Networks Flashcards
What is a stand alone computer?
A computer which is not connected to a network.
What does LAN mean?
Local Area Network.
1 pro and 1 con of LANs.
+ cheap to build and run
- confined to a small area
1 pro and 1 con of WANs.
+ cover wide geographical areas.
- expensive to build and run.
What does WAN mean?
Wide Area Network.
Give 2 pros of networks over standalone computers.
+ share data and software more easily
+ central backup
Give 1 con of networks over standalone computers
- hackers
What is an Intranet?
A closed private Internet.
What does a gateway do?
Links a LAN to a WAN.
What does a bridge do?
Links a LAN to another LAN.
Name 3 network topologies.
Ring, star, bus.
What happens in a ring topology?
Data is passes computer to computer around a circle until it reaches the correct one.
1 pro and 1 con of a ring topology.
+ easy to add extra devices
- one break means the whole network fails
What happens in a bus topology?
All devices are connected to a common shared cable (backbone).
Signals are passed in either direction along the backbone.
1 pro and 1 con of a bus topology.
+ cost effective; small amount of cable needed
- break in the backbone cable means it cannot be used
What does a star topology do?
Uses a central connection point for all devices.
This can be a server, or cheap devices called hubs, routes or switches.
1 pro and 1 con of a star topology.
+ fault tolerant: doesn’t matter if one fails
- dependence on central hub/switch/router/server
What is the internet?
A huge group of networks joined together.
What is an extranet?
An Internet that allows access to employees, customers and suppliers.
It requires a username and password.
What is a network?
A series of interconnected computers, linked together via cabling or wirelessly.
