Networks

Question 1

Standalone computers are sometimes used. Give three benefits and one drawback of
using standalone computers, compared with computers which are networked.

Answer 1

Benefit of standalone:

1) Security may be improved – reduced chance of hacking / unauthorised access via a network / virus
spreading

2) Cheaper and easier to buy and set up.
3) Not susceptible to network or server failure

Drawback of standalone:

1) It is not possible to communicate or share resources such as devices, software or data

Question 2

Give three advantages of transmitting data in digital form rather than analogue
form.

Answer 2

1) Less likely to suffer corruption/degradation.
2) Can error check data.
3) Can compress data and therefore transfer time is quicker.

Question 3

Data may be transmitted through a computer network using simplex, half duplex
or full duplex. Describe each of these transmission methods and give an example of each.

Answer 3

Simplex: Data transmission is possible in one direction only. (TV/Radio transmissions.)

Half duplex: Data transmission is possible in both directions, but only in one direction at a time. (2 way radio - Walky Talkies)

Full duplex: Data transmission is possible in both directions simultaneously. (Internet)

Question 4

Explain what is meant by the term switching in a computer network. Why is
switching useful in a computer network?

Answer 4

Switching sends data along the appropriate path / prevents all the data being sent to all parts of the network.

It requires less bandwidth / is more efficient not to send data where it is not required.

Question 5

Explain what is meant by a router. Describe the main function of a router.

Answer 5

A router is a device in the network which holds information about the address of computers in its network (or address of other networks)…

… and can therefore send data to the correct computer.