Networks Flashcards
What is a network?
Interconnection of computers and other pieces of hardware to facilitate communication and the sharing of resources
What are the pros of having a network?
- Resources such as printers, internet connections and files can be shared (saving money and effort)
- Communication (over email, instant messenger)
- Backing up data to a different computer is straightforward
What are the cons of having a network?
- Managing networks are expensive, and require specialist skill
- Security procedures are necessary to prevent unauthorised access
What are the types of network?
PAN - devices owned by a single user connected via Bluetooth
LAN - network covering small geographical area, e.g. single building, hardware owned by a single cooperation or person
WAN - covers a large geographical area, with shared ownership of some hardware (e.g. internet)
What are the positives of wired networks?
- more secure (physical connection is needed within the ‘building’ for hackers
- less prone to interference
- high bandwidths, so lots of ppl can be connected at same time
What are the positives and negatives of wireless networks?
- much easier to add a device
- portable
- not very secure
- prone to interference
- low bandwidths
How do wired networks connect?
Optical fibre cabling - very fast connections, able to handle lots of computers sharing same connection
copper cabling - cheaper, slower, quick enough for most activities single computer would perform online
How do wireless networks connect?
Radio waves (connection medium)
What is a network topology?
Pattern in which hardware on a network is positioned, including connections
What is Star network topology?
Where every device is connected to a switch, at the centre of a network.
- Very few data collisions (each device has dedicated line)
- Strong centralised security
- one workstations failing has no effect on functionality
- lots of expensive cabling
- adding devices needs expert
What is Bus network topology?
Backbone (Central cable) running between 2 terminators, connecting all the devices
- uses relatively less cabling (inexpensive)
- additional devices can be added easily
- collisions can occur, multiple transmissions on shared backbone
- large number of devices, means slower transmissions
- low security, ‘eavesdropping’
What is a network protocol?
a set of rules that govern how a computer communicates on a network.
What is ethernet?
-Family of protocols
- Set of rules that govern how data is formatted for transmission across LAN
What is Wi-Fi?
-Brand name
- rules control how data is transmitted on a WLAN
what is TCP/IP?
- two protocols work together
- Transmission control protocol and internet protocol
-collective role is to break data into packets, that knows where to be delivered and where it was sent from
