Networks

Question 1

what is a wide area network?

Answer 1

where computer systems are situated geographically distant to each other where third party communication channels are used to transfer data.

Question 2

what is a LAN?

Answer 2

where computer systems are situated close together and all the infrastructure is is owned and managed by the owner.

Question 3

name some advantages of a client server network:

Answer 3

• the network can be controlled centrally from the server for quick updates and backups of software.
• hardware like printers can be shared
• there is an aspect of improved scalability where it is easier for more clients to be added to the central server

Question 4

what are some disadvantages to a client- server network?

Answer 4

-if one fault occurs on the server, the whole network is affected.
- IT professionals may be required to maintain the network.
- malware can spread easily once in the network

Question 5

what are the advantages to a peer to peer network?

Answer 5

-simpler to set up
-clients aren’t dependant on server
-perfect for quickly sharing files between systems.

Question 6

name some disadvantages to a peer to peer network.

Answer 6

• there isn’t a central device to manage backups and security
• computer performance will decrease with more machines on the network.

Question 7

what is star topology?

Answer 7

where each computer system is directly connected to the central hub or switch. the hub/ switch transfers packets directly to the intended computer.

Question 8

what are the measures of the performance of a network?

Answer 8

• bandwidth- the maximum amount of data that can be sent across a network at once.
• number of users- how many are using it at the same time as this causes data collisions
• latency- the delay between data being sent and received.
• error rate- a measure of how many packets of data do not reach their destination
• transmission media- the type of cable used in wired connections.
  ~ copper cabling has a lower bandwidth than fibre optic.

Question 9

what can affect a network’s performance?

Answer 9

• number of users
• interference e.g. thick walls
• distance for data to travel/ signal
• cpu performance
• amount of data to transfer