fi?
can be used by multiple devices to connect to a LAN at the same time
larger range of connection
high bandwidth
often used at home
what is a wireless access point? (WAP)
a switch that allows devices to connect wirelessly (for wi-fi)
what is a client server network?
a network managed by a SERVER which connects to devices called CLIENTS
what do clients do on a client server network?
request data from the server
what do servers do on a client server network?
process requests from clients and respond
what does a client server network store?
user profiles
passwords
access information
advantages of a client server network?
easy to keep track of files as they are stored centrally
easy to perform backups and update software
easy to manage network security