networks

Question 1

Define what a computer network is

Answer 1

a network is two or more computers or electronic devices that are connected together for the purpose of communication.

Question 2

Advantages for networks

Answer 2

• file sharing
• hardware sharing
• communication
• roaming access (users can sign in to any computer on the network and be able to access their files)
• centralised security (anti virus and firewalls can be implemented across a network)

Question 3

disadvantages for networks

Answer 3

• cost
• management
• spread of malware
• hacking

Question 4

describe PAN

Answer 4

Personal Area Network
only bluetooth needs to be considered
network that is spread over a very small area

Question 5

describe LAN

Answer 5

Local Area Network
- covers relatively small geographical areas
- often owned or controlled by a single person or management

Question 6

describe WAN

Answer 6

Wide Area Network
Internet is the biggest example of it
usually cover wide geographical area
often under a collective or distributed ownership

Question 7

What is a wired network

Answer 7

a network where physical cables are used to join devices together and transmit data

Question 8

what is a wireless network

Answer 8

an alternative to wired networks that transmits information using radio waves

Question 9

different types of cables in wired networks

Answer 9

• ethernet
• fibre optic (uses glass or plastic strands called optical fibres that carry data which has been transformed into light)
• copper

Question 10

Advantages of wired network

Answer 10

• generally faster data transfer compared to wireless networks
• much less likely to suffer from interference than wireless networks
• more difficult for unauthorised users to intercept data

Question 11

disadvantages of wired network

Answer 11

• they are expensive to install or reconfigure
• users can’t instantly move a device from one location to another as there may not be a network connection available

Question 12

Advantages of wireless network

Answer 12

• new nodes can easily be added without interruption to the network
• users can move around freely and still stay connected

Question 13

disadvantages of wireless network

Answer 13

• radio signals have a limited range
• radio signals can also suffer from electromagnetic interference from other devices or radio signals

Question 14

describe star networks

Answer 14

• all nodes indirectly connect to each other through one or more switches.
• the switch acts as a central point through which all communications are passed.
• large networks using a star topology are usually controlled by one or more servers

Question 15

nodes

Answer 15

any device connected to a network

Question 16

switch

Answer 16

a device for connecting computers and other network capable devices together to form a network

Question 17

server

Answer 17

a computer that holds data to be shared with other computers. Servers require server software.

Question 18

describe bus networks

Answer 18

• all nodes in the network are connected directly to a central cable that runs up and down in the network - this cable is known as the backbone
  -data is sent up and down the backbone until it reaches the correct node